Keeping the 81st supplied

Photo By Sgt. Amanda Gauthier | Staff Sgt. Craig Darby, with Headquarters Company, 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

03.23.2009

Story by Sgt. Amanda Gauthier 

81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Soldiers of Headquarters, 81st Brigade Combat Team can sleep well knowing they will always have the equipment they need to complete their mission - that is if Staff Sgt. Craig Darby has anything to do with it.

"Staff Sgt. Darby is a very tenacious, dedicated non-commissioned officer always striving to make sure the Soldiers always have the equipment and supplies they needed to complete their mission," said Sgt. 1st Class Joel Cornyer, who worked with Darby for more than three years.

As the company supply sergeant for HQ, 81st BCT, Darby can be responsible for several hundred thousand to millions of dollars of equipment and supplies. In his seven years as the HQ supply sergeant, he has never lost accountability for any supplies or equipment. He has built himself a reputation for being proactive and always completing his work ahead of time.

"He's the type to never procrastinate. Anytime there is a requirement or a deadline he's the type to get it done like a month in advance. So when we do the property book split, he's the first one done. When we have to turn in excess equipment, he's the first one done," said 1st Lt. Buddy Francisco, the commander of HQ, 81st BCT.

Not only is Darby known as a good non-commissioned officer, he is known as family man as well. Soldiers in the company will see photos of his daughters and drawings they made him proudly displayed around the office.

"He's just the typical role-model type NCO you would want to expect of all NCOs. Also he's a family man. He constantly talks about them. He just seems to be an all around good guy," said Command Sgt. Major Robert Sweeney, the 81st BCT command sergeant major.

Darby and his wife, Kari, have been married 10 years and are parents of four girls, 9-year-old Megan, 8-year-old Hannah, 3-year-old Klara and their youngest, Sophia, who they welcomed into the world Dec. 30, 2008. The lack of his presence has given Kari a new appreciation for her husband.

"I had no idea how much he does without me asking," said Kari. "He never complains about doing stuff."

Somehow Darby finds time for his family in spite of his tireless hard work for the 81st BCT. He can often be found working late hours, weekends, and sneaking in on days off just to make sure things are done.

"Numerous times when he would have a day off, especially back home, or when he's on leave, he is notorious for still coming in and trying to sneak some work in. So he has a ridiculous sense of duty as far as getting his work done," said Francisco.

Darby has shown HQ, 81st BCT how to be a leader regardless of duty position. He helps all Soldiers, whether in his charge or not.

"There is not enough you can say about Staff Sgt. Darby. As far as competency and getting the job done; he's tireless. He certainly cares about Soldiers, not just the Soldiers in his charge, but all Soldiers in the company," said 1st Sgt. Charles Lia, the first sergeant for HQ, 81st BCT.

Darby has even spent time helping other units around Camp Ramadi, not because he has to, but because that is the kind of person he is.

"When I first came here, Staff Sgt. Darby was willing to help. I really appreciate that because, I went around the whole FOB trying to get assistance from anyone else and it was kind of like pulling teeth, "said Sgt. 1st Class Alphanso Coleman, the supply sergeant for the National Police Transition Team, currently stationed on Camp Ramadi. "He didn't have to do it. He could easily have said 'no, I am sorry I can't help you,' but he was willing to help me and I really appreciate it 'cause he didn't have to. If I was junior, E-5 or E-4, he's the guy I'd look up to."

Living by the NCO Creed and accomplishing the mission are top priorities, according to Darby.

"A good NCO lives by the NCO Creed while a poor sergeant just wears the rank," Darby said. "Taking care of Soldiers and accomplishment of the mission are always key."

"His ability to look forward, and really have a genuine concern in doing a quality job and taking care of the Soldiers. He takes pride in providing the services of a supply sergeant. I think he sets the example for other supply sergeants within the brigade to emulate, a constant professional ready to go and ready to answer the call to duty," said Sweeney about why Darby was an NCO who embodied what the Year of the NCO is about.

• Date Taken: 03.23.2009
• Date Posted: 03.23.2009 08:18
• Story ID: 31482
• Location: RAMADI, IQ