CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — Spc. Michael Martinez with the 1st Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, is currently serving a tour of duty at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq as computer specialist. Martinez arrived with the 1st En. Bn. Nov. 11, 2009.

"I am responsible to maintain the battalion's network and operating systems. There is a lot of paperwork involved in my job and even more hands on work with computers, network lines, and cables that have to be run throughout the engineer compound," said Martinez.

"We do small fixes mostly; re-installing programs that go down, helping other Soldiers navigate their e-mail and make our secure lines stay secure and working properly. The majority of important information is passed over our networks and if they go down it would severely hinder the mission of many Soldiers," said Martinez.

This deployment is Martinez's second since joining the Army in March of 2002. Martinez first deployed to Fallujah as a combat medic with the 5th Squadron of the 7th Cavalry Regiment in 2007.

"This deployment has a lot more comforts than my last, including my office, living area and access to the internet to keep in contact with my family," he said. Specialist Martinez said he is glad he changed his military occupation and takes pride in his job.

I look forward to working every day because I know what I do is important," he said.

When Martinez returns home he said he is looking forward to spending time with his wife and two children.

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