Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Shereen Grouby | Army Spc. Vaughn A. Francis of the 786th Combat Sustainment and Support Battalion,...... read more read more
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The first impression many people have of Army National Guard Spc. Vaughn A. Francis leads them to conclude that he is a reserved person. But this Joint Task Force Guantanamo service member's unassuming manner hides a determination that has earned him recognition for the work he has done at Guantanamo Bay.
Francis is a member of the 786th Combat Services Support Battalion of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard, assigned to JTF Headquarters and Headquarters Company. He served as a driver for many distinguished visitors through the Joint Visitors Bureau of JTF-Guantanamo during the first four and a half months of his deployment.
For his dedication and initiative several of those dignitaries have presented him with their challenge coins. And, for that commitment to excellence, Francis has earned his 15 minutes of fame.
"As a driver you meet generals and distinguished visitors," Francis said. "While it is not a physically challenging job, you do have to be prepared and alert."
Among the many dignitaries, one of his coins was from a four-star general.
"It was a rewarding experience to receive a four-star general's coin," he said. "It shows that you are appreciated for what you did, and that makes you feel good."
Most of the six coins he has received are from military visitors like Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser; however, they are not the only type of visitors to the JTF.
"I also received a pin from some visiting United States Marshals," Francis said. "I was able to help them during their stay here."
Military challenge coins, also known as unit coins or commanders' coins, are used as on-the-spot recognition of accomplishment or excellence. They are a declaration of the recipients' personal accomplishment and they reflect the presenter's recognition of the exceptional service or achievement.
Francis credits his personality as the reason he has received the coins and why he works well in his present position in the Camp Commandant Office in Camp America, where he now facilitates the housing and maintenance needs of the JTF service members living in Camp America.
"In this position I have more responsibility on a day-to-day basis for Camp America and its housing," he said. "I issue linen and rooms based on the number of people coming in."
He said he works with both Army and Navy unit housing representatives to help resolve issues.
"I am approachable," Francis said. "And because of that, many service members come to me with their housing issues."
He compiles those issues and creates a list from which the local contractor works to fix.
"In this position, you mainly see the same people every day, JTF service members and Bremcor workers," Francis said. "But it is not that different from being a driver."
Both positions deal with people.
"You just have to be able to work with everyone you encounter," Francis said. "I never thought I would get coined, but it is a good feeling."
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2010 16:56 |
| Story ID: | 48097 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 358 |
| Downloads: | 225 |
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