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    Task Force Roughneck assumes responsibility in Regional Command - North

    Task Force Roughneck assumes responsibility in Regional Command - North

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Glenn Sierra | Sgt. Frank Turner, a 2nd Platoon squad leader with the 190th Engineer Company from...... read more read more

    FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, AFGHANISTAN

    07.03.2011

    Courtesy Story

    18th Engineer Brigade

    FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, Afghanistan - Alpha Company of the 40th Engineer Battalion handed over their route clearance mission to the 190th Engineer Company of 111th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Roughneck, July 3. This battle hand-off included not only their mission and equipment, but more importantly their experience, knowledge, and techniques.

    “Our first mission was a [Relief in Place] mission. We basically rode along to see all their techniques, tactics, and procedures,” explained 1st Lt. Eric Madison, 190th Eng. Company, 2nd Platoon Leader from Baton Rouge, La. “I learned a lot of valuable things that I will incorporate into our missions. I feel that this mission set us up for success and is going to make us more effective when we’re on our own.”

    Each soldier has a specific job based on what vehicle they operate and where they are in the patrol, giving each a unique perspective. “I was further back in the order of movement,” said Sgt. Frank Turner, 190th Eng. Company, 2nd plt., 2nd Squad Leader from Maryville, Tenn. “I was also in the back of the truck just listening and talking to my counterpart. I was getting a feel for how he runs things and how it goes. We found out that we go through the same headaches…Engineers are engineers. We wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

    Aside from the constant threat, Northern Afghanistan is unlike any place on earth. From the diverse landscape to the tribal culture, soldiers’ memories will last a lifetime. “We camped out in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, not a sign of life. An hour or two goes by, suddenly a flock of sheep came trotting through our area followed by two crusty old bearded herders, smiling and waving just like the Bible times. You just wonder where they popped up from.” described Spc. Andrew Greenman, a 2nd Platoon, 190th Eng. Company combat engineer from Talbott, Tenn.

    Greenman reflected and continued, “These two little boys, between six and eight years old, followed us for two dusty miles, running and waving. We had to stop. We went through our packs to find them snacks and drinks. One package had two cookies and we tried to teach them, ‘you take one and give him the other.’ They fought it out. The bigger of the two won, put the cookies in his pocket, crossed his arms and said he wasn’t sharing.”

    Incoming and outgoing soldiers alike were earnest about their duties and responsibilities. “We took it very seriously. This is not something somebody needs to go into with half a heart or mind,” Greenman said. “It takes every bit of who you are to complete these missions. You've got to throw 100 percent or more into them.”

    As the soldiers train to take over their new mission, they ensure they take the time to thank those back home. Madison insisted on making this final comment. “The families of the soldiers' are a big part of our ability to conduct our missions. They’re making a huge sacrifice. They are not burdening the soldiers with day-to-day issues. Churches and other groups have come together and are mailing care packages to us. A soldier’s wife raised several thousand dollars from her church and will purchase items for our platoon and company. You, families, are doing an outstanding job. You give us strength and confidence. Thank you.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.03.2011
    Date Posted: 07.13.2011 08:10
    Story ID: 73640
    Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, AF

    Web Views: 336
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN