Charleston native excels, makes swift transition from civilian to deployed soldier in Afghanistan

Photo By Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley | Pfc. Shantel Goodmon, a native of Charleston, S.C., and a petroleum supply specialist for Company E, Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, hooks up a fuel line to a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter in order to fuel it here Jan. 18. Goodmon, who is relatively new to the unit and the Army, has been recognized by her leaders, and leaders outside of her unit as having great potential as a future leader in the Army.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, AFGHANISTAN

01.23.2012

Story by Sgt. Richard Wrigley 

1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, Afghanistan - Pfc. Shantel Goodmon, a native of Charleston, S.C., did not know what to expect when she enlisted as a petroleum supply specialist in the United States Army.

Goodmon, assigned to Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, was forced to make a swift transition from civilian life to the Army since she was summoned to deploy to Afghanistan shortly after enlisting.

As she left family and friends behind in Charleston, Goodmon looked toward her new "family" for support and guidance as she embarked on her new endeavor.

“When I was told I was going to deploy as soon as I got to my first unit, I was nervous because I didn’t know anybody out here,” said Goodmon.

Goodmon credits her fellow soldiers with making an extra effort to help her rapidly adjust to her new lifestyle as a soldier who is deployed in a combat zone.

“They [her co-workers] are always right there if I need help and they really motivate me,” said Goodmon.

That motivation has helped Goodmon flourish in her field since she touched down in northern Afghanistan late last year.

Staff Sgt. Lacresha McDonald, a native of Monroe, La., an assistant platoon sergeant in Echo Company, TF Guns, talked about Goodmon’s rapid integration into the unit and her leadership potential.

“Watching how much she has grown and excelled so far in her short time here, it’s already apparent that she is a future leader,” said McDonald.

“You can definitely tell that she has the capability to perform in greater areas of responsibility,” she added.

Goodmon’s first sergeant echoed McDonald’s sentiment.

“For her to adapt as well as she has to the environment here as well as her new job is outstanding,” said 1st Sgt. Blake Kennedy, a native of Shreveport, La., the senior enlisted soldier in Company E, TF Guns.

Goodmon’s section sergeant, Staff Sgt. Benancio Rodriguez, a native of Rockdale, Texas, and a petroleum supply specialist for Company E, TF Guns, said Goodmon takes on new challenges and doesn’t miss a step in the process.

“She has a true desire to accomplish the mission, regardless of how difficult it is,” said Rodriguez.

“Not only is she constantly doing the right thing, but she is trying to make sure the other soldiers are doing the right thing as well, and that speaks a lot about her personally,” he added.

While Goodmon’s original intentions were to serve one term of enlistment and then go back to school at South Carolina State University, her success in the Army has been giving her second thoughts.

“Every time I go out there, I am excited,” added Goodmon. “I’m thinking about reenlisting.”

McDonald hopes she’ll do just that.

“She’s one of the soldiers we need to try and retain in the military, because if she stays in she’ll do great things the military and for herself,” said McDonald.

• Date Taken: 01.23.2012
• Date Posted: 01.23.2012 04:05
• Story ID: 82698
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, AF