Why I Serve: Kentucky Guardsmen Looks Out for His Troops

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Richmond, Ky., native 2nd Lt. Christopher Dean, a platoon leader with the 1687th Combat Heavy Equipment Transfer Company, works on his laptop to solve issues for the Soldiers who fall under his command. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karly Cooper, 15th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs)  

TAJI, IRAQ

02.27.2007

Story by Spc. Karly Cooper 

15th Sustainment Brigade

By Spc. Karly Cooper
15th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Some people go through life saying "What if?" wishing that they had become an actor, model, firefighter or even an American Soldier.

2nd Lt. Christopher Dean, a Richmond, Ky., native, with the 1687th Combat Heavy Equipment Transfer Company, did not want to be one of those people.

"I joined the Army because I didn't want to look back someday when I'm old and grey thinking 'I wonder what that would have been like,'" Dean said.

So, in 2002, he joined the Kentucky Army National Guard. Two years later, he decided to go through officer candidate school. At the time, he wished he had easier drill sergeants but looking back he is glad for the discipline and lessons learned, he said.

"I received good training in both basic training and OCS; it was hard and stressful but it was beneficial," Dean said.

He is now using his leadership skills to be a platoon leader with many Soldiers under his command in combat and in the rear. He works on counseling statements, sworn statements and looks after the health and well being of his Soldiers.

As a civilian, he works in real estate and as a substitute math teacher for high school students.

• Date Taken: 02.27.2007
• Date Posted: 02.27.2007 09:46
• Story ID: 9265
• Location: TAJI, IQ