FORWARD OPERATING BASE SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Gonsalves, a field artillery surveyor with 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, is currently serving with Combined Task Force 1-6 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak.
Gonsalves, a native of Henderson, Nev., arrived in theater in July 2013. He has served in the military for 16 years. This is his second deployment and first to Afghanistan.
Gonsalves is the tactical operation center non-commissioned officer-in-charge for the night shift at FOB Spin Boldak. He supervises the enlisted soldiers during the night shift.
He has a wife, Tess Santiago Gonsalves, and two children, Joey and Mathew.
Gonsalves joined the military 16 years ago to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“I joined the Army based on family history. Both of my brothers were in the Air Force, my dad served during the Vietnam era,” said Gonsalves. “It was something I felt was just carrying on a family tradition.”
He continues to serve in the Army for different reasons.
“I’ve had opportunities to get out, but this gives me not only a chance to provide for my family, but also to serve my country,” he said.
Gonsalves’ deployment will last from nine to 12 months. Once complete, he will return to his wife and children in Henderson, Nev.