Mission: Maintaining the Morale

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
Story by Spc. Megan Leuck

Date: 11.21.2008
Posted: 11.24.2008 10:15
News ID: 26727

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – The opportunity for advancement can be obtained in many different situations and found in unexpected places. By expressing specific interests and ideas on how to improve the Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, Army Sgt. Brandin Schumann found his opportunity.

Schumann advanced from being the Command Master Chief's driver to the JTF MWR representative for the JTF's Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

"I'm the type of person that likes to stay active and I like to be out doing stuff," said Schumann, a member of the New Mexico Army National Guard. "This is a good chance and opportunity to get out and network while meeting more people."

When Schumann arrived to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in January, he was given the job as Navy Command Master Chief Bradley LeVault's driver. It was after the current MWR representative left, and no replacement had arrived, that Schumann was provided this new opportunity.

"I would say what I wanted to do and how I would do things to the master chief," said Schumann. "Then one day he offered me the position and I took it."

Since then he has been busy advertising MWR events, putting up movie posters, and working as the liaison between the MWR and the military.

"If anyone has MWR issues or ideas, they come through me and I make the required contacts and try to get the things done with the people that need to be talked to," Schumann said.

Schumann's job also entails coming up with creative ways of advertising and getting the information out to troopers that don't typically have access to the JTF's Intranet or the Roller.

"I like to see people getting involved, and it's cool seeing troopers getting to do what they want while I take care of any issues they have and implement their good ideas to MWR," Schumann said. "It's rewarding to be able to help people out when they can't typically do it and that's rewarding right there."

Along with staying busy as the JTF MWR representative, Schumann also holds the position as the equal opportunity leader for the HHC. As the EOL, Schumann implements the EO policy through training as the subject matter expert and takes care of any issues or concerns that arise in the unit.

Schumann's opportunity to work with MWR and troopers is winding down as the New Mexico Army National Guard soon completes their year-long mission.

"Overall, it's been a really good experience and I've met a lot of good people," said Schumann. "I think the joint environment is awesome. It's cool to see how the how the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard operate.

It's cool to see how we are all working together."

http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/