Photo By Master Sgt. Thomas Duval | U.S. Army Spc. Eric Reynolds, a supply sergeant with the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry...... read more read more
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By 1st Lt. Bryan Brown
BALKH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – As a 14-year-old high school freshman, in East Bridgewater, Mass., Eric Reynolds’ world was shook by the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I saw the impact the attacks had on families in New York, so close to home,” said Reynolds. “I’ve never felt so angry and so helpless at the same time.”
As time passed, Reynolds graduated high school and got a job working construction.
Still replaying the images he saw on 9/11, Reynolds could no longer suppress the urge to serve his country and in February of 2010 he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a supply specialist.
Less than a year after enlisting, Spc. Reynolds found himself in Khost, Afghanistan.
On this deployment, Reynolds learned firsthand just how important logistics are in the Army, and how valuable he is to the team.
Reynolds was brought out on multiple missions as a gunner for extended periods of time where enemy fire was commonplace.
“I understand why we need so many batteries, map markers, fuel cans… These supplies are keeping men alive,” said Reynolds.
Shortly after returning from his first deployment, Reynolds became the senior supply representative in Cherokee Troop 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a position usually filled by a noncommissioned officer.
The role was overwhelming at times for a young specialist, but the mentorship from 1st Sgt. Jason Sager and 1st Sgt. Paul Fedorisin enabled him to grow into a successful supply sergeant.
“Spc. Reynolds fully embodies the value of selfless service, even when faced with the tough decision to extend for the deployment or leave the Army and pursue other life goals. His main concern which ultimately led him to deploy with us, was not wanting to leave the men of Cherokee Troop unprepared,” said Fedorisin.
Before deploying to Balkh, Afghanistan in 2013, Reynolds faced the choice to either leave the Army, or extend his contract and come on the deployment.
Reynolds’ past experiences, the camaraderie within the unit, and his sense of duty guided him to his decision to deploy.
“I knew they needed me here. I couldn’t just abandon them now,” said Reynolds. “We all worked so hard to get where we are, we’re a team.”
The Army has changed Reynolds.
Reynolds matured and learned the value of loyalty, duty, and selfless service.
“The Army forced me to grow up,” he added.
Currently, Reynolds is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as a supply sergeant for C Troop, 6th Sqdn., 4th Cav., Regt.
Here, Reynolds continues to work in, and excel at, a job above his pay grade.
After just three and a half years of service, Reynolds is slotted to attend this month’s promotion board, where he’ll take another step towards his goal of becoming a noncommissioned officer.
Though there were some tough times for Reynolds during his career in the Army, he attributes his mental toughness and perseverance to his senior noncommissioned officers.
“I was lucky to have 1st Sgt. Sager looking out for me on my first deployment,” said Reynolds. “Between him and 1st Sgt. Fedorisin, I learned how to be a leader and how to manage my time when things seemed overwhelming.”
Reynolds offers this advice to anyone planning to join the military, “Always listen to your leadership, but not blindly. Learn to recognize the pros and cons of the different leadership styles you encounter, and constantly prepare yourself to fill that role. You’ll be in charge someday, maybe sooner than you think.”
| Date Taken: | 07.02.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2013 14:16 |
| Story ID: | 109627 |
| Location: | BALKH PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | BALKH PROVINCE, Af |
| Hometown: | BOSTON, MA, US |
| Hometown: | BRIDGEWATER, MA, US |
| Hometown: | EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA, US |
| Hometown: | LOUISVILLE, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 300 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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