Missouri National Guard arrives for deployment training

Photo By Amabilia Payen | Lt. Col. David Kukola, Deputy Commander of the Directorate of Mobilization and Deployment, briefs Soldiers of the 276th Engineer Company (Vertical) shortly after the unit deplaned at the Arrival/Departure Air Control Group, Feb. 18, on Fort Bliss, Texas. (Photo by Amabilia Payen, DoMaD Public Affairs)  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

02.18.2014

Story by Tulara McCauley 

Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

FORT BLISS, Texas -- The 276th Engineer Company (Vertical), 203rd Engineer Battalion, Missouri National Guard, arrived at the Arrival/Departure Air Control Group, Feb. 18, to begin training for their deployment to Afghanistan. This will be the first deployment for the guard company from Pierce City, Mo.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Doty, who volunteered to deploy, is looking forward to his first training experience at Fort Bliss. “Everyone talks very highly about Fort Bliss and the training they receive down here,” said Doty.

A two-time deployment veteran, Doty reflected on the difference between this mission and previous missions.

“We’re primarily focused on building, so this will be a little different as we will be recovering and tearing down buildings and equipment,” said Doty. “Everyone here wants to go. We had a lot of people volunteer from other units.”

First Lt. Adam Winters, Public Affairs Officer for the state guard, agreed that the unit is distinctively qualified for the mission.

“Missouri National Guard soldiers bring a unique skill set to this mission. Not only are our soldiers trained on the military aspect but many of them also work construction on the civilian side. Therefore they can bring a lot of different tricks to the trade for this retrograde operation,” stated Winters.

This will be a first deployment for more than 80% of the Soldiers from the unit.

Pfc. Robert Freitas, a concrete/asphalt engineer, who is also trained in carpentry and masonry, volunteered from another unit for his first deployment. Although he left behind his 4-year old daughter, in Carthage, Mo., his focus was on the mission entirely.

“I am excited for the training,” said Freitas. The more he learned, the more motivated he became. “Anything my country needs as well as the guard, I’m motivated to go ahead and do it.”

“We really appreciate all the support we’re receiving from all our family members. It makes life easier on the soldier,” said Doty.

• Date Taken: 02.18.2014
• Date Posted: 02.24.2014 12:21
• Story ID: 121050
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: PIERCE CITY, MO, US