Photo By Staff Sgt. Matthew Britton | Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, left, commanding general, Joint Forces Command - United...... read more read more
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MONROVIA, Liberia – Service members recite the oath of enlistment voluntarily and join the military under a sense of selfless service without expectations of being awarded. They're taught to do what's right even when no one is watching, but sometimes someone is.
Sgt. Natasha Sims, veterinary food inspection specialist, 1st Area Medical Laboratory out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 44th Medical Brigade, 44th Medical Command, was recognized Dec. 19, 2014, for her selfless service supporting Operation United Assistance.
Every Friday at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, Liberia, a service member supporting JFC-UA, is selected as the service member of the week by Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, commanding general, JFC-UA. Volesky recognizes them, hands them a command coin and takes them on a flight around JFC-UA area of operations to see the work that's been accomplished in part due to their hard work and dedication.
Caught by surprise, Sims, a native of Augusta, Georgia, received recognition for her accomplishments and volunteer work by her commander in front of the entire JFC-UA command staff. She was praised for her ability to take on the role of a job that wasn't her own.
“I'm a 68R, veterinary food specialist,” said Sims. “But right now, my job is the senior human resources (noncommissioned officer) and battle NCO. This is my first deployment, and I didn't know what to expect, but my superiors and chain of command believed in me. I really appreciate my leadership and all of the Soldiers I work with; we're really tight knit.”
Sims said she loves volunteering and has been awarded not just one, but two Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals. A medal awarded to service members who go above and beyond the duties required as members of the armed forces for the community.
“I volunteer for anything that catches my eye,” said Sims. “I love working with youth, so child development centers and I've coached soccer and basketball teams. I volunteer at local churches and I'm also currently the secretary for the entire Aberdeen Proving Ground's boss program.”
Although she loves her job and volunteer work, there are some sacrifices made because of it. For instance, Sims missed her daughter's fifth birthday just a few weeks ago.
“My daughter just turned 5,” said Sims. “It's a little sad being away, but she understands. We Skype and she knows her mom is OK and is helping people.”
Sims said that OUA is her first deployment and was worried about the unknown challenges that the mission might present.
“Initially, I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect,” said Sims. “But getting here and seeing that our labs are making a real difference is comforting and has opened my eyes a lot. I'm glad to be able to look back and say we were able to help give guidance and aid to this mission. It has been a really humbling experience.”
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2014 15:49 |
| Story ID: | 150787 |
| Location: | MONROVIA, LR |
| Hometown: | ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD, US |
| Hometown: | AUGUSTA, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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