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    JFC-UA service member of the week

    JFC-UA service member of the week

    Photo By Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods | The commander of Joint Forces Command – United Assistance Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky,...... read more read more

    MONROVIA, LIBERIA

    01.23.2015

    Story by Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods 

    27th Public Affairs Detachment

    MONROVIA, Liberia – A UH-60 crew chief assigned to Task Force Iron Nights, Joint Forces Command – United Assistance, was recognized by the JFC-UA commander for his exemplary performance while supporting Operation United Assistance, Jan. 23, 2015, at the Barclay Training Center, Monrovia, Liberia.

    Customary for troops deployed in support of OUA, rather than shaking hands, Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky bumped elbows with Spc. Robert Johnson, a North Carolina native, before formally recognizing him with a division coin. Johnson would later accompany the commanding general on a flight around the joint operations area.

    “We’re just proud to have him on board,” said Volesky, who has flown with Johnson before. “He does a great job every time we get to fly with him.”

    Johnson, who has served for three years, said he joined the Army because he felt it was honorable to serve his country. He believes he has the greatest job in the military because he has the opportunity to fly, and it allows him to see parts of the countries that other service members wouldn’t typically get to see.

    Initially, crew chiefs start their careers as mechanics where they increase their knowledge and experience maintaining the aircraft and sharpening their skills. As they progress, they are promoted to the position of crew chief, which involves a higher level of responsibility.

    When they aren't flying, crew chiefs perform pre- and post-flight inspections, and clear the airspace and landing area of obstacles the pilot can’t see, said Staff Sgt. Anthony Carro, a 12-year veteran and acting 1st Sgt. for Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, deployed as Task Force Iron Nights. They also secure mission equipment, passengers and cargo.

    He picked Johnson to be recognized because of his professionalism, motivation and reliable performance at work, said Carro.

    “Even when he’s not in the helicopters, he’s behind the scenes making sure the helicopters are ready to go,” said Carro. “He’s motivated to take on additional tasks and does a great job.”

    His other duties include the upkeep of helicopter maintenance logbooks and managing the company’s on-hand parts supply, said Carro. He also volunteered to be the company’s unit historian, a task that involves gathering and sorting through photos and articles that document the unit’s accomplishments and missions during OUA.

    The JTF-UA mission in Liberia is to provide logistics, training and engineering support to U.S. Agency for International Development-led efforts to contain the Ebola virus outbreak in western Africa. Although Johnson has only seen the efforts of JTF-UA from the air, he said he believes the Army’s mission in Liberia is making a difference for the better.

    “I think we are helping Liberia in two ways: we are building [Ebola treatment units], which increase the bed space for patients, and we’re helping to educate the people of Liberia about how to prevent the spread of Ebola,” he said.

    Out of all the tasks Johnson has completed in Liberia, he said bringing mail to troops is the most gratifying part of his mission.

    “I can see the Soldiers around me get excited when they receive mail,” said Johnson. “Just knowing the small part I have in making that happen makes the long days and nights here worth it. It reminds Soldiers of home by proving that families and friends are willing to do something to make our day better, which may be a small hassle for them. It's also nice to know that just because we are out of sight, we aren't out of mind.”


    Although he misses America and things like driving his truck and playing guitar, Johnson said the military life is in his future.

    He would like to make the Army a career and plans to stay in the aviation field as an enlisted Soldier or possibly apply to be a pilot, he said.

    Prior to their flight, Voleksy joked with Johnson about getting the opportunity to ride in a helicopter. For this veteran who has completed one deployment to Afghanistan and logged more than 100 accident-free hours flying in Liberia alone, Johnson laughed and said he could appreciate the jest.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.23.2015
    Date Posted: 01.24.2015 10:51
    Story ID: 152662
    Location: MONROVIA, LR
    Hometown: HARRISBURG, NC, US

    Web Views: 234
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN