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Network controller possesses strong family bond

Courtesy Photo | Ilion, N.Y., native Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Rende, a network controller with Company C,...... read more read more

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.12.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Pfc. Samantha Schutz
4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The 4th Infantry Division recently assumed control of Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and as its Soldiers settle into the routines of being deployed, the Ironhorse credo – "Mission, Soldier, Family, Team" – remains a strong influence in the everyday flow of things.

For Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Rende, a native of Ilion, N.Y., and a network controller with Company C, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., being a deployed Soldier on the Ivy team is an easy task as long as he knows his mission and has the support of his family.

As a network controller for the Ironhorse division, it is Rende's job to monitor communication links between the headquarters and its brigades. If a communication link stops working, he must act quickly to coordinate with the brigade and troubleshoot the problem. Communication is crucial, since other troops on the MND-B team are constantly patrolling various streets throughout Baghdad.

Ensuring continuous communication is an around-the-clock mission, so it is divided into day and night shifts. Rende tends his duties at night, while his Family members back in the United States are going about their day.

At his workstation, Rende's computer wallpaper is a collage of family photos: he and his girlfriend, Lisa; his two daughters, Katelyn, 12, and Renae, 9; and Lisa's children, Alan, 13, Ramon, 8, and Brianna, 3.

"They're the ones who keep me going," said Rende about the amount of support his Family gives him during deployments. "Sometimes it seems like my kids are there for me more than I am for them."

From the time he enlisted in the Army 12 years ago, Rende has been stationed in and deployed to countries all over the world, including Germany, Croatia and Macedonia. This particular deployment has been the most challenging, he said, because his children are beginning to understand the meaning of his absence.

"They're growing up," said Rende. "I hadn't even been here a month yet when Katelyn sent me a message on the Internet saying, 'Daddy, I had my first boyfriend. We broke up already. I don't like boys anymore because they don't know what they want.' She's just not my little girl anymore."

When Rende is relieved of his shift in the morning, the first thing he does when he gets back to his trailer is log on to the Internet so he can communicate with his Family via e-mail and instant messaging programs.

Also, Rende said he stays in touch with friends from all over the world who he met on an online program called PalTalk, on which he hosts his own Internet radio show. Because of his tendency to make bogus phone calls during the program, he earned the moniker "The Crank Caller" and a fan base to go with it.

"The Internet here is too slow for me to do the show, but all my friends support me and can't wait for me to come back," said Rende.

Although being away from his Family and friends is difficult, Rende said he tries to take advantage of the time he has to himself. He is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in applied science and technology by taking online courses through Excelsior College.

"It's important to keep your education going," said Rende, who added that his advice to young Soldiers who are deployed is to take advantage of any kind of college or correspondence courses they can.

Rende has other advice for his fellow deployed Soldiers: don't get too complacent. Some Soldiers who work in support of a division are not constantly in the line of fire, but that doesn't mean the danger is gone, said Rende.

Another tip Rende would point out to fellow Soldiers is to stay in good physical condition. He said he's seen people gain 30 to 40 pounds during a deployment because physical training isn't always scheduled into their day. Just walking often and doing push-ups and sit-ups in his spare time helps keep him in shape, he said.

"But of course, Family is the most important thing. Don't shut your Family out; have them help push you through," Rende said is his best advice when it comes to making deployment easier. "I wear this uniform for my Family."

Whenever a coworker asks Rende how things are going, he said he responds with the cliché, "Just another day in paradise." While some people may think that line implies sarcasm, Rende said he doesn't think of it that way.

"Physically I'm here doing my job, but in my mind I'm somewhere else," said Rende.
As soon as he and the rest of the Ivy team complete their mission in Iraq, Rende will be eager to enjoy a day of putt-putt golfing and a night of Disney movies with his Family, he said. Until then, he continues to always place the mission first.