By 1st Sgt. Michael Touchinski
107th Engineer Battalion, 35th Engineer Brigade
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Most people would agree that given the time and mode of transportation, exotic locations are desirable; Add to that the need for a change of pace and mindset, and you are conceivably on your way to some of the greatest getaways known to man.
Perhaps it is with this in mind that the Soldiers of the 107th Engineer Battalion are going to the "ends of the earth" for their Environmental Moral Leave.
Some of the notable getaways are to tropical regions for the Soldiers of Headquarters Support Company, 107th Eng. Bn. For Master Sgt. Stephen Waring and his wife, Hawaii will serve as their "getaway" from it all. Staff Sgt. Greg Kendall, a chaplain's assistant, and his wife are headed to New Zealand. Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lopez and his wife are going on a honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, and Spc. Kallie Derouin, a legal assistant, a trip to Jamaica is in her future. All of these are splendid tropical locations that most people only dream of.
Some people have more traditional getaways to Europe planned. First Lt. Charles Dekeyser, who serves as a battle captain, and his wife are headed for Rome. Staff Sgt. Doug Thibault is perhaps more daring than most to go it alone with a package deal that brings him through seven different European countries. He said he will go to France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, England, Switzerland and Italy. For Lt. Col. Dean Degrote, who serves as the battalion's commander, a trip to Ireland to tour the Guiness Beer Factory is in the calling. Capt. Jennifer Ferrell, battalion physicians assistant, said she is also going to Ireland and will meet her husband there. These too are very nice locales, which are likely to help them take their minds off their tours of duty long enough to renew their spirits.
"This is the first time in 30 years with the military that I'm flying to vacation on the Military's dime," said Master Sgt. Stephen Waring, who serves as the non-commissioned officer for the 107th Eng. Bn. S2 section. "I am looking forward to spending time with my wife in Hawaii."
Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lopez, who serves as the NCOIC for the battalion's aid station, said he is "looking at going somewhere warm, without blowing sand and dust, overlooking the ocean." He is heading to the Dominican Republic.
Many of the company's Soldiers head home for their leaves, which provides them the opportunity to regroup and prepare for the rest of their tours.
Sgt. Stephanie Schroeder, a logistics specialist, said she went home to get her husband and the two of them took off for Las Vegas.
Environmental Moral Leave is designed to provide Soldiers an opportunity to relax and relieve some of the stress so Soldiers are prepared to return to their units and complete their missions.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2008 11:51 |
| Story ID: | 17767 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 76 |
| Downloads: | 61 |
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