Photo By Sgt. Anshu Pandeya | JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - Sgt. Jose A. Merced, a plumber; Staff Sgt....... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – Army Reserve Soldiers of the 358th Engineer Company began construction of a classroom for the Noncommissioned Officers Academy here during training exercise Castle Installation Related Construction 2016.
The unit, which is based in New Cumberland, Pa., plans to complete construction of the structure by June 21. The building will have a 50-person capacity and will allow NCOs more opportunities for training.
Staff Sgt. Gregory Benner, a construction squad leader with the 358th, is overseeing the construction project. He made sure the pre-assembly preparation was completed so the team could start putting up the walls the next day. This included overseeing the wall being put together, the roof panels getting set, and the wall panels being assembled.
The job hasn't been without its difficulties, but he and his Soldiers have adapted to any challenges including vehicle breakdowns and mechanical failures.
“We find other projects for them to do. We haven't stopped progression since we've gotten here,” the Denver, Pa., native said. “We just alternate training.”
“With all of our Soldiers, we try to cross-train them a lot,” said Benner. “That way they get hands-on in different fields. It also keeps them more engaged. I think all of them enjoy that because they can do stuff in the civilian world as well, not just in the military.”
He said some of the keys to good leadership are being well rounded, having the patience to teach the Soldiers, letting them use their newly-taught skills, and correcting them when needed.
Pfc. Ismael Aguero, a 358th carpenter from the Bronx, N.Y., said Benner was a great leader. “He's always keeping up with me,” he said. “He comes and checks if I'm drinking water. He comes and checks if I'm doing my job. It's always been like that since I started.”
Pfc. Layne Gesell, an electrician in the unit, also spoke positively of his team leaders. “They're able to relay information down to us really smoothly so everything runs properly.” The Taneytown, Md., resident added, “They're all really knowledgeable so anything we don't understand, they're quick to explain it to us. All in all, the leadership is really good.”
The praise went all around as Benner had only good things to say about his Soldiers.
“My Soldiers have been doing outstanding,” he said proudly. “My three NCOs have led them, and so far we've been successful in every aspect we've gotten to so far. I have no complaints.”
The team plans to overcome and adapt to any obstacles and complete the project without any delays.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2016 00:58 |
| Story ID: | 201286 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, US |
| Hometown: | BRONX, NY, US |
| Hometown: | DENVER, PA, US |
| Hometown: | NEW CUMBERLAND, PA, US |
| Hometown: | TANEYTOWN, MD, US |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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