MND-B NCO inspires Soldiers to reach higher

Photo By Staff Sgt. Lyndsey Prax | Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lowers, a Sunrise, Fla., native, and platoon chief, 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division -- Baghdad, inspects a projectile round for the M777 Howitzer at Camp Taji, July 21.  

TAJI, IRAQ

07.26.2008

Story by Pfc. Lyndsey Prax 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. Lyndsey R. Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Wearing the rank of a noncommissioned officer gives you a title as well as the power to accomplish certain tasks and objectives; however, the rank alone doesn't always make a leader.

Leadership differs in that those who follow you are inspired and want to achieve higher goals, something emphasized throughout the creed, but takes years of experience, unfailing dedication and wisdom to apply.

According to the Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lowers, a Sunrise, Fla., native, platoon chief, and a member of the Sgt. Audi Murphy Club, is someone they define as a true leader.

The Soldiers call him "Sergeant Smoke," a title commonly given to artillery chiefs. He currently supervises the fire base at Camp Taji, where he is responsible for all artillery fires.

"There is nothing more exciting than putting a 100-pound projectile down range knowing that you've done everything you can to make sure it hits its target," Lowers said. "I think the battalion commander says it best, 'It's not a sexy job', however, we are in a support role and its good to know that we do our part to support the infantry Soldiers with their mission. I'd like to think our part is as important as the next guys."

Lowers came to the United States from Jamaica when he was 19 years old and enlisted in the Army only five months later.

"I wanted to go to college but my parents didn't have the funds to support me and I knew that the Army had a lot of opportunities," he said.

After serving four years as a finance specialist, he said he wanted to pursue a long-term career in the Army, so he spoke with his leaders about a job switch.

"I enjoyed finance, but I was young and wanted to do something more exciting. Going from finance to artillery is like night and day," he said.

Lowers is not just a Soldier in the Army, he is a Soldier that fully believes in the Army.

"I can attribute everything I have and everything I've become to the Army. It has provided for me and my family and given us everything we need," he said.

"I've met so many people from all walks of life that are perusing the same dreams as me. I've had the opportunity to learn from them, as well as about life itself."

Dedication is only a mere portion of the values Lowers displays. His Soldiers have developed great admiration for his ability to react under pressure and to always take care of their needs.

Spc. Justin Ren, native of Lincoln, Neb., and a cannon crew member with Headquarters Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Bn., 11th FA, broke his leg in April while out at the fire base.

"Sergeant Smoke didn't hesitate. He immediately got the first aid kit, splinted my leg, and made sure I stayed calm and collected. He got me to the hospital and stayed with me for moral support while they performed x-rays," said Ren. "He always seems to know what to do and when to do it. If it's for the Soldiers needs, he never hesitates."

Spc. Timothy Blair, a Nicholasville, Ky., native, agreed.

"He shows us the right way to handle any situation and always comes out on top," said Blair, an assistant gunner with 1st Plt., Battery A, 2nd Bn., 11th FA.

Blair has been in the Army for two years and is currently awaiting promotion to become a sergeant and in May was nominated for Soldier of the Month.

"He has developed me in everything I have done. He is one of the main reasons why I am where I am in my career," Blair said. "He puts the opportunity upfront and allows us to take initiative to achieve it."

Lowers said he feels it is his responsibility to be the best leader possible.

"This is my job. Once I pinned on the sergeant stripes it became my responsibility to teach, mentor, and develop my Soldiers," he said. "I have Soldiers that come to me straight out of basic training and are not sure what the Army's about. My job is to instill that knowledge in them and break it down to a level they can understand. I've seen Soldiers transition from a private all the way to sergeant first class. Watching Soldiers go through that transition is my inspiration."

• Date Taken: 07.26.2008
• Date Posted: 07.27.2008 01:02
• Story ID: 21872
• Location: TAJI, IQ