Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Soldier spotlight: Spc. Breyonnha Chester, an exemplary citizen Soldier

    Soldier spotlight: Spc. Breyonnha Chester, an exemplary citizen Soldier

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith | Spc. Breyonnha Chester, a motor transport operator with Detachment 1, 1067th...... read more read more

    FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

    09.09.2017

    Story by Sgt. Shane Smith 

    109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Spc. Breyonnha Chester, a resident of Philadelphia, serves as a motor transport operator with Detachment 1, 1067th Transportation Company, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

    Motor transport operators are primarily responsible for supervising or operating wheeled vehicles to transport personnel and cargo. They are a core component of the Army’s support and sustainment structure, providing advanced mobility on and off the battlefield.

    “The main reason I joined the National Guard was because I come from a military family,” Chester said. “My dad and grandad both served, so I always knew growing up that joining the military and helping others was something I wanted to do.”

    In her civilian life, Chester is a mail carrier and assistant supervisor for the Newtown, Pa. post office. She credits the National Guard with teaching her the value of being disciplined. “Having the ability to listen well and follow instructions, but also knowing when to step up to lead is important,” Chester said. “These skills have helped me a lot in the civilian world, especially in my position at the post office.”

    Though her military occupation differs from her civilian career, Chester uses her experiences from each to better herself in both fields.

    “I’m a truck driver in the military and a mail carrier in my civilian capacity. Though they’re quite different jobs, I’ve found similarities between the two positions because I serve in a leadership role in both,” said Chester. “I’m an assistant supervisor at the Newtown post office, and I’m a team leader with Detachment 1, 1067th Transportation Company. I have several lower enlisted Soldiers in my team I’m responsible for, and I serve as a leader for new Soldiers entering the unit. I try to use the skills and lessons I’ve learned from both aspects of my life, civilian and military, to improve my leadership abilities and performance in each position.”

    Chester was recently part of a group of Soldiers with the 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard who, when called upon, volunteered to respond and assist with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Within 48 hours of being tasked, these Soldiers mobilized and drove 16 Pennsylvania National Guard M915 trucks hauling connexes full of relief supplies and equipment to Texas.

    “I think the Pennsylvania National Guard’s response to Hurricane Harvey is an amazing thing and I’m so happy volunteers from the PA Guard and other states are stepping up to aid Texas in a time of need,” said Chester. “All of the 213th RSG Soldiers here today volunteered and mobilized in an extremely short amount of time. As citizen Soldiers, it takes a lot for someone to put their personal life on hold and be ready to assist at a moment’s notice, so I’m proud to call these people my battle buddies.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.09.2017
    Date Posted: 09.10.2017 13:36
    Story ID: 247642
    Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US

    Web Views: 432
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN