Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers build bonds during annual training

GRAYLING, MI, UNITED STATES

06.28.2018

Story by Pvt. Jeremiah Smith 

196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP GRAYLING JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Mich.– It’s everywhere in the Army: the feelings, the emotions, and the connections. It’s what you feel when you know that someone is always going to be there for you…no matter the circumstances, it’s still there. Camaraderie.
During their annual training between June 16-30, Ohio National Guard Soldiers across Camp Grayling built cohesion and created bonds through to overcome adversities and accomplish their missions..
Staff Sgt. Nathan Ruby, a tank commander for the 1487th Transportation Company and Spc. Steven Shonk, a gunner for the 211th Maintenance Company, are the perfect examples of what it means to form this type of bond with members of their units.
The 211th faced the challenge of getting their 12-vehicle convoy up to Grayling safely and setting up most of their camp, but worked collectively to get the mission completed, Shonk said.
“I feel like I’m part of a family,” he said. “We all come together when times are hard, and we all have fun when it’s time to have fun... that is why I joined the Ohio Army National Guard (OHARNG).”
Annual training is a great opportunity to build cohesion because of the challenges it puts on an individual, thus requiring partnerships to overcome these obstacles.
“The Guard has taught me a lot and has become like my second family,” Shonk said. “Everybody in our unit is willing to learn and willing to teach; we are a good, strong family.”
Every day, Soldiers have the opportunity to bond with their comrades. They spend time together in the field, at the dining facility (DFAC), and doing recreational activities.
“I want to be here and be a part of a team.” Ruby said.
Camaraderie is essential to the success of the OHARNG. One Soldier cannot win a war, it takes many Soldiers working together with a common goal to complete the mission.
OHARNG units at Camp Grayling Annual Training 2018 are focused on building readiness to rapidly deploy and conduct combat operations in an uncertain, changing 21st-cenutry global environment.
These Soldiers become better prepared to accomplish the “Fight Tonight” motto by enhancing their skills throughout the trainings. Units must come together and overcome any obstacle in order to accomplish the mission.

• Date Taken: 06.28.2018
• Date Posted: 06.29.2018 13:09
• Story ID: 282780
• Location: GRAYLING, MI, US