Comanche Soldiers turn Joint Security Station 2 into 'Crown Gem'

Photo By Spc. Josh Lecappelain | Spc. Andrew Minter, a Comanche Company tank gunner, pulls security outside Joint Security Station 2, Feb. 23.  

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

03.01.2009

Story by Spc. Josh Lecappelain 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Deep in the heart of the Diwaniya province, a bustling building stands behind huge walls. From within, the consistent hum of engines and electrical equipment signals the arrivals and departures of vehicles, constantly slipping through the entrance onto the busy streets outside.

The vehicles are all shapes and sizes, and are driven primarily by three groups of individuals – U.S. Soldiers assigned to Comanche Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, Iraqi police and Iraqi army soldiers. Together, the three groups share Joint Security Station 2.

Following their arrival in September, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, quickly sent Comanche Company to take control of JSS 2. Upon arrival, the Soldiers were shocked by what they found.

"This place needed a lot of help to be up to U.S. and Iraqi standards," said Staff Sgt. Josiah Cecil, Comanche Company headquarters platoon sergeant and intelligence non-commissioned officer in charge. "There were feral cats running around and garbage lying everywhere."

According to 1st Sgt. Dwayne Uhlig of Comanche Company, his Soldiers took out 30 truckloads of trash and debris when they arrived.

A quick survey of the roof found that it too needed immediate improvements to protect and ensure the safety of everyone inside.

Working quickly, Uhlig and his Soldiers drew up a plan for weapon and bunker braces, and began bunker fortifications – filling approximately 17,000 sandbags, weighing close to 200 metric tons, within two months of arrival.

The improved roof security has earned it the title of "the crown gem," according to Uhlig. Visitors galore have come to JSS 2 to view its design and execution, including Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, Multi-National Division – Center commander and his senior-enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. James Redmore.

Uhlig, a native of Wickenburg, Ariz., is quick to give credit where credit is due.

"I'm really proud of what my Soldiers have done in a short amount of time," said the first sergeant. "I gave them basic guidance and they ran with it, doing it right the first time. We take great pride in what they've done here."

It is hard enough moving into a new home that needs tons of work when you are more than 7,000 miles away from loved ones. Add into that factor the dynamic of having new roommates that don't speak the same language and it intensifies.

"It was hard at first to get used to being around and living with Iraqis," said Cecil, a native of Galesburg, Ill. "After a few weeks, you get used to it – and develop a closer relationship. You get to know them."

Spc. Andrew Minter, a Comanche Company tank gunner, agreed that it was difficult at first, joking that it took "a while to get used to living with people with AK-47s."

"There's a language barrier," noted Minter, a native of Spurgeon, Texas, "but they are good people. Sometimes they even go into town and bring us back [Iraqi] food."

Dealing with communication difficulties wasn't the only thing the Comanche Soldiers had to adapt to.

"It's hard to go without amenities. The changes from Kuwait to Camp Echo, then to JSS 2, were large," added Cecil. "But, I don't think any one of us would want to be anywhere else now."

While JSS 2 doesn't have the extras that somewhere like Camp Victory does, it isn't Spartan. Soldiers have hot food twice a day, as well as a Morale, Welfare and Recreation room equipped with televisions and video game systems, computers with internet capabilities, phones to call home and a variety of weightlifting and cardiovascular exercise machines.

As nice as all those amenities are, life would be difficult without good leadership.

"We have a very good chain-of-command," said Pvt. Anthony Rogers, Comanche Company training room non-commissioned officer in charge. "The NCO leadership has things very squared away here."

While improvements at the JSS and great leadership have made the adjustment easier, the improved environment in Iraq plays a large part in making life easier, as well.

"The situation has changed for the better," said Cecil, who previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. "The Iraqi security forces have improved a lot – they are more professional than before. I've never seen a more secure city in Iraq than Diwaniya."

Minter agreed with Cecil's assessment of Diwaniya, calling it "quiet" and saying he isn't a huge fan of being "shot at."

"I can actually say that we have a definite mission," added Cecil. "We have actually accomplished something in this country."

• Date Taken: 03.01.2009
• Date Posted: 03.01.2009 12:25
• Story ID: 30601
• Location: DIWANIYAH, IQ