Subscribe
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — For Staff Sgt. Jeremy Mendoza, battle non-commissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 1st Battalion, 185th Armor, 16th Sustainment Brigade, being a NCO means being a jack of all trades.
For Staff Sgt. Jeremy Mendoza, battle non-commissioned officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 1st Battalion, 185th Armor, 16th Sustainment Brigade, being a NCO means being a jack of all trades.
"Not only does an NCO have to be competent in a variety of skills like land navigation, first aid, basic rifle marksmanship and their military occupational specialty, an NCO has to wear may hats as well," said Mendoza. "An NCO is a mentor, teacher, disciplinarian and at times, a friend."
The 38-year-old from San Jose, Calif., has served in the Army for the past 15 years — thirteen of those years as an NCO.
"I've had the privilege and honor of working alongside with some of the finest NCO's in the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard," said Mendonza. "I have also had the opportunity to train and develop some of America's best and brightest young men and women."
This is Mendoza's second tour in Iraq and fourth deployment overall. The veteran NCO said that Iraq has moved in the right direction since his last deployment.
"The last time I was here in Iraq was in 2006-07, and I have noticed a significant change for the better," said Mendoza. "U.S forces are scaling back and Iraqi forces are taking the lead on security. Iraq's infrastructure has improved from the last time I was here. And, the Iraqi government is taking a pro-active part to Iraq's political and economic future."
The married father of six girls, ranging from ages one to eighteen, said that this deployment has allowed him to gain experience in battalion operations, which has made him a well-rounded NCO.
After this deployment, Mendoza plans on returning to San Jose City College and completing his administration of justice degree.
Mendoza does have advice for Soldiers joining the Army today.
"Learn, follow, and live by the Army Values, and Warrior Ethos and you will never be wrong."
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2009 03:53 |
| Story ID: | 36008 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 233 |
| Downloads: | 204 |
This work, Non-commissioned officer is jack of all trades, by SFC Adam Shaw, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
