Woodville, Mississippi Native: Sgt. Olivia Hurst

Courtesy Photo | Louisiana National Guard’s Sgt. Olivia Hurst, a heavy equipment operator with 769th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is currently deployed in support of U.S. Central Command’s Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.  

IRAQ

06.16.2021

Story by Staff Sgt. Noshoba Davis 

256th Brigade Combat Team, Louisiana Army National Guard

Louisiana National Guard’s Sgt. Olivia Hurst, a heavy equipment operator with 769th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is currently deployed in support of U.S. Central Command’s Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.

Hurst, a native of Woodville, Mississippi has served in the military for five years and this is her second deployment.

While deployed, Sgt. Hurst is serving as a member of Security Forces (SECFOR) on Union III in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. While working with SECFOR, Sgt. Hurst has assisted with the daily screening of vehicles and pedestrians that access the post. She also operates multiple security systems at the gate that allows Soldiers to verify sponsored local nationals and temporary hired personnel.

Sgt. Hurst displayed initiative and intuitive thinking by designing and working to implement a plan that revamped gate operations to provide efficient and safe access to the post. This plan recognized the need to repaint traffic stripes for access lanes and improve the location of traffic signs displayed.

Additionally, Sgt. Hurst revamped the location of barriers to improve vehicle movement in search area at the gate. This system provides a safe and clearly designated location for Soldiers to conduct search operations. In addition to revamping the vehicle search area, Sgt. Hurst designed a location that is clearly marked for personnel to wait while their vehicle is searched. This allows Soldiers to conduct searches without personnel distracting them, and improves safety for the Soldiers searching vehicles as well as personnel waiting.

Her continued professionalism, dedication and initiative make Sgt. Hurst a valued addition to the SECFOR mission and the 769th BEB.

The 256th IBCT will return home to Louisiana later this year.

• Date Taken: 06.16.2021
• Date Posted: 06.16.2021 04:33
• Story ID: 399032
• Location: IQ
• Hometown: WOODVILLE, MS, US