Soldiers find good use of free time while deployed

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN

03.25.2010

Story by Pfc. David Hauk 

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Soldiers on deployment receive incentives for serving in hardship locations away from family and friends. One such incentive on Kandahar Airfield offers Soldiers an opportunity to get better at their current jobs while earning civilian certifications.

Automotive classes taught by a volunteer certified instructor on base, test and challenge these skills through hands-on application of what they learn from the text books.

All of this was made possible through a service member who typically teaches Soldiers as part of his everyday job. Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Rossignoll, a maintenance technician for the 24th Transportation Company, heard the Central Texas College was looking for volunteers to instruct classes shortly after arriving to KAF.
"I heard they were trying to get an automotive class together and they told me they had facilities ready so I said 'we'll try that,'" said Rossignoll, a native of Mobile, Ala.

Soldiers not only learned to sharpen their skills, but earn promotion points which help advance their military careers.

For two months, Soldiers attending the class have been learning about the different parts of the vehicle with Thursday's class being devoted to working on an automatic transmission they had disassembled during previous classes.

The Soldiers started by looking over a diagram of the transmission as a reminder of where they left off the day before. From there, the students jump right in to Spc. Christopher Welker's favorite part of the class, the actual hands-on portions.

"Sometimes it can be hard to get the motivation to get in here, but once I do and start working with my hands, it becomes a lot easier," said Welker, a mechanic with the 24th Trans Comp. "Working with my hands is something I just love."

While beneficial to the students, the instructor also gets joy out of every class.
"I just enjoy teaching. I love working with the Soldiers," said Rossignoll with a smile. "This is what a warrant officer does. We teach Soldiers how to be more proficient at their jobs."

Rossignoll said the class originally was designed to take about 15 Soldiers but due to an overwhelming response from Soldiers waning do take part in the class, is has expanded to allow 20 to 25 students for the next class.

"The class has been really great and I'm happy the CTC was able to set this up," said Rossignoll. "I'm glad to see the Soldiers are taking this opportunity and hope more will continue to do so.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2010
• Date Posted: 03.25.2010 10:03
• Story ID: 47198
• Location: KANDAHAR, AF