Smitty

Photo By Pfc. Lindsey Jones | After loading approximately 70 bags of ice Staff Sgt. Charlyn Smith, from Niceville, Fla., with the Headquarters and Headquarters 53rd Brigade Support Battalion starts up her vehicle to begin her route here April 1.  

CAMP VIRGINIA, KUWAIT

04.01.2010

Story by Pfc. Lindsey Jones 

53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait—Most service members aren't really sure what to think when they see her hammer in hand, beating the bags of ice into submission. She looks a bit crazed as she dumps the ice into the cambros and tears into the cardboard boxes of water like they are made of tissue paper. For this non-commissioned officer it's simply one of the ways she takes care of the troops that are staying in the transient tents here.

Staff Sgt. Charlyn Smith, from Niceville, Fla., is one of the pad managers for Headquarters and Headquarters Company 53rd Brigade Support Battalion. She joined the military in 1994 with the Mississippi Army National Guard. After she received her degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology in 1998 she moved to Florida where she worked as a waitress, a case worker for the mentally ill and attended the police academy. She became a Florida State Trooper and part of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in 2001.

"We complete work orders and deal with any maintenance issues that come about. We also inspect the generators, the tents, the latrines and flushables. If we go through and see any damaged equipment we do a work order on it to get it fixed or replaced," said Smith. "We also supply the troops with water and ice every morning and sometimes in the evenings if it's needed."

Smith said she believes that she is a good NCO because she is a natural caretaker and watches over people it's because of that she can tell when a Soldier needs someone to talk to or even a little guidance.

"I want lower enlisted Soldiers to become an NCO like me as far as taking care of the Soldiers
and making sure the mission gets done," said Smith.

Capt. Laruen Holley, from Tampa, Fla., with HHC 53rd BSB, said she has worked with Smith for almost two years. "Smith is the best NCO ever! She is hardworking anything you ask her she will be completely honest about."

According to Holley they are both Victims' Advocates and she has seen how sensitive and caring Smith is for service members staying on Camp Virginia.

Holley said Smith tries to be the best NCO that she can be; she tries to guide less experienced Soldiers to help them maximize their potential. She is honest and loyal and does as much as she can to take care of the troops staying at Camp Virginia, Holley added

• Date Taken: 04.01.2010
• Date Posted: 04.08.2010 04:20
• Story ID: 47828
• Location: CAMP VIRGINIA, KW