Photo By Sgt. Samantha Stoffregen | Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, commanding general, JTF-Haiti, presents Andrew Durbin,...... read more read more
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - If you're ever walking around LSA Dragon and happen to see Andrew Durbin, or Andy as he is known, give him a little wave. You'll be able to recognize Durbin with his short cropped brown hair, salt and pepper goatee and rotating wardrobe of University of Texas and Texas A&M t-shirts. An interesting clothing choice for a native of Ohio and Ohio State Buckeyes fan.
But, even if you've never met Durbin there is a good chance you've probably used a piece of equipment he is responsible for.
Durbin is the Joint Task Force-Haiti Deputy Chief for networking and communication management, part of the team responsible for the computers, phones, and other communication devices that help keep JTF-Haiti communicating. Recently, Durbin was named the Civilian Employee of the Quarter for U.S. Army South, an honor he said that took him by surprise.
"I didn't even know I was nominated for it. I really just try to come to work everyday and do my best," said Durbin.
Col. Paul English, U.S. Army South and JTF-Haiti J6, said he knew about the award when the nomination was forwarded by Durbin's supervisor at U.S. Army South for his endorsement.
"It's a pleasure working with him. He is a former 53 series officer and he understands the Deployable Joint Command and Control System. He's good with people and is a good fit for the joint task force."
Communications, said English, are how the commanders are able to see and coordinate with one another. In Haiti, the J6 is responsible for not only coordinating communications amongst like units such as U.S. Army South but also separate units and the sister services in a communications network stretching across Haiti and all the way back to San Antonio, Texas and up to Washington D.C. Still, Durbin says being deployed is where he feels most comfortable.
"This is my niche; as a former 53 series this is where I feel most at home, setting up deployed communications."
Durbin retired from the Army as a Major in 2008 after serving nearly 22 years. He initially enlisted as a Military Policeman, later becoming a commissioned MP Officer. He changed functional areas and retired as an Information Systems Management Officer, returning to U.S. Army South to work as a civilian. This is not his first time deploying to Haiti. He previously served in Haiti in 1992 as an MP.
Durbin recognizes how fortunate he is to be deployed. He was in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba getting ready for a deployment exercise when the earthquake struck. He volunteered to go to Haiti and was one of four persons chosen to deploy as the J6 advance party.
"I think I was lucky to get to go. I think almost everyone at Army South volunteered," he said.
For being named Civilian of the Quarter, Durbin received a copy of his award certificate; the original is waiting for him back in San Antonio as is commander's coin from Maj. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, commanding general, JTF-Haiti. Like most of the joint task force personnel, he will soon redeploy back to the states, back to his wife and four children and his Ohio State Buckeyes jersey, which begs the question, why would a lifelong Ohio State fan wear Texas gear?
"It's to pay tribute to where I am now in Texas, it's where I live and work and many of my co-workers are Texas and Texas A&M grads. Plus," he said with a slight smile, "everyone knows I won't do anything to damage my Ohio State jersey."
| Date Taken: | 05.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.10.2010 11:20 |
| Story ID: | 49414 |
| Location: | PORT-AU-PRINCE, HT |
| Web Views: | 207 |
| Downloads: | 151 |
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