Photo By Spc. Thomas Madrzak | Spc. Erykah Baldwin, assigned to the 109th Military Police Battalion, poses for a...... read more read more
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BIEDRUSKO MILITARY TRAINING AREA, Poland — Before a Soldier steps to the firing line, someone has already checked the supplies, staged the water, prepared medical equipment and made sure the small details are covered.
For U.S. Army Spc. Erykah Baldwin, assigned to the 109th Military Police (MP) Battalion (Bn), that work happened from the combat lifesaver (CLS) truck during Law Enforcement Weapons Training and Qualification, or LEWTAQ, at Biedrusko Military Training Area, Poland, Sept. 11, 2026.
“Today I am working the CLS truck, making sure that my battles are safe and have all the necessary items that they need to be successful,” she said.
As Soldiers moved through live-fire iterations with M17 pistols, the standard issue semi-automatic service pistol, the CLS truck served as a support point for the range. It held medical supplies, water, a litter, sunscreen and other items that could be needed throughout the training day.
Baldwin's presence ensured LEWTAQ would proceed with maximum preparation and minimal delay. Her assistance allowed the training to run smoothly and the battalion was able to build weapons proficiency and reinforce the tactical skills required for law enforcement operations during the training.
The range was only one part of a larger Army story. Baldwin has served for about eight years and is approaching her ninth year in uniform, all of it with the 109th MP Battalion. Her decision to join began with a practical goal: continuing her education without placing that financial burden on her parents.
“I wanted to have my college paid for, but I didn’t want my parents to have to help,” she said.
That practical mindset also fits her role in supply. The job requires organization, attention to detail and accountability, whether she is managing equipment, tracking inventory or helping make sure Soldiers have what they need to accomplish the mission.
“I really like to organize,” she said. “I like dealing with numbers and inventory. Anything that I can do to indirectly or directly help people, I love to do.”
Outside the Army, Baldwin works for the Transportation Security Administration and said she hopes to move into project management in the future. The skills she uses in supply — planning, coordination and keeping track of important details — are ones she believes can carry over into civilian work.
After about six months in Poland, Baldwin said the deployment has given her a chance to experience a new country and culture.
“Poland has been amazing,” she said. “I love the culture. It’s so different from back home. It feels so safe here.”
When asked what future Soldiers should think about before joining, she said having a plan matters. That plan doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should give someone a reason to serve and a goal to work toward.
“Make sure that you have a plan for what you want to do, and even if it’s a very loose plan,” she said. “You need to get as much out of the Army as you can.”
Her view of a good Soldier is built around dependability and willingness to grow. In a training environment, those traits matter at every level, from the firing line to the support roles that keep the event running.
“A good Soldier is someone who is teachable, someone who is reliable,” she said. “Someone who can do basic commands and is eager to learn.”
For Baldwin, the North Carolina National Guard has been a place to gain benefits, build experience and figure out the next steps in her life. Nearly nine years after joining, she said the Army has helped her reach many of the goals she had when she first entered service.
“It is a good place to be,” she said. “Especially while you’re figuring stuff out.”
When asked if there was anyone she wanted to recognize, Baldwin pointed to Sgt. Melvin, her longtime battle buddy and best friend of 13 years.
“When I think of an amazing Soldier, I think of her,” Baldwin said. “When I talk about resilience, she’s teachable. She’s eager to teach others. She’s eager to learn.”
On the range, the loudest moments came from M17 pistols firing downrange. But the training also depended on quieter work happening behind the line: supplies staged, equipment checked and Soldiers looked after before problems could interrupt the mission.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2026 06:48 |
| Story ID: | 574702 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Supply Soldier keeps weapons training mission ready, by SPC Thomas Madrzak, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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