Courtesy Photo | Spc. Sherelle Freeman, Staff Sgt. Myron Fredericks, Sgt. Roanne Dowe and Pfc. Dianne...... read more read more
2nd Lt. Suzanne K. Schultz
506th Quartermaster Company
FOB SPEICHER, Iraq - The 506th Quartermaster Company, 561st Corps Support Battalion, is privileged to work closely here with a tactical water distribution system, or TWDS, team from the 610th Quartermaster Company.
The team consists of Staff Sgt. Myron Fredericks, team leader, Sgt. Roanne Dowe, Spc. Sherelle Freeman and Pfc. Dianne Fox. Their parent unit is currently working out of Logistical Support Area Anaconda; however, when not deployed, the unit operates out of the Virgin Islands.
Their mission here at Speicher consists of checking, servicing and replacing more than 25 miles of hoses. Before pumping more than 25,000 gallons of water through these hoses every day, the team must ensure that everything is operational.
In addition to these maintenance tasks, the TWDS team is responsible for the 12 separate holding bags into which the water is pumped.
Two Soldiers remain at the pump and at the download site in order to fill the bags. They communicate via radio since they are often as far as 800 meters apart.
Distance is not the only inhibitor to communication for the team. The greatest challenge is working with individuals who speak foreign languages.
Fredericks views this opportunity as a rewarding experience, because he must accomplish a mission with people of many backgrounds who do not speak the same language, but still find a way to communicate effectively. Fredericks said that this experience has afforded him the ability 'to meet with many people from different walks of life."
Although there is also a lack of communication with friends from their parent unit, the TWDS team members still enjoy free time by working out together, participating in sports or simply relaxing with books or games.
Dowe is a regular participant on the 506th QM basketball team, and Freeman has joined the women's basketball league here.
All of the team members agree that what they miss most is the food that their home base has to offer. The fish and passion fruit of the Virgin Islands are particular favorites.
Fredericks remains diligent as the team leader, and his goals during this deployment are to "always remain positive and ensure everyone returns to their families safe and healthy."
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2006 09:23 |
| Story ID: | 5790 |
| Location: | TIKRIT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 392 |
| Downloads: | 217 |
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