Photo By Staff Sgt. Miles Elder | BAQUABAH, Iraq March 11, 2006) -- Pfc. Angela Rivera, Co. B, 64th BSB, works on a...... read more read more
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Spc. Lee Elder
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAQUABAH, Iraq (March 11, 2006) - Those looking for the Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion Motor Pool, might best call it by the name used by Soldiers here, "Rod's Garage."
The garage " nicknamed for its noncommissioned officer in charge, Staff Sgt. Astol Rodriguez " is a busy place. Soldiers repair and maintain a fleet of 350 vehicles ranging from the standard humvees to large, tracked vehicles.
Iraqi roadways are tough on military vehicles, and it shows. These mechanics are in their shop every day doing their part to keep these vehicles running and the Soldiers who drive them safe.
"We work long hours," said Sgt. Matthew Kasten, a shop sergeant who hails from Hoyleton, Ill. "But we like to stay busy because it keeps your mind off everything.
"Most guys here would rather be wrenching."
Kasten said the clerks and mechanics at Rod's Garage are a tight-knit group. When they're not working, they hang out together and watch movies.
They have another ritual. It's something they do every day.
"We always eat chow together," Kasten said. "Sometimes, we might take up a whole table, but we always take our meals together."
Rodriguez, a Camuy, P.R., native, said he tries to plan cookouts and other non-work related activities. Garage mates may also play pool or other sports together.
When they're in the garage, though, it's all business. Soldiers might be replacing a worn-out battery, repairing a bent tire hub or fixing a broken suspension while their noncommissioned officers are nearby offering advice and support.
The sounds of clanging metal and tools turning echo through the garage's big open bay. Vehicles come in and out all day as do the mechanics who keep them running.
The shop provides most minor repairs and maintenance to the units" vehicles. Iraq's difficult roadways, coupled with the threat of roadside bombs, provide a constant workload for the members of Rod's Garage.
"The Soldiers drive these vehicles real rough," said Pfc. Jau-el Robinson, who has worked on cars since he was 12 years old while growing up in Salem, Ore. "They drive these vehicles sometimes until they are ready to drop."
Despite the challenges, Robinson said he and his fellow mechanics keep the units" fleet rolling. He still enjoys his job.
"I love it," Robinson said. "You can get a vehicle that is not running and get it working fine or find another vehicle that is running OK and get it to where it is running fine.
"It's just great."
Despite all their efforts, mechanics can't do their jobs if their clerks don't do theirs. Sgt. Shannon Vargas, a prescribed load and license clerk from Pueblo, Colo., is one of only four women who work in the shop. She said she enjoys being a member of Rod's Garage.
"They treat me like a lady, but I'm one of the guys," Vargas said. "I really like working here."
Days are long and the work never stops coming she said. However, it's made easier by the camaraderie she enjoys with her fellow Soldiers, and the sense of accomplishment she gets from a mission done right.
"The best thing is seeing the convoys rolling back in and knowing that everybody made it back safely," Vargas said.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2006 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 5878 |
| Location: | BAQUBAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 75 |
| Downloads: | 25 |
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