The traveling journey, transition of Army combat uniforms

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Maria Aquilizan, armorer with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a San Leandro, Calif., native, is enjoying every opportunity presented to her during her first deployment in Operation New Dawn at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Sheila Babot)  

JOINT BASE BALAD, IRAQ

02.06.2011

Courtesy Story

224th Sustainment Brigade

By Spc. Danielle Lagunas-Valles

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— Transitioning from one place to another - especially when you are going across the world, is difficult even as an American soldier. American soldiers who deploy and have to be displaced from their lives back home, require an amazing amount of resilience - especially into a country like Iraq.

The soldiers of the 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), are feeling the differences in their lives as they become accustomed to being deployed. The 749th CSSB arrived at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, in December. Having been in and out of the field since July 2010, the Soldiers of the 749th CSSB say they are very happy to be closer to the countdown for redeployment.

Many soldiers of the 749th CSSB are on their first deployment, their first time out of the U.S., and for some, this is their first time out of California. The positives for the Soldiers on their first deployment include resources like AT&T call centers where you can call home using a calling card, and a resiliency center that provides Skype capabilities, unlimited Internet, pool tables, massage chairs, a ping pong table, foosball, movie room, video game room, candy, free supplies (e.g. envelopes, deodorant, soap, etc.), and a helpful staff including therapists and counselors.

“The soldiers are already making the best out of being here on deployment by bringing everyone together with barbecues and games,” said Staff Sgt. Rogelio Dumpit, supply sergeant with the 749th CSSB, 224th Sus. Bde., a Fairfield, Calif., native, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003.

“They are adapting to their environment quickly and coming together to make a great team,” Dumpit said.

Soldiers have even been making their own fun by hanging out together in the evenings barbecuing hamburgers, steaks, and hotdogs. Along with the variety of food available, a few of the soldiers tried their luck at some poker, Uno, or the classic card games of Speed and Spades, all while jamming out to music from an iPod. The 749th CSSB Soldiers are all about community and enjoying each other’s company to help keep each other in good spirits during the deployment.

“In our time working together, we have become like a family,” said Spc. Maria Aquilizan, supply section armorer with the 749th CSSB, and a San Leandro, Calif., native who is on her first deployment. “More than just a unit of people who work together and no matter where we go, when this is over, we know we can count on each other here and when we get back home.”

• Date Taken: 02.06.2011
• Date Posted: 02.06.2011 19:21
• Story ID: 64910
• Location: JOINT BASE BALAD, IQ