Mission accomplishment is reward for 425th shop

Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | Chief Warrant Officer 2 Darrel Eickoff, the officer in charge of the maintenance shop, looks at the cab of a truck to find a way to make the design better at Q-West Base Complex.  

IRAQ

06.09.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

National Guard and Reserve Soldiers working in Iraq serve with the intent of fulfilling their mission, but when the mission changes they understand the need to adapt.

Soldiers with the 425th Transportation Company at the Q-West Base Complex spent the first half of their deployment transporting cargo in the northern area of the country.

Maj. Julie Perez, 425th company commander, said her Soldiers are transitioning into new roles.

"We started out doing a transportation mission," Perez said. "We are in the process of converting over to support Kellogg, Brown and Root."

Along with helping KBR, the 425th is supporting Soldiers on Q-West by helping with the force protection mission.

"We're in a transition mode right now," said Perez. "It's not always an easy task, but the Soldiers have been doing a great job at adjusting."

Perez looked back at the incredible job her Soldiers did with the mission.
The 425th is turning over their trucks to KBR but they will support them with maintenance. Truck drivers are moving to the maintenance shop to offer assistance with repairs to the vehicles.

Maintenance has been a tough job, but something the 425th knows is a necessity. Soldiers know the trucks are their protection on the roads and are grateful for the work that has gone into improving them.

"This armor has proven itself," Perez said.

Chief Warrant Officer Darrel Eickoff, the OIC of the maintenance shop, echoed Perez's feelings for the armor.

"The armor is worth every dollar," said Eickoff.

Eickoff said he doesn't mind putting in long hours at the shop fixing trucks if the armor is doing its job. Eickoff knows the extra weight of the armor adds to the maintenance work but his Soldiers" lives come first.

Eickoff explained the pure demand for vehicles creates a large amount of work because the mission never stops.

"We do what it takes to get the mission accomplished," Eickoff said.

"Mission accomplishment is a reward to me and my staff."

The section's mission won't change but they are increasing their workload by three times.

"Our operators assist me which helps out," Eickoff said. "Our civilian skills are used daily. Their skill sets are incredible."

The 425th is optimistic about the second half of their deployment, and they know they are helping to make a positive impact.

"You have to stay motivated and positive," said Spc. Holly Sullins, a truck driver for the 425th. "Even though you miss the people and things back home that remind you of who you are, the things that separate you from the uniform."

"It's a very fast paced environment. My Soldiers come from over 40 different units," said Perez. "We have a variety of different people here, that in itself is a challenge, but they came together really well."

Sullins said the unit works well together because they had to build relationships before deploying.

"This is a great company and we are very fortunate. We are like one big family," said Sullins. "You realize this is going to be your family for the next year to 18 months, and you can't do this on your own. You need each other."

"Reservists work hard to make sure they are ready and open to meeting the challenges that come their way," said Eickoff.

• Date Taken: 06.09.2006
• Date Posted: 06.09.2006 13:11
• Story ID: 6766
• Location: IQ