by Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski
133rd MPAD
MUQDADIYAH, Iraq (August 29, 2006) – Rolling through the streets in certain areas of Iraq is no doubt a hazardous task. When the squadron commander rolls out to his meetings with local government officials he is under the watchful eye of a highly trained group of experts in their individual fields.
The 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division "Regulators" makes sure their squadron commander gets where he needs to go and is able to conduct business with local officials in a safe environment.
This group of guys sets the standard as far as rolling outside the wire and keeping a watchful eye out for any suspicious activities, said Spc. Rob Armstrong.
Armstrong is a signal systems support specialist and driver for the lead vehicle of his unit. "I think we have the most squared away group of Soldiers in the squadron." Much of what the "Regulators" do while out on patrol sets the standard for traveling safely outside the wire in the face of danger.
"It all goes back to our leadership, they make sure we have what we need to do our jobs so we can do them well," said Armstrong who hails from Colorado Springs, Colo.
Armstrong has many important jobs within the personal security detachment, he is a lead driver, responsible for piloting his vehicle through the streets and watching for insurgent activities and improvised explosive devices. Armstrong also maintains the communications equipment for his unit to keep them talking between vehicles.
The group is full of experts at their trade, all of whom are very proficient at what they do.
Sgt. Vellore Caballero is the medic who travels along with the Regulators. Caballero is there just in case something happens while on patrol. He also gets approached occasionally by Iraqi people seeking care.
While pulling security for the commander in the city of Al Wgehiyah a local boy limped up to Caballero and asked through an interpreter if he could fix his foot. The boy, who was surrounded by his concerned friends, unwrapped his foot from a dirty cloth.
The wound was a cut that was swollen, and likely infected from not being cleaned properly, said Cabellero, who hails from Tulsa, Okla.
The Regulator medic cleaned and dressed the wound with gauze and instructed the boy through an interpreter to keep it as clean as possible.
This highly proficient group of experts is doing their part to protect and serve the people in this area of Diyala Province while Iraq works toward a democratic government.
Subscribe
