‘Making a difference’ pushes one Arizona Marine to excel on fourth deployment

Photo By Cpl. Katherine Solano | Staff Sgt. Davison Slivers, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Motor Transport Platoon, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), supervises from an elevated observation point as Marines with 7th ESB conduct route repairs in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 6. Slivers also provided security during the multiple-day repairs in support of Operation Eastern Storm.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

11.13.2011

Story by Cpl. Katherine Solano 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Nine years in the Marine Corps, four deployments and less than four weeks until he steps foot on American soil once again, Staff Sgt. Davison Slivers has spent a collective two-and-a-half years defending his country in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A Marine with that sort of experience has a lot to offer to those he leads, evident by the profound respect his Marines express for him.

As the Motor Transport Platoon staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), Slivers has many Marines under his leadership and watch. He is also the convoy commander on many types of operations conducted by 7th ESB.

With this most recent deployment drawing to an end, the war veteran has much advice for junior Marines in his command, especially since many of them are ‘straight out of high school and on their first deployment,’ according to Slivers, a native of Ganado, Ariz.

“A lot of the Marines mature throughout the deployment,” Slivers began. “You have got to remind them of the big picture when they get down about what they are doing here.”

What exactly is it that Slivers and his unit do? As engineers, they help construct observation posts, patrol bases and forward operating bases. They build and repair routes. They support infantry units in the area of operations in establishing a presence among the locals. They engage with the locals to put them at ease while they are working near their bazaars, farms and compounds.

Even Slivers admits, though, sometimes being on the road for days at a time can get monotonous, despite the fast pace of the operations, especially on your second, third, fourth tour. When his Marines experience the feeling of redundancy, Slivers has a surefire way of bolstering their spirits.

“I just remind them of why they are here and what their job is on a daily basis and what just being a Marine in general is all about,” Slivers continued. “We are here to improve something for local nationals. We want to help them improve themselves.”

The experience Slivers’ has had on deployments over the years helps him lead his Marines by example and helps him to understand the frustrations and frictions that come with being deployed. Being able to relate to his Marines gives him the chance to lift them when they are down and keep them going when times get tough.

“The guys I’m out here with know what they are doing really matters,” Slivers concluded.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2011
• Date Posted: 11.13.2011 06:35
• Story ID: 79979
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF