Photo By Sgt. William Begley | U.S. Army Spc. Juan Franco, a native of Sacramento, Calif., proudly displays his...... read more read more
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Ask anyone who has been deployed for a year or more and they will tell you that deployments have a way of slowing the passing of time. A soldier will do almost anything to keep their mind occupied. Some read books, work out, or watch movies. Everyone deals with it a little differently.
For U.S. Army Spc. Juan Franco, a native of Sacramento, Calif., and driver for the Task Force Maverick battalion commander, he uses his artistic abilities to take his mind off of things and lift his morale.
Designing and drawing helps Franco keep his mind positively focused and his designing interests peaked, he said. He also provides portrait drawings for friends and fellow soldiers.
“They may want to send souvenirs home to their family, wives or friends,” said Franco. “Sometimes they give me [reimbursement], but I don’t ask for anything in return because I love drawing anyways.”
Drawing has always been in Franco’s blood. He majored in art at Consumnes River College in Sacramento prior to joining the Army.
In addition to drawing, Franco manufactures and paints wooden crests as a going away present to units that are redeploying. Franco also designed the TF Maverick command coin and is currently designing the image for a TF Maverick T-shirt.
“I really enjoy it. I like designing in general. It makes me feel useful [and] it helps me to pass the time here in Afghanistan,” said Franco.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeremy T. Siegrist, TF Maverick commander and a native of Denver said that Franco brings more to the table than what meets the eye.
“He’s very artistic and creative,” said Siegrist. “He designed the CG’s coin and he designed certificates for us to give to soldiers. He’s very giving of his skills and his time and we definitely appreciate him.”
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie Davis, Task Force Maverick command sergeant major and a native of Beaufort, N.C., said that Franco has always been an asset to the team. When the command group needed a new administrative person it was a no-brainer as to who their choice would be.
“Franco fit the bill because we know what his capabilities are as well as his maturity level,” said Davis. “He’s a self-starter; always motivated and [he’s] always got a happy cheerful smile. He’s very mature and a real professional. His artistic talents seem to calm him down and help him to do what he does.”
When Franco returns home he plans to continue his studies and get a degree in drafting and architectural design.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.07.2011 13:36 |
| Story ID: | 81014 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 297 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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