Photo By Monique LaRouche | Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Ireton, tactical data systems administrator with Marine Tactical...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Working on computers is not just a job for Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Ireton, it’s a way of life.
Ireton, tactical data systems administrator with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), loves computers so much in his “real” life that working on them for the military is like a dream job.
Ireton, a native of Menasha, Wis., works the night shift and his job is to manage the network servers used for flight plans.
Flight plans change, the weather in Afghanistan can be unpredictable and networks go down so frequently that keeping up with the daily operations can be challenging, but critical.
“These servers serve hundreds of people throughout Afghanistan and on multiple bases,” said Ireton.
Choosing a job in the military was an easy choice for Ireton since he worked with computers before joining. Although this is Ireton’s first deployment, he says he is motivated to learn as much about his occupation as possible.
“I felt like it would be good for me and my career in the long run, and I couldn’t afford college,” Ireton said about joining the Marines.
Ireton is not the only member of his family in the military. His sister is currently in the Navy and his grandfather served in the Army.
During his free time, Ireton lifts weights, plays the drums and works with computers. He also has a convenient way of getting around base. He rides a bicycle he found, even during the dusty season.
A few weeks ago, Ireton saw a deserted bicycle at his shop with two flat tires and covered with dust. It was obvious to him that the bike was abandoned. He cleaned up the grey bike, claimed it as his own and started riding it around. When an officer stopped and questioned him, he said the bike was abandoned. He found out the bike was that officer’s. Instead of getting in trouble, the officer gave the bike to Ireton, saying that someone had passed it along to him. Ireton plans on returning the favor and passing it along to the next bike rider at the end of his deployment.
The freedom Ireton has riding the bike down the sandy roads with his good friend, co-worker and roommate Lance Cpl. Kishion Harringan, an aviation communication systems technician also with MTACS-38, allows him to get to the places he needs to go.
Back at home, Ireton, a happy husband and new dad of 8- month-old, Carleigh, is far away from her for the first time. Despite missing his family, he’s proud to be serving out here, helping ensure flights get where they need to safely.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.23.2012 09:11 |
| Story ID: | 85688 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Hometown: | MENASHA, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 266 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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