Photo By Cpl. Zachary Mangas | Soldiers in the Minnesota National Guard assist their battle buddy after becoming a...... read more read more
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CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait - The month of January at Camp Virginia for soldiers of Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion 194th Armor has been marked with change: a change in mission, Company Commander and the relative atmosphere around post.
The amount of U.S. Service members coming through Camp Virginia located in the sandy desert of Kuwait, just short of an hour away from the border of Iraq, slowed down in recent weeks due to the pullout of U.S. forces. According to staff with the 1/34th Brigade Support Battalion, close to 45,000 troops entered into the camp in December. A month later that number dropped significantly to a low near 6,000.
“It’s definitely a different feeling when I walk around the area now,” said Pfc. Sean N. Vaughn of Monticello, Minn. “A little over a month ago when we were running missions in Iraq troops were everywhere and the dining facility was packed full. Now I can walk into the DFAC [dining facility] and there are no long lines to wait in. Once in a while I’ll find myself walking to the USO and I notice I’m the only person around in the area, feels sort of apocalyptic – like a ghost town.”
The bustle of activity may have diminished but the training has not for the soldiers who are still located at Camp Virginia.
“We just completed a batch of training lanes which were very conducive to our new mission as quick reaction force [QRF] in the Middle East,” said 1st Sgt. Timothy P. Flahave of Royalton, Minn. “The Lessons Learned Integrative Training [LLIT] event spanned three days which included scenarios from recovering and securing high jacked vehicles, providing cordons and securing casualty collection points for pick up by MEDEVAC via U.S. Navy UH-60 Sea Hawks. It was a great experience for our soldiers learning techniques that the Navy uses to MEDEVAC a casualty from the battlefield. A few even got a ride around the camp which was a bonus.”
The hands on training completed by the Company in the desert was a nice change of pace for most of the individuals. The end to the Iraq war and the Company mission of convoy escort security was followed with numerous types of information and safety briefs that are a requirement for training each year. The infamous briefs are what the soldiers call “death by PowerPoint.”
“A person can only look at so many slides, eventually their train of thought will fade,” said Spc. Ryan B. Harris of Parkers Prairie, Minn. “It felt great to finally get out, train and use our battle skills in the field. It made our training more realistic and it was the opportune time for it. Back home when we train on drill weekends we usually have a more hands on approach. It was nice to see this carried over with our Company to Kuwait.”
The new year and new mission also brought a new Commander to Crazyhorse - 1st Lt. Christopher A. Bingham of Sartell, Minn. He took command of the Company early on in January and has been looking forward to this moment with eager ambition. At the command ceremony he recognized his connection to the Company as well as the achievements of the former Commander.
“Capt. Hobot has done an outstanding job with this Company,” said Bingham. “He successfully brought together soldiers from units all over the state and formed them into one cohesive unit. I am extremely fortunate to take over command of such a fine Company.”
Since the Company was away from their loved ones this year during the holidays, Crazyhorse held its Christmas party in Kuwait Jan. 7. Soldiers grilled ribs outside for lunch, took photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and also played games ranging from volleyball, horseshoes and an eating contest. That night a handful of soldiers were able to speak to their families and loved ones back home via Skype.
“I was able to speak with my wife, mother and my 18 month old daughter – it was great,” said Spc. Kurt J. Paumen of St. Cloud, Minn. “The internet over here can be slow and it cuts out often so being able to have a smooth conversation with decent picture quality was a nice change that evening.”
Soldiers such as Paumen will soon not have to worry about connecting with their families back home over the internet – their time on this deployment is winding down. The Company is expected to fulfill its yearlong active duty status, which will be completed this upcoming May. For Spc. Delbert J. Weiss of Brainerd, Minn., this means he will get to see his baby daughter walk for the second time in person.
“It’s crazy to think our Company has been here since July,” said Weiss. “Right before we left was the first time I saw her walk. It will be great to see her wobble across the kitchen floor on her two little legs. I also have a three-year-old son. This summer I plan on taking them to the lake - I can’t wait. I’m hoping our time left here goes by fast.”
Whether the time is expedient or slow one thing holds true, the soldiers of Crazyhorse will continue to protect the homelands of the U.S. from abroad and will soon return home proud of what they have accomplished.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2012 07:42 |
| Story ID: | 85755 |
| Location: | CAMP VIRGINIA, KW |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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