Comstock Marine drives forward

Photo By 1st Lt. Scott Murdock | Lance Cpl. Dana Brakke, a vehicle driver with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and a Comstock, Minn., native, inspects his vehicle during a route construction mission in southwest Afghanistan, April 5, 2012. Brakke spent his first deployment constructing roads that improve infrastructure and quality of life in Helmand province.  

AFGHANISTAN

04.12.2012

Story by 2nd Lt. Scott Murdock 

Regional Command Southwest

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When he is on his family farm, Dana Brakke can be found driving a John Deere through the green fields of Comstock, Minn. These days, he can be found driving an armored truck through the sand of southwest Afghanistan.

His vehicle still has the familiar, rhythmic clicking of a diesel engine and he still attaches implements to it before going to work, but instead of discs and rakes he mounts an M240 machinegun and advanced communication antennas.

Lance Cpl. Dana Brakke, originally a military policeman stationed in Okinawa, Japan, now serves with Support Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), in Helmand province, Afghanistan. During the months leading up to his deployment, Brakke trained as a turret gunner with Security Platoon. Shortly after arriving in Afghanistan, he was called on to drive a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, a job he has come to love.

The Marines of 9th ESB have spent their deployment constructing roads that improve infrastructure and quality of life in Helmand province, affording rural Afghans better access to hospitals, schools and commerce.

It is evident from a glance that Brakke takes immense pride in his job. He works tirelessly to maintain his vehicle and keep it orderly.

“This is my truck,” Brakke said during a recent convoy. Until he returns home, it will remain that way.

Brakke attended three years at North Dakota State University before enlisting in the Marine Corps. After his military commitment, he plans to continue his education in either agriculture engineering or criminal justice.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2012
• Date Posted: 04.12.2012 08:41
• Story ID: 86616
• Location: AF