KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Infantryman. One word that commands respect despite rank or creed. In eastern Afghanistan, it’s a life defined by long patrols, sleepless nights and constant maintenance of weapons and equipment. That’s exactly what U.S. Army Pfc. Spencer Vue was looking for when he joined the Army.
Vue, an infantryman with 2nd Platoon, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), joined the Army in October 2011 and is currently deployed to Combat Outpost Sabari in eastern Afghanistan.
“I’ve always wanted to join the military, to make my parents proud,” said Vue. “It’s also a good way to get to college.”
Vue was a member of his high school dance team and hopes to pursue dance in college after the military.
“It was just for fun at first, but then I joined the dance team,” said Vue, a Crescent City, Calif., native. “They didn’t have a hip hop routine going on, so I was one of their hip hop teachers. I did the choreography.”
Joining the military has always been a goal for Vue.
“Way before that though I’ve always wanted to join,” said Vue. “My goal was to go to the military first and then go to school.”
Vue’s dedication to service has caught the attention of his leadership.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Danny Babauta, Vue’s squad leader. “He will excel at anything he does; his head is like a sponge absorbing knowledge.”
“The first time I met him we were back in the rear,” continued Babauta, a native of Inarajan, Guam. “He was the typical private that comes in the Army, willing to learn, always looking to do something better.”
As Vue’s squad leader, Babauta has had the chance to see Vue grow and become a better soldier.
“I remember a training exercise where I learned he could shoot really well,” added Babauta. “Like at 400 meters and beyond.”
“I love doing training, infantry wise, I can’t get enough of it,” said Vue. “The training really sets in when you deploy. What we do out in the field is what we’re doing here.”
Vue is the fifth youngest of six kids, two of whom also serve in the military.
“I have a brother in the Air Force stationed at Bagram right now and another brother in Marine Corps boot camp,” said Vue.
Vue will continue to serve at COP Sabari with the rest of his company through the winter.
“I like wearing a uniform to work, because then I don’t have to figure out what to wear,” Vue said. “I serve to protect the people we love.”