KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - When you walk into Task Force Resolute property book office, a bright and shining smile is the first thing to greet you at the door.
That smile belongs to Spc. Donielle Bowles, a 24-year-old property book office clerk deployed with the 7th Sustainment Brigade to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
Bowles enlisted in the Army a little over two years ago because she felt a calling to serve her nation. “I support and serve for my country because it’s who I am,” said Bowles. She has been assigned to the 7th Sustainment Brigade since May of 2009 and deployed with the unit last February to Haiti, in support of Operation Unified Response.
As a PBO clerk, Bowle’s work day starts at 8 a.m. and ends roughly ten hours later. It is a seven days a week gig while deployed. On an average day, she can be found handling lateral transfers, hand receipts, and accounting for equipment.
During their deployment to Kandahar Airfield, 7th Sustainment Brigade soldiers are staying in small ten by twenty foot barracks rooms known as relocatable billets (RLB’s) with two or three individuals per room. To make it more home-like, soldiers often personalize them. “I put up posters and pictures and made my bed comfy by adding a ton of extra pillows. Also, I have a hot water heater so that I can make noodles,” stated Bowles.
When asked what the most difficult part of deployment is for her, Bowles responded, “I’d say the combat showers [three minute showers], flooding, and the mud, but it’s not that bad. It’s just different.”
To deal with the stress of deployment, Bowles shared, “I read my Bible and stay grounded in my faith. Also, I talk to my battle buddies out here and try to make the best of the situation.”
Having goals to achieve also may help to make deployments easier. “I’m going to better myself financially, professionally, and I also I will further my education,” said Bowles. Her goals include paying off student loans, attending the sergeant promotion board, re-enlisting, and completing her associate’s degree in criminal justice.
To her family and friends back home, Bowles says, “I can’t wait to get home and see you all. I love you and the summer of 2012 is going to be B-I-G!”