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Georgia Guard Troops Adjust to New Mission
Defend America News ^ | Dec 14, 2005 | Spc. Tracy J. Smith

Posted on 12/14/2005 5:45:05 PM PST by SandRat

Photo, caption below.
U.S. Army Spc. Thomas V. Patat, certain that a good nights rest lends to mission success, displays his new mattress, a luxury after several months of austere living conditions. Patat's unit will now handle convoy escort and security. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith
Georgia Guard Troops Adjust to New Mission
After five months of austere living conditions, soldiers with the 48th Brigade Combat Team
tackle a new mission and get some spare time to relax a bit between mission assignments.
By U.S. Army Spc. Tracy J. Smith
48th Brigade Combat Team
Georgia Army National Guard
CAMP ADDER, An Nasiriyah, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2005 — Just beyond the crest of the bunkers and tent- streaked horizon in Nasiriyah, Iraq, is a mattress that, seemingly, has sprouted legs. A couple of quick blinks to ensure the sun is not playing tricks on the eyes and it becomes apparent that the mattress was simply clever cover for a soldier with a solid determination to be comfortable.



"The de-escalation in mission will prepare us for getting back home."
U.S. Army Spc. Thomas V. Patat

One soldier's personal mission to overcome the residuals of five months of austere living has become the pursuit of a brigade. The Georgia Army National Guard 48th Brigade Combat Team energetically takes on "Operation: Getting comfy," digging in for new challenges.



The mission for the 8th Brigade Combat Team has changed. Convoy escorts and theatre security has become the primary focus, but with this comes a chance to schedule some time to relax between mission assignments.



U.S. Army Spc. Thomas V. Patat, an infantryman with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment is certain that a good night's rest contributes to mission success.



The proud owner of the new mattress, Patat is all too familiar with 'roughing it.' He was responsible for the transport of the Iraqi Army National Guardsmen at the Iraqi Army Camp Lions Den, sharing a living space with them in the rustic and often mortared environment.



A roofer by trade, he is not extremely disappointed that the team has undertaken a new mission. He is confident that it will be safer for his fellow soldiers and recognizes the importance of escorting re-supply convoys.



"It is necessary to get supplies where they are needed most," Patat, a resident of Cochran, Ga., explained. "The de-escalation in mission will prepare us for getting back home."



Most soldiers find it much easier to lend a hand in the ongoing improvements at many of the base camps and radio control points so that future 'tenants' will find things more comfortable upon arrival.



"It's relaxing to me," U.S. Army Sgt. Michael A. Perez, a squad leader for 108th Armor Regiment's Mortar Platoon.



Perez and several soldiers based at Convoy Support Center Camp Scania have decided to put their civilian skill set to good use in improving the living conditions at the movement control point. Assisting KBR contracting staff with the building of C-huts, four-sided quick construct buildings that will temporarily replace the tent dwellings, Perez is responsible for varnishing the wood finish to minimize the drying effects of the sun and make it less permeable when the rainy seasons begin.



Each brushstroke is therapeutic for the electrician from Columbus, Ga. Perez gets a slight glaze in his eyes as he talks about where they have come from. "There are things you want to forget," he says. "It keeps your mind off things and helps you to unwind. Plus, I like the company."

U.S. Army Spc. Nathanial Snyder, a tactical vehicle driver from Dallas, Ga. displays his new wheels, an all-terrain mongoose, which will provide him an independent means of transportation at his new duty location. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael A. Perez assists Jerry Cionek (right), a KBR carpenter, with the construction of C-huts. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith
KBR contractors are building 60 C-huts. KBR carpenter supervisor, Jerry Cionek, does not hold back when discussing his appreciation for the soldiers who are helping his workers.

"108th has been a God send actually," Cionek, of Sandy Hill, La., says as he watches the skillful work of Perez and gives him a pat on the back. "These gentlemen take pride in their work and don't mind lending a hand. It's a Southern thing." A little Southern charm may be just what the mission calls for in some instances.

Across the newly reinforced barriers of Convoy Support Center Scania, a seasoned staff non-commissioned officer takes a different view on his new temporary home. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. 'Joe' W. Wilson, of Canton, Ga. who serves as the 108th Armor Regiment battle noncommissioned officer, realizes their new accommodations offer more comfort but this is not the time to become complacent.

"We have five months to show them we are just nice, simple folks like them," Wilson says taking a sip from a Georgia Bulldog travel mug. "Brigadier General Rodeheaver passed out bulldog stickers when we first got here so I stuck one on my cup."

While Camp Scania's amenities are within walking distance, those in An Nasiriyah need to take a few extra steps to get where they need to be on time.

A transportation service is available with buses, however, many find the best way to get to where you need to be, independently, is to take up a sportcycling.

A tactical vehicle driver from Dallas, Ga., U.S. Army Spc. Nathanial Snyder realized he needed to have a tactical two-wheeler. His choice is an all-terrain mongoose.

As he made repairs and cleaned his "vehicle," he commented on the relocation and the new mission.

"I have to admit, it is better than Yusifiyah," said Snyder, a scout for E Troop, 108th Cavalry Regiment. "You could say it is just another mission, but (most important) we are one step closer to going home."

Unpacking her office supplies at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 148th Support Battalion, Sgt. Johnnie M. Clark, administrative personnel noncommissioned officer, said she plans to use this time to prepare her soldiers for the trip home.

"There is more than enough for me to do even with the change in mission," Clark, a pre-school instructor in her hometown of Macon, Ga., said. "I can make my soldiers' lives easier. By taking care of them, they can take care of their mission responsibilities without worrying about personnel issues."

Her civilian career enhances her ability to be extremely patient.

"I have a hand in enhancing their learning potential," Clark said. "It's satisfying to know you had a chance to iron out a concern or help a soldier's family with an issue. So there is some self satisfaction there -- taking care of the soldier enhances my world!"


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; US: Georgia; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: adjust; georgia; guard; iraq; mission; new; troops

1 posted on 12/14/2005 5:45:06 PM PST by SandRat
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To: 2LT Radix jr; 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; 80 Square Miles; A Ruckus of Dogs; acad1228; AirForceMom; ..

GA Guard in Iraq PING


2 posted on 12/14/2005 5:45:38 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
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To: eyespysomething

The 48th from Georgia ping


3 posted on 12/14/2005 5:48:31 PM PST by SittinYonder (That's how I saw it, and see it still.)
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To: SittinYonder

Thanks. David said they were moving. I still thought they were 6 months out though.

LOL the commander assuming everyone is a Bulldog fan!


4 posted on 12/14/2005 6:40:18 PM PST by eyespysomething (http://members.cox.net/transam57/lights.wmv)
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To: eyespysomething
LOL the commander assuming everyone is a Bulldog fan!

His coffee mug immediately made me think of Chris Carter holding up that Dawg flag on FOX News that night outside one of Saddam's palaces.

5 posted on 12/14/2005 7:11:08 PM PST by SittinYonder (That's how I saw it, and see it still.)
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To: SittinYonder

UGA ALUM REPRESENTING THE BULLDOG NATION

6 posted on 12/14/2005 7:47:46 PM PST by eyespysomething (http://members.cox.net/transam57/lights.wmv)
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To: SandRat

BUMP!!! Nice story!!


7 posted on 12/14/2005 9:13:43 PM PST by StarCMC (Old Sarge is my hero...doing it right in Iraq! Vaya con Dios, Sarge.)
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To: SandRat

BTTT


8 posted on 12/15/2005 3:07:12 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: eyespysomething

That's the one!


9 posted on 12/15/2005 5:27:59 AM PST by SittinYonder (That's how I saw it, and see it still.)
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