Alumnus 2LT Michael Baroski featured in his
Transcription
Alumnus 2LT Michael Baroski featured in his
143d Transportation Command (FORWARD) Twists & Turns V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2 O c t o b e r 2 0 0 5 Soldiers Mourn Loss of Two Fellow Comrades Special points of interest: • Ask the IG, pg. 2 • KNB: Meet the 143d TRANSCOM crew. pg. 2 • Soldier Spotlight: 2nd Lt. Michael Baroski exclusive, pg. 3 • Fallen Comrades, pg.4-5 • Kuwait seems more like home; two Soldiers find common bond, pg. 6 • Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel Feature photo page, Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion and dignitaries gathered Sept. 30 at Camp pg. 8 • Illinois National Guardsmen encase flag, ready t o go home, pg 9. • Ramadan Reminders pg. 10 Navistar to honor fallen comrades. Spc. Wendling and Sgt. Wallace. The two Soldiers died when their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device. Story and photos, pg. 4 Commanding General Message: This is my second column in the 143d Transportation Command’s “Twists and Turns.” It has been a busy couple of weeks in the command with some highs and lows as our Soldiers continue their hard working at the ports in Kuwait and on the roads of Iraq. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their contributions to our success as a whole. Movement brings victory! condolences to the Soldiers of the 2/127th as well as to their families. I would also like to say farewell and congratulations to some of our multi-million mile truck companies and welcome aboard their replacements. In the recent weeks I have atOn Sept. 26 we lost two brave Soldiers tended several mission complete and award ceremonies. First, the 2168th from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, th 127 Infantry Battalion. Sgt. Andrew Wal- Transportation Company from the Iowa National Guard led by Capt. Jenlace and Spc. Michael Wendling were killed in action escorting a convoy on MSR nifer Mlocek and 1st Sgt. Barrry Bannister, “First Iowa,” have comTampa when their vehicle was struck by pleted their transfer of authority with an improvised explosive device. I once again would like to express my heartfelt See MESSAGE, pg. 10 P a gP ea g2 e 2 2 KNB: Getting to know the 143d TRANSCOM team Lt. Col. David Whaling The continuing adventures from KNB as we continue down the wild and overgrown unknown operations acronym (UOA) path. Ask the IG... Maj. Robert L. Owen The IG team is here to help you with many of your problems. After all, that is what we are here for. However, there are some situations which are inappropriate for the IG to deal with such as OER/NCOER appeals, criminal activities, UCMJ punishment, and sexual harassment, amongst others. The reason these issues are not supposed to be brought to the IG is because they individually have their own appeal or redresses built into them. For instance, a bad OER can be appealed by referring it to to Chapter 6, AR 623-105. If you are not given the opportunity to appeal the OER, then come see us. We can help you. Just remember, if an issue has its own redress procedures, use them…not the IG. First right, then forward! Junior Promotion Board Packets must be turned in no later than Oct. 18th to the G-1 section. For checklists and requirements, see G-1. So what is a CLO doing in the Combined and Joint Logistics Operation Center? To know what a CLO is you have to be thinking about combined operations. In the true spirit of working “shoulder to shoulder” with the Kuwait Navy, the CLO in the CJLOC is the Coalition Liaison Officer. Actually, there are four teams of two Kuwaiti Naval officers who cover their office 24/7. The Kuwaiti teams are from the KNF Operations staff under the auspices of Lt. Col. Al Owaish. They have been extremely helpful in all aspects of operations from the moment they moved into the office. What the MEU is going on? Just ask Sgt. First Class Mike Deffendall (aka, MEU Man). His job is the taming of the Marine Expeditionary Unit – really supporting the MEU, as they come ashore in an aggressive amphibious landing with LCAC’s and LCU’s and AAV’s. The MEU is a self-sustaining unit – but without the support coordinated and provided through SFC Deffendall, their landing may not be so a-MEU-sing. SBO’s- you’re wondering what that means? It is not even an acronym unless you are Staff Sgt. Thomas Evans. He works with the LCU’s and LSV’s at the pier, the RO/RO ramp, and the berthing point. He’s down at the user level getting the support and orchestrating the uploads and downloads of some of the most versatile vessels in the Army’s Navy. Catch him in action on an upcoming Kuwaiti weekend! AMMO – OK, give up? Ammunition download and upload –(not all of these are easy). Master Sgt. Chuck Klein is his name and ammo is his game. Whether it’s in the hot lot, cold lot, pier, at the TCP, ECP, TSA or under the eyeballs of the QASAS, LFP, NCW, PATFORSWA, KMOD or KMOI – he’s on it! This is a high stakes mission which takes intense planning and preparation. Finally, leading operations and providing a guiding hand to everything that moves- is the BCOO. Gadzoontheit!! The Battle Captain Operations Officer is Maj. Manny Ocasio. He has to know all these acronyms and the different types of missions which each has it’s own unique set of complex issues and requirements. His OPORDS are C2 (clear and concise) and provides the path to safe and successWhew! Got through the UOA path with only a few scratches – so now, stay tuned for next month’s exciting KNB adventure… The Twisted Arrows is published in the interest of all personnel of the U.S. Army 143d TRANSCOM. It is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is written, edited and published by the Public Affairs Office (FWD), 143d TRANSCOM. Email: [email protected]. P Page 3 Soldier Spotlight Officer receives recognition for hard work, dedication, and witty attitude Spc. Crystal Rothermel Inside a tent at Zone 6, there sits an officer at a desk within a kaleidoscope of working Soldiers, paper shuffling and ringing phones. Although the environment can sometimes be hectic, the young, dark haired, witty officer still sits with a smile on his face. Where this officer travels, light-hearted humor and professionalism follows. “If there is a dull moment, then something has gone terribly wrong,” said CPT Shane Lucker, operations officer, 408th Movement Control Team. Second Lt. Michael Baroski, Wilmington, Del., is the assistant operations officer for the 408th Movement Control Team. Although he is a newly commissioned transportation officer, he has earned the respect and loyalty of his superiors and Soldiers. “Since the day he came to the unit, his performance has been remarkable. He always takes the initiative and is always seeking personal growth,” said Lucker, Baroski’s supervisor and mentor. “You have to be a good person to be a good officer. He is one of these.” Baroski works every day supervising and managing bus linkup operations with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, supervising convoy monitoring, tracking operations at one of the Kuwaiti ports, and managing the sterile lot contractors at the Kuwait Naval Base. Although these responsibilities help Baroski’s military career development, his interest in the military spurred earlier in his childhood. “I was always interested in the military, whether from my grandfather telling World War II stories, from watching movies or hearing Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel 2nd Lt. Michael Baroski, operations officer, 408th Movement Control Team, was nominated for the Soldier Spotlight by his command. stories,” Baroski recalls. “I think as I got more and more into history, I started looking at the military and thought, ‘why not be a small part of that.’” What began as a hobby evolved into a career as Baroski earned a scholarship through the ROTC program at Dickenson College, Pa. He recalls the moment he entered the military because it symbolized a moment of truth. After talking to friends about the military for years, he knew it was time to put the jokes aside and take that next step, he said. “I’ve always said that I think there should be a mandatory service obligation, like countries in the Middle East,” said Baroski with a smile. “I can’t be a hypocrite about it. If you are going to say something, then you’d better do it.” See SPOTLIGHT, pg. 7 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! SPC KEZIA PENNINGTON WILL BE BAPTIZED! 16 OCT 2005 SUNDAY TIME: 0830 ZONE 1 POOL ALL ARE INVITED TO COME & JOIN IN THE SPECIAL OCCASION! Page 4 Soldiers gather, mourn, honor lives of two fallen comrades monies of Wallace’s selfthat it is not easy to sum up a sacrifice, but Wallace made the man’s life with a few feeble words,” ultimate sacrifice Monday when said Sgt. Jake Paulson about his he passed his brothers-in-arms comrade Andrew Wallace. “I know and took point position on the I will never do him justice but I will do my convoy. best. This is about honoring their com“It seems mitment to this deployment, it’s unfortunate “Andrew to some, Wally to about honoring their commitment for Andrew that he his friends and to their fellow Soldiers– this is Sergeant Wal- about honoring their contributions passed us that morning lace to us to the freedom of our country and not knowing here, asked Iraq. what lay me about the ahead,” MaNational Capt. Eric Schack, commander, Co. C bee said. “But Guard about I know that seven years he would not have wanted it ago,” Paulson explained. This conany other way. He would have versation marked the beginning of wanted to go through that enWallace’s military career. To the Photo by Maj. Jackie Guthrie trance before any of us if it ranks of the Wisconsin Guard Memorials for two fallen Soldiers from the Wallace brought a positive attimeant we could live. 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion. tude, a strong work ethic and a “We just need to keep him, corny sense of humor. He also and his team’s sacrifices, in our Maj. Jackie Guthrie brought his best friend, Sgt. Dan hearts as we continue forward PAO, 377th Kelm. on this deployment and in life,” NAVISTAR— Two empty pairs of Wallace and Kelm, with PaulMabee said. boots, two Kevlar helmets, dog son and Sgt. Matthew Mabee, trav“All we can do now is carry tags, rifles, and two photographs eled side by side on the roads of out our mission, because that represented Sgt. Andrew Wallace Iraq, escorting military and civilian is what Andrew and Michael and Spc. Michael Wendling in a convoys filled with essential equipWendling would want us to do,” memorial service on Sept. 30. ment and supplies to U.S. and Paulson said. “We cannot let coalition forces in the North. Second Battalion, 127th Inour cowardly enemy shake our fantry, Wisconsin Army National core values. They want to win Paulson and Mabee gave testiGuard, remembered the two Soldiers of Company C, who died Monday, Sept. 26, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on a routine convoy in southern Iraq. “This is about honoring Sergeant Wallace and Specialist Wendling,” said Capt. Eric Schack, commander of Company C. “This is about honoring their commitment to this deployment, it’s about honoring their commitment to their fellow Soldiers — this is about honoring their contributions to the freedom of our country and Iraq.” Three Soldiers, childhood friends of the fallen, spoke words of tribute. “I’ve come to the conclusion Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel Sgt. Jake Paulson, childhood friend of Sgt. Andrew Wallace, pauses at the memorial to say final words and honor his comrade and best friend. Page 5 this mission together. “Let’s honor his memory and dedication by keeping him in our hearts as we drive on and continue our mission the way he would have wanted us to,” Schmidtquist said. Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel Maj. Gen. James Kelley, Maj. Gen. Bruce Casella, Brig. Gen. Charles Barr and other dignitaries paid tribute during the memorial ceremony Sept. 30. by throwing fear into our hearts. We need to stand up a little bit taller now and let them know you don’t mess with men from Wisconsin, men from the United States of America, men who are not afraid to lay down their lives for their country like Wally and Wendling. truly be missed by all of us,” Schmidtquist said. “It seems comforting to know that he was in a truck with his best friend Jeremy Roskopf.” Roskopf, the third Soldier in the vehicle that struck the IED, is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. “Your death has created a void in our lives that I cannot explain,” wrote Wendling’s father, Randall Wendling in an e-mail read by Chaplain (Maj.) Chad Maxey. Struggling through the grief of his son’s death, he captured his feelings in a letter to Michael and sent it to the Soldiers of the battalion. “It is with great respect and deepest love I say to you, you are a hero to all of us.” The service continued with words of scripture, a memorial message and a prayer. Brig. Gen. Charles Barr, commander of the 143rd Transportation Command, then read from a poem he and his aide, Capt. Noah “They were together and makBrusky, wrote to commemo“Gentlemen, I know we will ing people laugh on the radio rate the deaths. never be able to hear ‘Taps’ or see right up to the end. They signed an American flag again without up for the National Guard to“Two young men from thinking of the sacrifices these gether, they played golf together, Wisconsin’s Infantry were men gave. We will always reand it is only fitting that they ran killed in combat by an IED,” member how brave Andrew and Michael were and how proud we are of them,” Paulson said. Describing Michael Wendling, Spc. Justin Schmidtquist recalled words that other Soldiers used to portray him: “Funny, great sarcastic sense of humor, morale booster, always smiling, very smart, hard worker, good soldier. “I first met him in seventh grade at one of our first football practices together. Little did I know that that was the start of all the fun we would have.” Schmidtquist said Wendling was remembered for his made-up songs and dances, pranks and sense of humor. “He was one of a kind and will Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Battalion, prepare to render final salutes as they pass by the memorials of their two comrades. Page 6 Kuwait seems a little more like home when two Soldiers find common bond Spc. Crystal Rothermel Deployed Soldiers have a certain connection to one another through training and life overseas which helps them relate to one another. Two Soldiers, however, found a more local connection which made even Camp Arifjan, Kuwait seem a little more like home. Col. Michael MacNeil, 37th Transportation Group commander and Sgt.Pamela Campbell, resources noncommissioned officer, 1644th Transportation Company, talk about work but even more unexpectedly, their link to Pekin, Ill. “It makes the world seem a little smaller,” Campbell said as the two immediately began exchanging Col. Michael MacNeil and Sgt. Pamela Campbell meet at Camp Arifjan. stories and talking about the Pekin Dragons, the Pekin football she is just as dedicated a Solteam, and local construction, such Pekin, the local park and the dier. After graduating from high school; both are devoted as the new high school. basic training and advanced Soldiers. individual training at Fort MacNeil, Pekin native, is curMcNeil is a West Point gradu- Jackson, S.C., Campbell rently responsible for more than ate and has served his country spent two years on active 3,000 Soldiers and the ground for more than 23 years. Before duty as a personnel administransportation between Kuwait taking command of the 37th trative specialist at Fort Bliss, and Iraq. After years of service Texas. Even as an entry level and meeting Soldiers from all over Transportation Group he was Soldier, she worked hard and the world, MacNeil cannot remem- the executive officer of the 58th Transportation Battalion and obtained the highest timeliber meeting another Soldier from the installation assistant chief of ness rate of finance transacthe area let alone his hometown. staff – both at Fort Leonard tions. After hearing a rumor there was Wood, Mo. He also commanded another Pekin Soldier, he set out When Campbell began her the 181st Transportation Battalto find them, he said. new family, she wanted to deion in Mannheim, Germany and vote more time to her new “It’s my hometown, so I had to served as the transportation family, but didn’t want her meet her,” MacNeil said with a branch chief at the Human Remilitary career to end. smile. sources Command in Alexandria, Va. “I really liked the Army,” Between the small talk, it was Campbell said. “So, after obvious from the meeting, the two Although Campbell has not had more in common than just served as long in the military, See PEKIN, pg. 10 MEMORIAL Barr read. “2-127th Infantry has seen ground combat before,/ Regimental colors bear many steamers of war./ Civil War, The Great War and World War Two,/ Heroes to their colors have not been few…. “We remember that they represent Wisconsin’s best,/ American’s finest Soldiers, CIBs on their chests./ And as the somber notes of ‘Taps’ the bugle surrenders,/ Saying ‘Farewell brothers Wallace and Wendling,’ our salutes we render.” Silence followed as 1st Sgt. David Christianson conducted roll call, noting the two fallen Soldiers’ absence. Salutes were fired, the notes of ‘Taps’ hung in the desert air, and the men of 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry joined leaders, fellow Soldiers and friends to say good-bye to Sgt. Andrew Wallace and Spec. Michael Wendling. Page 7 SPOTLIGHT This attitude along with his dedication made an impression upon classmates his officer basic course as well. “He was one of the smartest people in our class,” said First Lt. Adrian Markocic, night battle captain, 143d Transportation Command and fellow classmate. “His scores would come out and he was consistently at the top.” In May, 2004, Baroski graduated from Dickenson College with a bachelor of arts degree in European history and completed the ROTC program, and earned a US Army officer commission. Only weeks after moving to Fort Eustis, Va., he learned of his deployment. The 408th arrived in Kuwait last December and Baroski defines the tour as a period of personal growth and professional development, he said. The deployment put training and education to the test, but Baroski was able to multi-task and work diligently on the mission and entertain the troops with random facts, said Lucker. Although Baroski easily entertains the troops, he is proud of their accomplishments and focused on the unit’s and Soldiers’ achievements more than his own. He described the tour with sincerity and spoke of his Soldiers with pride because the tour was not always easy. From the moment the 408th arrived in Kuwait, they experienced separation, a multitude of missions and continuous training. enough for them. It’s been tough for them,” he said with a more solemn expression. “You can’t be doing the same job day in and day out, it is difficult and people get stressed out. But we’ve overcome it.” Amongst the late phone calls and daily responsibilities, Baroski found an escape from the daily grime through one of his hobbies. He is an avid reader of military history and historical fiction. “Sometimes a good detective story,” he jutted in, making sure to add the ‘30s detective stories . as a side-note. As the year winds down, the formerly separated unit finally is working together and reflects upon the deployment with their assistant operations officer, Baroski. From talking with some of the Soldiers, it seems there is not a shortage of compliments. “His personality would be described as quirky and his professionalism is never doubted by his seniors, peers, and subordinates alike,” Lucker said. “The Soldiers love him because he is one of a kind.” While Baroski may have a reputation for knowing entertaining facts and uplifting any situation, his hard work and dedication is just as appreciated. “He was always there to encourage us,” said Spc. Michael Davis, cargo handler, 408th. “He always told us to look at the other side of the coin.” The Soldiers were divided and sent to different parts of Kuwait; some worked with the Air Force at a northern base, some at an airport bringing Soldiers to and from Kuwait, while others worked at ports overseeing missions. Whether it is part of his duty as an officer or a personal characteristic, Baroski always seeks to do the right thing and is easy going. He has an outstanding drive and always takes the initiative concerning the unit’s matters, said Lucker. “In the absence of unity with their peers, I cannot speak highly While sitting in his chair, Baroski jokes about his interests and diverts attention from himself to his Soldiers, but some things are concrete. The work may accumulate, the phone may not stop ringing, but the bottle of water sitting on his desk will always remain, in his eyes, half full. MWR Trips There are two approved MWR sites: Al Kout Mall and the Kuwait Science Center. Due to Ramadan, the trips have been postponed the entire month of October. November is booked, however, you can sign up now to be on a standby basis. There is also a trip with the 143d on Dec. 5. There must be at least 15 personnel in order to proceed with the trip. Also, bring copies of cultural awareness card to G-1 after attending the mandatory cultural awareness training. Page 8 Ms. Sue Payton, Deputy under the Secretary of Defense, visits Soldiers at the Seaport of Debarkation Oct. 1 to learn about a new decontamination system. Staff Sgt. Heriberto Concepcion, 143d, is promoted to Sgt. First Class Oct. 2 by wife, Staff Sgt. Tanisha Concepcion and Brig. Gen. Charles Barr. Capt. Sidney Harris, 143d, is promoted to Major Oct. 2 by Brig. Gen. Charles Barr. Master Sgt. Frank Cervantes,37th TC GP, is promoted by Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Baker and Brig. Gen. Charles Bar to Sgt. Maj. Oct. 1. Sgt. Steve Bobbert, 143d TRANSCOM, drives the GL118, part of the new CASPOD equipment used in the decontamination process at the SPOD. Ms. Sue Payton sails on Persian Gulf with Navy Warfare patrol boats during her tour of the Seaport of Debarkation, Oct. 1. Page 9 Illinois National Guard Flag Encased, Soldiers prepare to come home Spc. Crystal Rothermel After more than 12 months, approximately 150 members of the Illinois Army National Guard will soon be heading home. The 1644th Transportation Company, headquartered in Rock Falls, Ill., has spent the last year in Kuwait moving equipment in and out of Iraq to ensure U.S. and coalition forces have the equipment they need to stop insurgent activity, restore peace and rebuild the nation. These brave men and women successfully conducted more than 244 missions, covering more than four million miles throughout Kuwait and the dangerous roads in Iraq. They transported more than 12,000 pieces of equipment to and from every major base, camp and air base in Kuwait and Iraq. Throughout recent award ceremonies, the National Guardsmen were presented with awards and medals; three Purple Hearts, 136 Army Commendation medals, Close Action Combat Badges, and 12 Bronze Stars, just to name a few. contributions, for they have honored the Transportation Corps by their loyal and dedicated service to our nation.” Unfortunately, the completed missions did not come without sacrifices, which is something these soldiers say they will never forget. Killed in February by an improvised explosive device was Sgt. Jessica Housby. Although she did not join them in formation, her sacrifice was honored by the Soldiers during the ceremony as Goebig solemnly recognized her pride, hard work, and dedication. The 1644th is composed of members from several Illinois National Guard units, but after the year they spent together, they stood unified while their unit flag flew above them for the last time here in Kuwait. “We may not march the same active duty soldiers,” said Goebig with a smile, “but we came over here with soldiers who were working or were in school, and we did it.” “I didn’t bring 162 Airborne Ranger Soldiers here, I brought 162 National Guardsmen who were great Soldiers,” said the unit’s 1st Sgt.. David Goebig, “And they gave 100% .” In honor of the sacrifices the Illinois soldiers have made to the National Guard and the United States Army, they ended their tour in song — “The Army Song.” The unit’s dedication and hard work will not be forgotten. “There will be lots of people going home and thinking this was hard work,” said Goebig. “But 90 days from now, when I see them again, I look forward to telling them ‘you guys did a great job.’” “The contributions of the 1644th to Operation Iraqi Freedom did not go unnoticed,” Brig. Gen. Charles Barr told the soldiers. Barr is the comThe 1644th Transportation Company is exmander of the 143rd Transportation Command, the Questions, comments or PAO coverage, contact Spc. Crystal 143d TRANSCOM pectedRothermel, to returnPAO, to Illinois in the next few unit’s higher headquarters while stationed in Kuweeks. wait. “The soldiers can be proud of their For questions, comments contact Spc. Crystal Rothermel Cell: 786-3157 or e-mail: Crystal. [email protected] Page 10 Comedy Central...Live from Zone 6 Ramadan Reminders: Ramadan, the holiest period for the Islamic faith, and occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan commemorates the month in which the Holy Qur;an was first revealed and in which followers of Prophet Mohammed were victorious over the Makkans, at the Battle of Badr. The exact dates of Ramadan are determined by the new moon. Photo by Spc. Crystal Rothermel Comedian Dave Attell, host and writer of Comedy Central’s I nsomniac with Dave Attell, brought laughs and entertainment to Soldiers Sept. 22. at Zone 6. As an atypical night drew to a close, Attell lit up the stage while laughter filled the Kuwait air . A fast is also carried out from sunrise to sunset. There should be reduced traveling off post between the hours of 1700-1800 due to hazardous conditions caused by short-tempered and dehydrated local drivers. While traveling off post or around locals during Ramadan, remember… No smoking, No eating, No drinking MESSAGE Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Brigade. They are from the North Carolina National Guard and are led by Capt. Larry Coleman and 1st Sgt. Barry Marlowe- “Hammer Down!” Second, the 1644th Transportation Company from the Illinois National Guard, led by Capt. Maxime Castelyn and 1st Sgt. David Goebig“Thunder!” who completed their TOA with Alpha Company, 31st Forward Support Battalion. The 31st is from the Alabama National Guard and is led by Capt. Elbert Davis and 1st Sgt. Richard Cash-“Rollin’ Thunder!” Thirdly, the 1864th TC CO from the Nevada National Guard led by Capt. Neil Oscarson and 1st Sgt. Jared Kopacki“Vikings!” They are in their final stages of their Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Brigade, an active component unit from Fort Sill, Okla., led by Capt. Bryan Coleman and 1st Sgt. Michael Larsen-“Cobras!” Lastly, I welcome both of our surge rotational HET units; the 96th and 233rd Transportation Companies. The 96th HET is an active component unit from Fort Hood, Texas and the 233rd is from Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Knox, Ky. Again, congratulations to our outgoing units, your service and sacrifice will be an enduring monument to the success of the 143d and the Global War on Terrorism. PEKIN having my baby I joined the National Guard.” Then she volunteered to deploy to Kuwait. The two talked about life overseas, past military experiences and of course, their tie to Pekin. From their conversation, it was obvious the two agreed Pekin is a great place to grow up and raise a family. “I love the community,” said Campbell. “They have a huge park district and a lagoon. It’s really lovely.” MacNeil’s Pekin connection spans back further as he recalled some of his earliest childhood memories. “I remember watching the bridge go up, I went with my grandparents,” he said with a smile. “They have since torn that bridge down.” The meeting between locals was timely. MacNeil recently arrived in Kuwait and Campbell is scheduled to leave in October, but only one of them will return to Pekin. “I plan on going home, getting another Active Guard and Reserve job and going back to school part time,” Campbell said. “I’d really like a degree in marketing.” After his tour in Kuwait, MacNeil will return to Germany and will serve seven more years until he reaches his 30 year milestone. Then he plans to retire, move to a small town with a warmer climate than Pekin and teach, he said. Within a tent at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait the two Soldiers exchanged stories, shook hands, and took photos. If for only a few minutes, two Pekin Soldiers were able to make this much larger world far away from home appear to be a little smaller.