Dear Interested Reader,
Blue Plt. gains trust and confidence in Kandahar. Afghan tip helps prevent rocket attack. Patriot Bde 'Warriors' honor fallen brother. 'Rapport Afghanistan' donates 6,000 coats to TF Lethal. Progress noted along 'Gateway to Kandahar.' From West Ranch to West Point Preparatory School.
Iraq: 'Longknife' Sqdn helps Iraqi Oil SECFOR. 'Long Knife Soldier named USD-N 'Soldier of the Quarter.'
Joanna
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LOGAR PROVINCE – Posthumously promoted to the rank of private first class, he died April 10 in the presence of his parents at Landstuhl, Germany, as the result of a wound suffered during an enemy engagement. “We honor Pfc Pickering’s honorable service to our nation in wartime. We respect his bravery in multiple enemy contacts, and we remember him as a wonderful human being,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Rickard, TF Warrior cmdr. “Brandon was our brother-in-arms, and his parents’ only son. We grieve his loss painfully, knowing his mother, father and stepfather are devastated by the loss of such an incredible, courageous young man. “He was a good Soldier, and he brought joy into our world with his sense of humor, and desire to make others laugh,” said Rickard. 
PAKTYA PROVINCE – U.S. and Afghan forces handed out hundreds of coats to people living in the rural village of Charwazi, April 19. 
“The project is significant because most of the commerce between the 2 countries in the southern region travels along that route,” said Col. James Edwards, 525th cmdr. “It's significant to ISAF because it’s the number 2 ground line of communication. “Many trucks that pass through here are overloaded, because they don’t have any transportation inspectors to inspect the weight of the vehicles,” said Jon Jorgenson, construction rep for the USACE. “Some of these vehicles may be 2 or 3 times the weight of vehicles in the U.S., so the road sank and was unsafe,” the engineer said. Ruts and medians were removed from the highway to expand the the road into 4 lanes in the future, and ease the flow of traffic. “The contractor is moving along very well,” Jorgensen said. “Since the company is so good, we can move along with the project. It’s probably the best highway project I’ve seen from Qalat to Spin Boldak’s border; it’s going to be a good road.”Commuters and delivery truck drivers crossing into Afghanistan will not be the only people to benefit from the reconstruction and durability of the new road. The trade-based communities who line the highway also profit. “You can’t drive along this part of highway and not be amazed by the amount of bustling economic activity that is out there,” said Edwards. “With a better road, it will support more traffic and further assist the growth in the area. It will benefit the people of Spin Boldak and extend the development benefits, ultimately bringing stability to the region.” 
AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Blue Platoon Gains Trust and Confidence in Kandahar
Story by Spc. Edward Garibay
An Afghan child shakes hands with Spc. Andrew Shely, a cav scout for 3rd Plt, Mad Dog Troop, 4th Sqdn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt from Vilseck, Germany, during a patrol near Kandahar Airfield, April 14. Shely said that his interaction with the Afghan people is the best part of his deployment.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD - A 2nd Stryker Cav Regt plt is taking COIN tactics to heart, and winning the trust and confidence of communities, while also preventing rocket attacks from harming CF. "The soldiers of 3rd Plt view COIN as more than just eliminating Taliban – they view it as a chance to reach out to people," said Dr. Will Dulaney, human-terrain social scientist for the ISAF RC-S Human Terrain Analysis Team.“The people are really the ones who are going to make a difference,” said 1st Lt. Jordan Bass, plt leader. “We could walk around all day and not find a single rocket, but if the people who are actually on the ground farming feel strongly enough to do something about it, that’s when things really get done. We’re just here to facilitate it.” Third Plt, known as Blue Plt, incorporates the basics of COIN everyday. They take time to get to know villagers in their area on a personal level, and they even hand out flyers with a tip line, so members of the community can report suspicious activity. "The tip line is a great tool, but for it to work, the Afghan people need to trust not only the CF, but also the local govt," said Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Carroll, plt. sgt. for Blue Plt.“Our primary objective is to empower local leaders and the Afghan govt,” said Bass. “We’re here first and foremost to help the people of Afghanistan; we stop rockets second.”Dulaney said that although he’s seen many units implement COIN techniques, Blue Plt is by far the best. “They’ve learned to use COIN to manage their battle space – to render it more predictable,” he said. “The people really trust them, because they’re honorable men.”"One of the main reasons the Afghan community believes in the soldiers is because they treat the villagers with the same respect as they do each other, and show that they understand their culture," said Carroll. “It’s simple southern hospitality,” he said. “If you accept their culture and customs, it shows you’re willing to learn.”Most of Blue Plt. can actually speak basic Pashto, the main language in southern Afghanistan, and some even write Pashto. Dulaney said that simple things like this allow Blue Plt to get the community on their side. It’s the essence of COIN. “These guys – they live the COIN strategy right down to the lowest Soldier,” said Dulaney. “They get it. They understand how it makes their job safer, easier and ultimately gets everybody home in one piece. It’s truly amazing to watch them work.”
An Afghan child waves at 1st Lt. Jordan Bass, plt. leader for 3rd Plt, during a patrol near Kandahar Airfield, April 13.
Afghan children crowd around Sgt. John Davis, a team leader. Davis has a working proficiency of Pashto, and often speaks with children during patrols.
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DVIDS
Afghan Tip Helps Prevent Rocket Attack
Story by Spc. Edward Garibay
An ANP and a U.S. Army Soldier from 3rd Plt, Mad Dog Troop, 4th Sqdn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, from Vilseck, Germany, look at one another while on patrol near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, April 12. The platoon patrols the area near KAF so they can deny insurgents freedom of movement to set up indirect fire attacks.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD – The support of the Afghan people is an important part of COIN and defeating the Taliban. A prime example of this occurred when a tip from an Afghan villager prevented a rocket attack from potentially harming CF on Kandahar Airfield, April 11. The villager reported a group of Taliban setting up an indirect rocket just outside the base, and the soldiers from 3rd Plt., had to race against time to neutralize it. “It was set up with a battery and wires connected to it – it was ready to launch,” said 1st Lt. Jordan Bass, plt. leader.The ANP were first on the scene. They secured the area, indentified the threat, and waited for back up from their Coalition partners. Soon after the 2SCR soldiers arrived, they marked the rocket’s location, and a 500-lb bomb was dropped on the ordnance, destroying it instantly."The mission was a success, but the real victory was for the Afghan govt and its people," said Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Carroll, plt. sgt. “Really we did nothing,” said Bass. “The Afghans did it all - all we did was drop the bomb. What happened here today was an excellent example of what we’re trying to do out here.”Carroll said, "the village elder put out a message just a day before the incident, telling people to inform the police of any suspicious activity. When one of the villagers saw a group of men acting suspiciously in the middle of the night, that’s exactly what he did."
“We're very happy the civilians called us,” said ANP Chief Allahnoor, police chief for a local ANP checkpoint in the area. “I'm sure if they see another rocket they'll call us. I'm very happy about that.”
ANP and a U.S. Army soldier from 3rd Plt., interact with villagers while on patrol near Kandahar Airfield.
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
Patriot Brigade ‘Warriors’ honor fallen infantryman
A memorial stand, recently earned awards and a photo of Army Pfc. Brandon Pickering, a 21-year-old infantryman, assigned to Co C, 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, TF Warrior, are displayed for a memorial service on COP Sayed Abad in Wardak Prov., April 20. Pickering was an asst. machine gunner who died April 10 of a wound he suffered during an enemy engagement in the Tangi Valley of Wardak Prov., April 8.
Capt. Jason Shuff, Co. C cmdr., also reflected upon Pickering as a good Soldier, and a friend who Soldiers could always count on for a laugh. He said Pickering brightened morale, and was always there for those who needed him. “Brandon tried to do what was best at every given task. He never accepted less than accomplishing his task, or accomplishing his mission. He was always ready and always there,” said Shuff. “We honor our brother on this day. We honor his service and sacrifice for the price of not just the freedom of our nation, but for the price of securing his fellow Soldiers to his left and to his right.”
Shuff said, "Pickering was never alone. "Soldiers attended to him during his medical evacuation; family gathered around him in the hospital, and even now, fellow fallen TF Warrior Soldiers Pfc. Devon Harris, Spc. Omar Soltero, Staff Sgt. Chauncy Mays and Spc. Christopher Stark join him on high. Remember Brandon Pickering; remember his service; remember his sacrifice,” said Shuff. “May we honor him in our continued efforts to serve our nation; may God bless him and his family, and may he strengthen this family as we persevere.”Spc. Andrew Bost was Pickering’s teammate on a 2-man gun team for Co. C. Bost compared life to a journey, saying everyone moves from one stage to the next. “Whether it's high school, college or the Army, we will all reflect on the different stages of our lives if we're lucky enough to make it to old age,” said Bost. “‘Pick’ made my life in the Army much better. Pickering’s journey was short – much too short – but he did plenty in that time to be proud of. One of his best qualities was the way he could make people laugh,” continued Bost. “Even in the worst situations, ‘Pick’ could spin anything around, and put a smile on our faces.”"Pickering had a lot of heart," said Bost, "but mostly, he never wanted to let anyone down. When you're part of a 2-man team, you need to have confidence and trust in one another, especially on a gun team. You don’t have ABs (ammo bearers) out here to carry the ammo for us, so it's just up to you 2 to carry the weight,” said Bost. “He would always let me hear about how his bag was heavy, but when it came down to the missions, he would throw the bag on his back and continue on regardless. I had all the confidence in the world in him,” continued Bost. “He knew his job and mine.” Bost described his and Pickering’s last week at an ANA compound in the Tangi Valley. He said that they were on a mission, and whenever they halted for a short time they would “take a knee” and scan for a potential gun position. “In this particular case, we had to cover a large area for our guys who were moving; so, in order to effectively cover them, we had to expose ourselves slightly,” said Bost. “I turned to him and said, ‘How about that spot? It's kind of exposed, but we need to be there.’ He responded with, ‘I'll go wherever you go.’ “That was ‘Pick.’ He would follow any one of us anywhere,” said Bost. “He considered all of us his brothers. ‘Pick,’ we all love and miss you. We'll never forget you, or the positive influence you had on our lives.” “We humbly acknowledge our mortality as humans, but we live boldly with the confidence that our legacy is immortal,” said Rickard during the service for Pickering. “We live in dangerous times and a dangerous place. We serve in harm’s way to allow Afghans to reject international terrorism and its supporters. “We patrol at the periphery of public view, thousands of miles from our loved ones, in an unforgiving arena where we've seen the faces of evil and the horrors of war,” Rickard continued. “We accept our choice to live a dangerous life, so that others may enjoy the freedoms that we so cherish. “Let us never forget our brother-in-arms, Pfc Brandon Thomas Pickering, and his last, full measure of devotion,” continued Rickard. “We are better men today, because of his example, and we move forward with his memory guiding us to always take the high ground. May God bless his family, our TF, and the USA.” Pickering’s awards and decorations include the following: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghan Campaign Medal, with one campaign star; Global War on Terror Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantryman Badge. 1st Sgt. Minos Cashat (right), 1st sgt of Co C, conducts a last roll call.
Sgt. John Henry, TF Warrior ammo NCO, pays respects.
Sgt. Charles Wreath plays taps.
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
TF Lethal, ANSF distribute 6,000 donated coats to rural Afghans
Spc. David Gordy, a member of 1st Bn, 168th Inf Regt, 2nd Bde, 34th ID, TF Lethal, helps a worker from Gardez City, unload a truckload of more than 400 boxes full of coats, hats, gloves and scarves on FOB Gardez, March 7. "Rapport Afghanistan," a U.S. volunteer group that provides comfort supplies to the rural areas of Afghanistan, donated the goods. TF Lethal and their GoA partners later distributed the winter clothing to local Afghans throughout Paktya Prov.
All told, roughly 6,000 coats were distributed to remote Aghan villages, since the drive began last year. “The coats help because many of the homes only have small wood stoves,” said an ANA soldier who helped pass out the coats.
"Rapport Afghanistan," a Minnesota-based org., was founded in 2010 by Shawn Mingus, friend of Lt. Col. Steve Boesen, the TF Lethal cmdr. Earlier that year, when Mingus heard of TF Lethal’s upcoming deployment, he contacted Boesen to ask what kind of support he and his TF needed. Boesen recalled from his previous deployment to Paktya, that many people lived and worked around the mountains without warm clothing. “When I heard him say that, I said, ‘I'm on it!’” said Mingus.
In March 2010, Rapport Afghanistan began with a board of directors consisting of 10 people, one of whom is originally from nearby Khowst Prov., Afghanistan. The group organized volunteers around the U.S. to collect used coats, hats, gloves and scarves from their communities. U.S. Bank pitched in to sponsor coat drives in 5 major U.S. cities, and organized the shipment of donated items to Minneapolis. When Mingus found out where Boesen was going to be stationed, he arranged to have the container delivered directly to his HQ from Minneapolis, a feat that took more than 15 weeks, and plenty of patience. The original delivery date in Jan. was delayed significantly due to the weather and other complications that frequently impact a mountainous combat zone.“Rapport Afghanistan is a great example of outstanding, grass-root support from volunteers in America, who donated time and money for a coat drive to donate warm clothes for the Afghan people who need them,” said Boesen.
ABP hand out coats, blankets, hats and gloves to people in Sultak village, Patan District, April 7. (Photo by Army 2nd Lt. Robert Hansen)
Coats are handed out April 19 to children from Charwazi village, Zormat District. (Photos by Army 2nd Lt. Joel Sage)
Children from Charwazi village try on coats.
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DVIDS
Progress Noted Along the ‘Gateway to Kandahar’
Story by Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
Pfc. Brandon Fender, enabler response team member, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Bde, provides security at a reconstruction project along Highway 4 in Spin Boldak, April 8. The highway is an economic corridor that allows passage from the Weesh crossing, near the Pakistan border, to Kandahar City, and is vital to the trade industry in the south. Fender is deployed from Fort Bragg, N.C.
SPIN BOLDAK - A vital highway reconstruction project to repair stretches of road near the Afghan-Pakistan border is progressing ahead of schedule. Highway 4 is often referred to as the “Gateway to Kandahar.”
“The project is significant because most of the commerce between the 2 countries in the southern region travels along that route,” said Col. James Edwards, 525th cmdr. “It's significant to ISAF because it’s the number 2 ground line of communication. “Many trucks that pass through here are overloaded, because they don’t have any transportation inspectors to inspect the weight of the vehicles,” said Jon Jorgenson, construction rep for the USACE. “Some of these vehicles may be 2 or 3 times the weight of vehicles in the U.S., so the road sank and was unsafe,” the engineer said. Ruts and medians were removed from the highway to expand the the road into 4 lanes in the future, and ease the flow of traffic. “The contractor is moving along very well,” Jorgensen said. “Since the company is so good, we can move along with the project. It’s probably the best highway project I’ve seen from Qalat to Spin Boldak’s border; it’s going to be a good road.”Commuters and delivery truck drivers crossing into Afghanistan will not be the only people to benefit from the reconstruction and durability of the new road. The trade-based communities who line the highway also profit. “You can’t drive along this part of highway and not be amazed by the amount of bustling economic activity that is out there,” said Edwards. “With a better road, it will support more traffic and further assist the growth in the area. It will benefit the people of Spin Boldak and extend the development benefits, ultimately bringing stability to the region.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kurt Bennett, tactical ops officer, enabler security team, secures a reconstruction project along Highway 4.
Sgt. Randy Elmore, team leader, Zombie Response Team, secures a reconstruction project along Highway 4.
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
From West Ranch to West Point's Preparatory School
After replying to his family that he wasn’t going to go, De La Flor put practical joke aside to soak in the good news. The one-year school will academically prepare him for the 4-year U.S. Military Academy, West Point. “It was both very shocking and a relief,” he said. “All my hard work had finally paid off. I worked over 12-hour shifts everyday; the application process was added work that tested my motivation when my work day ended. I was shocked because acceptance to West Point is extremely competitive, and my admission letter arrived later than expected. I figured I didn't make the cut.”“My leadership encouraged me,” De La For said. “I want to aspire to be one of them.” West Point graduate, Capt. Christian Wollenburg, the 525th BSB’s Alpha Co cmdr., and De La Flor’s officer-in-charge, told him to keep goals in mind. He wrote the aim-driven candidate a letter of recommendation, after he gauged the specialist’s sincerity to apply. Wollenburg said that De La Flor’s military intel background includes a lot of research analysis and writing, so it'll be an easier transition for the candidate to get into the academic mindset of the academy. “Once he adjusts, he'll do very well,” said Wollenburg. "He sets a great example for soldiers to pursue something beyond what they see in front of them," Wollenburg added.
Story by Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
Spc. Nicholas De La Flor, intel analyst, stands next to a guard tower at FOB Spin Boldak, April 14. The 21-year old was recently accepted into West Point’s preparatory school, and will begin his studies in July.
SPIN BOLDAK -- An Army specialist meticulously stuffs his rucksack and duffle bag until they are ready to burst at the seams. It wasn’t the first time he packed his bags for his deployment, but this time the task was different – not many people have the opportunity of going home ahead of schedule.Nicholas De La Flor will soon end his enlisted career, and begin the journey of becoming a West Point graduate. “My father got a letter for me in the mail that said I was accepted into West Point’s preparatory program,” said De La Flor. “My parents and sister were freaking out with excitement.”
After replying to his family that he wasn’t going to go, De La Flor put practical joke aside to soak in the good news. The one-year school will academically prepare him for the 4-year U.S. Military Academy, West Point. “It was both very shocking and a relief,” he said. “All my hard work had finally paid off. I worked over 12-hour shifts everyday; the application process was added work that tested my motivation when my work day ended. I was shocked because acceptance to West Point is extremely competitive, and my admission letter arrived later than expected. I figured I didn't make the cut.”“My leadership encouraged me,” De La For said. “I want to aspire to be one of them.” West Point graduate, Capt. Christian Wollenburg, the 525th BSB’s Alpha Co cmdr., and De La Flor’s officer-in-charge, told him to keep goals in mind. He wrote the aim-driven candidate a letter of recommendation, after he gauged the specialist’s sincerity to apply. Wollenburg said that De La Flor’s military intel background includes a lot of research analysis and writing, so it'll be an easier transition for the candidate to get into the academic mindset of the academy. “Once he adjusts, he'll do very well,” said Wollenburg. "He sets a great example for soldiers to pursue something beyond what they see in front of them," Wollenburg added.
After graduating from West Ranch High School, Valencia, Calif., in 2008, he joined the military to serve his country, and gain life experience before pursuing further education. “The military has already exposed me to things I’d otherwise not have the opportunity to see,” he said. “Just being deployed has opened my eyes, and the people I work with are very diverse. You get to know more than what’s going on in your hometown.”De La Flor’s positive outlook and experience as a soldier became a drive that pushed him toward success, as he leaves his enlisted life behind. “Why not go as far as you can try to go, he said. “I want to be a great leader, and would like to branch infantry and pursue a major in computer science, with a minor in foreign language.”There is only one catch he didn’t expect when learned about West Point – basic training is not waved. “I always said I’d go through basic training again, and now get to go through it 2 more times while at school,” said De La Flor, but I’m pumped for it and ready for this new experience.”
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IRAQI STORIES:
DVIDS
‘Longknife’ Squadron Helps Iraqi Oil SECFOR 
Story and photos by Sgt. Richardo Spence 
Members of the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior’s Oil SECFOR (OSF) unload concertina wire at the Dora Oil Refinery, to be used to reinforce security, April 11, 2011 in Baghdad. Soldiers with the 5th Sqdn, 4th Cav Regt, 2nd AAB, 1st ID, helped with the unloading and deployment of the wire during a visit to the refinery; aiding in the defense of a vital piece of Iraq’s oil infrastructure.
BAGHDAD — The Dora refinery is like a city-within-a-city, with a number of investment firms located there, all partnered with the Iraqi MoI. In addition, 12 privately funded fire depts are located in and around the refinery. The whole area is secured by its own special police dept, the Oil SECFOR, whose sole mission is to protect and serve Iraq’s oil refineries, including the one at Dora, and their resident workers. “Oil will always be a big part of Iraq’s infrastructure; therefore we have to provide the best security, because it still is a target for those who want to destabilize our country,” said Col. Ibrahim, cmdr. of the Dora OSF. “This is done by preventing would-be attacks.” Part of deterring and disabling threats to the refinery is implementing defensive measures like concrete barriers, concertina wire, and checkpoints. The “Longknife” Sqdn, during its meeting with the OSF, used its expertise to help set up the concertina wire and other defenses. “Anything that looks out of place won't be allowed though our gates, and will be sent away and thoroughly investigated,” Ibrahim said, adding that he was grateful for the Americans and their help with the defenses.In a brainstorming session over chai with Lt. Col. Matthew Moore, cmdr. of 5th Sqdn., Ibrahim exchanged ideas on the best security, tactics and practices for his unit. Ibrahim also thanked Moore and his soldiers for the assistance in moving and placement of concertina wire at the refinery. “You and your men are our partners, and we're here to help, anytime,” Moore said. Ibrahim, in turn, told Moore that his soldiers were likewise always welcome, though he maintained that his men were up to the task of protecting their piece of Iraq’s vital oil infrastructure. “We'll be sorry to see the Americans go,” he said. “But, it's time, and we are up to the task of taking care of our country.”
Lt. Col. Mathew Moore, left, gives instructions to Staff Sgt. Niall Cooper, center, a cav scout with 5th Sqdn, on where to place concertina wire.
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DVIDS
‘Long Knife’ Soldier Named USD-North 'Soldier of the Quarter'
In preparation for the USD-N Soldier of the Quarter Board, and competing against his junior enlisted peers, Mayora outwitted his fellow 4th AAB troopers in bn. and bde. Soldier of the Month boards.With the help of his senior enlisted leaders from Co C, Mayora set out to exemplify what it means to be an Army soldier. “Mayora is just one of those soldiers that you’re lucky to have the opportunity to work with,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Parkerson, plt. sgt. for 3rd Plt.Parkerson helped Mayora prepare for the academic contests, by testing him and conducting mock boards. “He’s a good soldier,” said Parkerson. “He’s very dedicated, learns quickly, and is able to perform multiple duties here at the PB when we need him.” In addition to his routine duties at PB 6, which include pulling guard duty in a tower, or at the entry control point, Mayora also goes on mounted and dismounted patrols with Iraqi soldiers.
During his “down time”, Mayora studied for the academic boards with the intent of successfully representing his unit. “It feels good to have achieved something like this, and at the same time learn a lot about the U.S. Army,” said Mayora.In late 2009, after earning an associate’s degree in general science, Mayora enlisted to serve in the Army with the goal of becoming a leader. Even though he has only been in the military for 18 months, Mayora believes attaining this kind of knowledge will help him throughout his military career.Mayora said he plans to continue his undergraduate studies in security and intel, attend officer candidate school, and retire as a general officer in the U.S. Army.
Story by Spc. Terence Ewings
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, senior enlisted leader of USD-N and 4th ID, congratulates Pfc. Nicholas Mayora on being named USD-N Soldier of the Quarter, during a ceremony at COB Speicher, March 29, 2011. Mayora serves as an armor crewman with 2nd Bn, 7th Cav Regt, 4th AAB, 1st Cav Div. “All of my NCOs and leaders helped me study and prepare for this, and this is a great achievement that I’m proud of,” said Mayora.
COB MAREZ – Mayora bested other service members from northern Iraq, during a board competition that tested the warrior’s military knowledge, professionalism and Army values.
“It’s great to see the future of the Army in a young soldier like Pfc. Mayora,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Griffith, senior enlisted advisor for the 2nd Bn. “His motivation and drive has gotten him there to be the division Soldier of the Quarter.”Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mayora assists his plt. at the remote installation PB 6, by training and providing security with Iraqi soldiers. “Mayora is willing to go above and beyond what is expected out of the average soldier,” said Griffith. “He’s a great example for other soldiers to emulate.”
“It’s great to see the future of the Army in a young soldier like Pfc. Mayora,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Griffith, senior enlisted advisor for the 2nd Bn. “His motivation and drive has gotten him there to be the division Soldier of the Quarter.”Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mayora assists his plt. at the remote installation PB 6, by training and providing security with Iraqi soldiers. “Mayora is willing to go above and beyond what is expected out of the average soldier,” said Griffith. “He’s a great example for other soldiers to emulate.”
In preparation for the USD-N Soldier of the Quarter Board, and competing against his junior enlisted peers, Mayora outwitted his fellow 4th AAB troopers in bn. and bde. Soldier of the Month boards.With the help of his senior enlisted leaders from Co C, Mayora set out to exemplify what it means to be an Army soldier. “Mayora is just one of those soldiers that you’re lucky to have the opportunity to work with,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas Parkerson, plt. sgt. for 3rd Plt.Parkerson helped Mayora prepare for the academic contests, by testing him and conducting mock boards. “He’s a good soldier,” said Parkerson. “He’s very dedicated, learns quickly, and is able to perform multiple duties here at the PB when we need him.” In addition to his routine duties at PB 6, which include pulling guard duty in a tower, or at the entry control point, Mayora also goes on mounted and dismounted patrols with Iraqi soldiers.
During his “down time”, Mayora studied for the academic boards with the intent of successfully representing his unit. “It feels good to have achieved something like this, and at the same time learn a lot about the U.S. Army,” said Mayora.In late 2009, after earning an associate’s degree in general science, Mayora enlisted to serve in the Army with the goal of becoming a leader. Even though he has only been in the military for 18 months, Mayora believes attaining this kind of knowledge will help him throughout his military career.Mayora said he plans to continue his undergraduate studies in security and intel, attend officer candidate school, and retire as a general officer in the U.S. Army.
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