Site Essentials
- » Site Introduction
- » Comment Policy
- » Stryker Brigade 101
- » FAQ
- » Thank The Troops
- » Support Our Site
- » Contact Us
- » Terms & Conditions
In Memoriam
Browse Archives
Search Archives
Subscribe to SBN
Browse Our Shop
Awards
by Spc Timothy Tamburello, 138th MPAD
MOSUL, Iraq (September 11, 2006) -For the Soldiers of the 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, the phrase “365 and a wake-up” was commonly used throughout their deployment. It didn’t matter how long the unit had actually been there or how long they had left, this was one of the ways they dealt with the stress of being in a potentially dangerous environment away from their loved ones.
“When it comes to being away from family and friends, everyday feels like a year,” said Spc. Richard Vogt Jr., print journalist, 138th MPAD. “To countdown the days, especially at the beginning of the deployment, is silly. You have to stay focused on your mission and realize that eventually we’re going to make it home.”
A year of being away from friends and family back home can be tormenting, but the Soldiers in this unit were able to find support in each other by building strong friendships and bonds.
The 138th MPAD is not a typical unit that you would see deployed in theater. These Soldiers in this unit met for the first time while being mobilized to Fort Dix, N.J., for training. Others were actually introduced to the unit while the unit had already deployed to Mosul, Iraq.
Although this was the first combat deployment for everyone assigned to the 138th MPAD, the unit hit the ground running and provided excellent support to units and events in the northern Ninewah province of Iraq.
“I did not really know what to expect when we first arrived here [Iraq],” said 1st Lt. R. Vann Graves, media operations officer, 138th MPAD. “I did know though, that we had a job to do and we were prepared to do it.”
While deployed to Iraq the 138th MPAD has served under three different task forces of Multi National Division-North.
Upon arriving to Mosul the 138th replaced the 366th MPAD as the Task Force Freedom’s Public Affairs Office. While supporting the task force and the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, each Soldier of the 138th MPAD was awarded the combat spur.
For the majority of the deployment, the 138th MPAD served under Task Force Band of Brothers (101st Airborne Division) as the northernmost PAO contingent working mainly with elements of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and developing a close professional relationship with them.
“We learned a lot of things from the 172nd SBCT. They were very professional and were willing to give us whatever we needed to help support the good things they were doing here,” said Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, print journalist, 138th MPAD.
With the departure of the 101st Airborne Div. and the arrival of Task Force Lighting (25th Infantry Division) the 138th MPAD has yet to add another chapter in it’s book supporting another task force.
This is where the train stops for the Soldiers of the 138th MPAD.
The incoming task force marks the beginning of the end for these public affairs Soldiers. With battle hardened skills and a renowned reputation, the Soldiers of the 138th MPAD are ready to pass on their expertise to the incoming Soldiers of the 5th MPAD.
Although this deployment is marked by the hard work, persistence and efforts of the 138th MPAD Soldiers, there were also the times when the Soldiers had some time off to kick back and forget about work for a while.
When all is said and done, the 138th MPAD has accomplished the mission. The proof though is in the outstanding work that they have done throughout their deployment. The unit has preformed efficiently, effectively and persisted, with high quality work. The 138th MPAD will surely live on as one of the greats in the public affairs community.