Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Diane Smith

As requested by some of my readers I will be incorporating small Soldier features into the Updates page.  Since a few questions were addressed directly to me, I will start the Soldier feature with myself and do other Soldiers in the future.

This January marks my sixth year in the Army.  My first duty station was in Camp Humphreys, Korea.  I have deployed twice to Iraq, and am currently supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 

My official military occupational specialty is 92A - Automated Logistical Specialist.  When I first got to Ft. Drum, I was assigned to D Company Tech Supply.  In that position, I issued out aircraft parts, turned in aircraft parts, ordered parts, and maintained accountability - amongst many other tasks required for the job.  I deployed to COB Speicher, Iraq with D Company last year.  When we lost our noncomissioned officer I took over his position and was in charge of eight other Soldiers in the same rank - many of them with more years in the Army than myself.  In May 2010, my knowledge was requested for the unit public affairs position available.  Quite literally, I was in Tech Supply one day and moved to HHC the next day to do the UPAR job.  I am currently up for promotion to sergeant on Jan. 1.

Many people inquire why I am always smiling so big.  In truth, I am an optimistic at heart and love living life to the fullest.  Don't get me wrong, I have my days just like everyone else.  Overall, though, I am just a happy person.  I am a perfectionist when it comes to any job I do so I always seek to learn as much as I can and do as much as I can.  You never know where life is going to take you and what will come in handy later on in life.  I live my life always thinking, "Go big!"  That is enough to make me smile.

Keep Soldiers in mind.  Is there a particular Soldier you would like to learn more about in a Soldier feature?  Contact me and let me know!