How appropriate that I wrote about rank yesterday. This morning the 314th PAOC was able to give two of our soldiers a little bit more privilege (and tax-free money in their pockets) when they were promoted — in front of our unit and visiting soldiers from the Army Reserve Affairs Office from FOB Victory. And a few weeks ago, another was promoted.

Our newly promoted soldiers are SGT Kade Miller, whose promotion was effective 5 December 2008 (he’ll get some nice back pay), SPC Brittany Gardner, and PFC James “Craig” Clifton. Pictures from the promotion ceremony today will be posted on this blog entry within a few days…but we didn’t want to wait to share the good news with family, friends…and the world.

SGT Miller has done a great job of keeping our multiple vehicles riding down the severely damaged roads of Baghdad (I think the pothole is the official logo of the city). I don’t think it is a security violation to say that the SUVs, vans and trucks that are in our inventory has seen better days — but he has given them new life. He’s also done a lot of work to support our friends in the 126th PAOC as they head home.

SPC Gardner has also been a great asset since our arrival. She’s a member of our 2nd shift escort drivers, charged with movement of people, meals and a variety of other items around the city in the aforementioned vehicles. She seems to know all the popular places in town — former palaces, tourist sites (can you have tourists in a combat zone?), and dining facilities. Of course, she also knows shortcuts to get back to the tents or CPIC when roads get shut down as Iraqi and U.S. government officials are on their way to important meetings.

And — my apologies for not mentioning this previously– we have a new private first class in the unit as well. The former PV2 James “Craig” Clifton was promoted just before our departure from Fort Dix. PFC Clifton has the honor of serving as our units guidon bearer…a job that literally puts him front and center in every formation. He does it professionally and with great pride — and makes all of us look good.

A big Hooah to all three of them!

Hopefully we will be able to announce more promotions in the near future. Keep checking in for more information.