Comments on: Now taking requests…

By: SGM Troy Falardeau

SGM Troy Falardeau — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:38:43 +0000

Janice — that is an interesting subject. There are many books, films, studies and research journal articles that have explored the bonds that Soldiers develop in a combat environment. Although our unit was never in a battle, we exhibited some of the same things that those type of units develop. For instance, I could see bonding among Soldiers, and also the development of group norms. Individuals who did not follow those norms may have sometimes felt they were “outsiders.” As the senior NCO in the unit, I can tell you that I felt it myself, so I suppose that means that no one was immune to it. And what did I do? In one instance, I went directly to a younger soldier to ask for assistance, and this caused some havoc because her first-line leader had assigned her a different mission at the same time. When I realized what I had done, I apologized to the leader and told him it was a good lesson to be reminded of — the chain of command is an important structure in a military unit and it goes both up and down.

Along with norm development, I also saw Soldiers taking on roles as caregivers to others. When a Soldier was alone, got bad news from back home, feeling ill, or in a funk, it seemed that there was always someone there to lend an ear or a helping hand. As we prepare for going home to who knows what kind of economy and job market, I have tried to do my part to help my Soldiers by encouraging them to do things to protect themselves financially (filling out job applications, looking for military tours in the United States, beefing up their resumes, etc.).

I hope that answered some of your request.

By: D Sharp

D Sharp — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:45:15 +0000

Pics of the group and/or individuals enjoying the lighter side and or relaxing.

By: Janice

Janice — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:55:33 +0000

I found your blog today through milblogging on Twitter. So far, I love it.

Could you please talk about the friendships and the closeness between the people in your unit. Serving for such a long time in one place and on one mission, how hard will it be to come home and be separated from them?

Thank you. Please stay safe.

By: karaka

karaka — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:01:52 +0000

How about a sunset picture? new spin on the old cheese factor.

By: miskymom5

miskymom5 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:45:18 +0000

A group picture would be nice to see and it would be nice to have for the memory book.

By: MikeM

MikeM — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:42:11 +0000

…can’t tell you how many times I began to fill up this reply block only to erase it - feel like a kid given 1 golden wish by a genie… okay.. here…
if I wanted to make more of a difference even after you all have come back, what would you and your “people in the field” say? What’s the first thing that jumps out of soldiers’ lips when you ask them that? More air-conditioning? Top Chef should revamp the food? Kathy Griffin? What? What worked over there?…
….geesh!…OKAY!… Fine. I’ll settle for a chocolate bar and a pic of you stepping off the plane.
Stay lite ‘n frosty, dude! Finding this site by accident already has changed my life. I hope I can pass it forward a little more.

By: SGM Troy Falardeau

SGM Troy Falardeau — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:10:10 +0000

Great…..that request allows me to taste test EVERYTHING in the DFAC!

By: SGM Troy Falardeau

SGM Troy Falardeau — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:09:12 +0000

Ally — a few months ago I did two blogs like that….showed some of the places we work, as well as a “tour” of my 12×12 living space! Check it out. However, there are some pictures on their way of a few other locations….

By: Ally

Ally — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:21:20 +0000

I’d love to see some every day stuff - like the bunks - laundry - mess - where you shave - that sort of thing. Or maybe the coffee shrine, err pot(s), etc. Thanks for the offer!

By: 1SG Martinez

1SG Martinez — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:52:19 +0000

I would like to see a picture of and read a humorous commentary about your favorite dish at the DFAC. I too will take requests, if you feel so inclined.