HOHENFELS, Germany -- For most Soldiers, their first experiences in the military are usually something they won't forget for the rest of their lives. Whether they stay in for their first "tour" or choose it as a long-term career path, almost every single one can sit back and talk about their first year or two with reverie. The same type of reverie that can be spotted in others who, from time to time, reminisce on life's most important twists and turns.
For Pfc. Gerard Valenzuela, a seemingly quiet and reserved, first year combat engineer assigned to the Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, this brand new military journey he has embarked upon; it is interesting as it is eye opening.
"I hit my year mark January 6th and I have been out of boot camp for seven months," said Valenzuela. "This is my first duty station."
The ever-changing weather here in Germany can be a huge surprise for even the most seasoned of veterans already stationed at Rose Barracks. However, when you are brand new to the Army and raised in a state that prides itself on its year round, summer-like weather, these winter seasons can feel as though Mother Nature herself has it out for you.
"I am from San Diego, California, where it is always sunny," said a shivering Valenzuela. "When I left there to go to Ft. Leonard Wood (Missouri,) it was a big change. When I left there and came over here, it got a lot colder!"
Despite the below freezing temperatures at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, located in Hohenfels, and participating in his first field training exercise (Allied Spirit IV,) Valenzuela continues to motivate those around him while demonstrating a constant willingness to learn, according to his acting squad leader, Sgt. Christopher Kriegshauser, also a combat engineer with the RES.
"Valenzuela is a great Soldier and at no time have I ever had to get on him about getting work done," said Kriegshauser. "He's always the first one up, always the first one ready and always the first one coming to me asking me what can he do to accomplish the mission."
The fact that Valenzuela is a hard worker doesn't go unnoticed by those around him. Even though he was borrowed from another platoon, his fellow Troopers still joke around with him showing an acceptance that signifies a brotherhood. The type of brotherhood primarily built under strenuous conditions amongst Soldiers.
"He's actually not even in our platoon. We assumed him from another platoon before even coming down here to Hohenfels," said Kriegshauser. "He's a really great kid and I would love to keep him. I hope we do."
None of this is lost on Valenzuela, who plans on staying in for the foreseeable future and comes across as very thankful for the opportunities that the Army has provided him while continuing to grow and learn as a Soldier.
"I like that we are always doing some kind of training and we are always doing something hands on," said Valenzuela. "Throughout these six or seven months, I've learned a lot."
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