BAGHDAD, Iraq - "Throughout the course of history, America has endured through every campaign tasked and have fought and prevailed for the greater good," said Spc. Bobby Gladney, of Forward Support Company, 890th Engineer Battalion.
Gladney, a seven year veteran with the Mississippi National Guard from D' Iberville, Miss., served his first deployment to Iraq with the 890th Engineer Battalion in 2003. He said it instilled a sense of pride in him even though the living environment and times were rough, though admittedly, he did not know what to expect or even if he would to return to his family.
Upon his return home, Gladney decided he was hanging up his uniform. When the time came to reenlist, he did not immediately sign back up, but after hearing the 890th Eng. Bn. was deploying again, he felt an obligation to deploy. After taking some time to consider what he would be giving up and with the support of his mother and now fiancAfAe, Ginger Sonier, he decided to re-enlist.
"I could not bear the thought of my battle buddies answering the call from our (Nation) and not being there to pitch-in and complete the missions assigned to us," said Gladney.
Working in the motor pool as a construction equipment mechanic, Gladney has gained new experience and knowledge learning to repair the new mine resistant ambush protected vehicles. The MRAPs are a series of route clearance vehicles the 890th Eng. Bn. uses to clear Baghdad's road.
"Specialist Bobby Gladney is a colorful Soldier and is committed to his duty. He is respectful and his humor helps keep moral up in the motor pool as well in the unit," said Gladyney's squad leader, Sgt. Ashley Almont.
Gladney's mother, Cheryl, of Biloxi Miss., supported his decision to re-enlist and has prayed for her son throughout both of his deployments.
"I believe her words and pride are what got me through the tough times; even though she was concerned she never showed it in her words," stated Gladney.
His mother's prayers and the support that Gladney received from family helped him through the loss of his father to a stroke during his current deployment.
"I knew he would've wanted me to continue with my mission, so I stayed to continue on. My family got me through the tough times; therefore, I'm serving this time for my father and my country."
Although he has faced adversity in the past, Gladney eagerly anticipates his future.
"The deployment has been rough on my two children, but their mother explained to them where I am and why I'm over here. I think having a supportive relationship while being deployed is very important and I'm thankful for my mother and fiancAfAe. I'm looking forward to getting married and catching up with the time I lost with my family and friends."
During his spare time, Gladney is preparing to become a small business owner once he returns home to D' Iberville.
"I enjoy creating drawings and stories for and with my battle buddies," said Gladney. "My dream is to become a cartoon artist and produce short stories and movies. I have purchased several books on owning a small business. The training and responsibilities I have received during my Army career have given me the confidence and knowledge that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to."
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