When Spc. Jason Eskritt deployed with the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in April, his goal was to keep a low profile and not draw much attention to himself.
Eskritt, never one to bask in the spotlight, figured he would go to work daily, do his job and return to Fort Knox in nine months after performing his duties as an information systems operator-analyst in support of the Joint Sustainment Command--Afghanistan.
But unbeknownst to Eskritt, his co-workers and supervisors were paying special attention to him, particularly his work ethic and special abilities.
A skilled artist and graduate of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Eskritt's doodling around the office caught the attention of others and led to his being tasked with the duty of painting a mural in the 3rd ESC's compound at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
"Someone ratted me out," said Eskritt jokingly when asked of his tasking to paint the mural. "I was laying low and everything was going great, then someone pointed at me and the job was mine."
Never one to back away from helping others, he obliged in September to painting the mural, which he finished recently. Although painting the mural wasn't his idea, Eskritt said he's been pleased with the responses he's received regarding his work thus far.
"It was nerve wracking for a bit," said Eskritt. "It was cool though, once it started taking form and everyone started noticing. Overall, everyone likes it."
Eskritt began his drawing as a child after a push from his mother to develop his creativity. This blossomed into a full-fledged hobby, which led to advanced placement in art classes while in high school, and eventually an Associates Degree in Media Arts and Animation.
After graduating from high school in 1997, he decided to join the Army and completed a five-year stint as an information systems operator-analyst. Upon completion of his military service, he took a year to travel and then began taking college courses.
Upon graduating college, he and a buddy began a freelance design business, putting to use what he had learned and studied for years.
"It was fun and nice to have someone to bounce ideas off," said Eskritt.
After some time doing what he loved, Eskritt rejoined the Army in 2008 and has been a member of the 3rd ESC since. Those working with him say that he brings a lot of different skills to the table.
"In today's Army, you often meet Soldiers who are well educated and have different skill sets. Specialist Eskritt is no different," said Sgt. Antwoine Robinson, Eskritt's direct supervisor. "Many of us within the command felt that he would be a great choice to paint the mural, and by the looks of everything, he was."
Upon returning to Fort Knox, Eskritt said he plans to finish his military service and begin his next endeavor as an artist. He said he plans to complete his Bachelors Degree in Media Arts and Animation and create his own comic strip.
While his future plans may not include the Army, Eskritt said that he is appreciative of everything he has learned along the way and has deemed his current deployment a success.
He said that since completing the mural, he's been receiving requests from fellow Soldiers and co-workers for artwork. Even though his profile is now blown, he said he's always happy to do things for others.
"I really don't mind doing projects for others," said Eskritt. "It's fun for me."
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