New 'Dagger' Soldiers pitch in while exploring Junction City

By Chad L. SimonDecember 21, 2016

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Phyllis Fitzgerald (left), Junction City vice mayor takes a selfie Nov. 20 with (from left to right) Pvt. Justin Dickerson, Pvt. Jacob Ball, Pvt. Asher Baca, Pvt. Romeo Aguillon, all assigned to the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

A group of four Soldiers new to Fort Riley ventured to Junction City Nov. 20 to explore their new surroundings when they were mistaken as volunteers that were helping Phyllis Fitzgerald, the city's vice mayor, in decorating the city for the holiday season.

The Soldiers had an hour before their movie started, so they agreed to help.

"They didn't have a whole lot of people helping them, so why not help out?" said Pvt. Jacob Ball, Company B, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. "It is good to help around the community to put a good name out for the Army."

Ball and Pvt. Asher Baca, Pvt. Justin Dickerson and Pvt. Romeo Aguillon helped as much as they could before seeing the movie "Doctor Strange" which started showing when the four privates were at basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

"We ended up staying and helping out," said Dickerson, Co. B, 1st Bn, 18th Inf. Regt. "I think we helped with five or six light poles."

The four Soldiers credit their drill sergeants for encouraging them to be helpful and active in the community when they can.

"Our drill sergeants always told us to do the right thing; that was something that was instilled in us," Dickerson said. "They stressed not to put a bad representation of the Army, and always help when help is needed."

Fitzgerald, a retired Army chief warrant officer, also noticed the military training in the four new, sudden volunteers.

"I think it goes to show their leadership and upbringing," the vice mayor said. "I was impressed to see them venture out I am grateful to have met them."

As a way of giving back to the Soldiers, Fitzgerald invited the four privates to attend a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.

"I had been to school plays, but nothing like that," Ball said. "That was a really good play. I enjoyed it quite a bit."

As the holiday season passes, Fitzgerald and the Soldiers plan to continue the volunteer relationship they formed.

"I plan to stay involved in Junction City and helping the vice mayor," said Aguilon, Co. C, 1st Bn., 18th Inf. Regt. "Usually, she lets us know in advance what is going on."

Though Soldiers are new to the Flint Hills region of Kansas, they say they have come to enjoy the small-town feel of the area.

A native of Las Vegas, Aguillon said, "I like going to Junction City. It is very different from a big city. It is nice, calm and quiet. They always say 'Thank you for your service.' They seem to have very high moral toward people in the military."

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