BAGHDAD - Spc. Robert Rizer, an infantryman, works in the Command Information Center (CIC) as a brigade radio telephone operator (RTO) for Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Joint Security Station War Eagle north of Baghdad.
Although ensuring the safety of Soldiers on patrol and conducting radio checks are really important parts of Rizer's job, it is not the only one he has. This 22 year-old from Coshocton, Ohio is lucky enough to be one of the drivers for Sioux Falls, S.D. native, Col. Tobin Green, commander of the "Ironhorse" Brigade.
While the Army has been a big part of his life for the past three years, he has never let it overtake how much his wife and son mean to him.
"No matter how busy I am, at the end of the day I always have time to call and talk to my wife and kid," Rizer said about the relationship between his family and the Army.
What is your dream vacation that you want to take your family on'
"When I get back from this deployment, I am going to take my wife and son to Florida. We are going to visit Walt Disney World, the Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Universal Studios, Bush Gardens and then to the beach to watch the dolphins. I don't mean the professional football team either. It's really cool, there is this bridge down in Tampa that if you drive down it, the dolphins will sort of chase the cars. It's really neat to watch. This will also be the first time either of them has been."
What do you do to relieve stress'
"I go running or to the gym and lift weights. I also sit in my room and watch movies. I love the classic horror movies. Or I call my wife and son on Skype. It's been great for this deployment. It has both sight and sound, so I get to talk and see them. It's great."
Growing up, what was your favorite game'
"Monopoly. I started playing it when I was about eight years old. I like it so much they almost put me in Monopoly rehab. Not really, but I do enjoy it quite a bit."
What is your biggest pet peeve'
"People who can't pronounce or spell words correctly! It annoys me more than anything else. I won't lie; I don't always spell or pronounce words correctly. When I do it, it annoys me too. It's more when people do it constantly, and with the same words!"
What is your favorite childhood memory'
"Seeing my dad come home from Desert Storm, I was about four or five years old. My dad was gone for a real long time. Well, what felt long to a four or five year old boy. I remember going to the airport and sitting in the waiting area. As soon as I saw him, he had this giant smile on his face. He was also glowing, excited to see us too. It was just a great memory!"
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