The 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, "Bulldogs" have been working diligently to build upon the existing security, safety measures and living conditions at Joint Security Station Jenkins since arriving in late April 2010.
With Capt. Michael Scott and 1st Sgt. Craig Collins in the lead, Soldiers are committed to making JSS Jenkins secure for their Iraqi partners and themselves.
Since the transfer of partnership with 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, leaders and Soldiers have continued the work to successfully identify, defend and defeat the enemy with their Iraqi counterparts.
"We share a compound with our Iraqi partners, and together we are improving our quality of life and force protection measures every day," said Cpl. Garrett Huitt, a heavy forklift operator, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FAR, a native of Big Spring, Texas.
The Bulldogs have gone to great lengths to improve their quality of life. Most recently, the Morale Welfare and Recreation facility has been given a much needed make over. Soldiers now have the ability to use web cameras and headsets to stay in touch with their loved ones. This new capability is not available in other outlying MWR facilities.
"The upgrade in the MWR tent was something we needed. It makes it easier to stay in touch with family and loved ones back home, which is a big morale boost," said 1st Lt. Joseph Gratton, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, 3rd Platoon leader, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FAR.
Over the course of the year, the Bulldogs will continue to partner with the Iraqi Security Forces at every opportunity to increase their operational capabilities.
And, as they continue to improve on the situation, they understand that the mission focuses on supporting development of Iraqi civil capacity, as well as training, advising and assisting the ISF, said Scott.
Yet, in order to accomplish their goals, they have to be ready to face their missions, and happy, rested Soldiers are focused, ready Soldiers.
"The conditions in which we live are improving every day, which in turn has improved morale," said Staff Sgt. Charles Paris, howitzer section chief, a native of Denver, Colo., Battery B.
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