Photo By Sgt. Zach Zuber | Soldiers from the 1168th Transportation Company transport an FMTV (Family of Medium...... read more read more
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Following in the family footsteps
by Sgt. Zachary Zuber
FAIRFIELD, Iowa—Staff Sgt. Greg Bell, a squad leader with Co. A, Field Support Company, 224th Engineer Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard based in Fairfield, Iowa, always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a truck driver.
However, he never wanted to drive as a full-time career. Bell was able to accomplish this goal with help from his family 13 years ago.
“I always had the ambition to be a truck driver,” Bell said. “Being a truck driver and being gone so much, my family talked me into joining the National Guard so I could be a truck driver and not be away from home as frequently.”
According to Bell, a Tipton, Iowa native, the education he’s received over his military career has assisted him in his civilian occupation.
“As a truck driver in the National Guard, the experience I received was able to carry over to my civilian job as a bridge crew operator with Cedar County,” Bell said. “The Department of Transportation recognized my military experience to obtain my commercial driver’s license, which is a prerequisite in being hired by the county.”
Each Soldier’s military career can consist of challenges they must overcome to be successful. Bell is no exception.
As part of the Iowa National Guard’s recent reorganization process, the primary mission of Bell’s company will be shifting in another direction.
“Our transportation assets are currently being transferred to Nebraska,” Bell said. “Alpha Company’s focus will be changing to fueling operations. I was able to select three preferences into which I can transfer to.”
Bell has decided he will reclassify as a petroleum fuel handler so he can stay with his company, which will still be located in Fairfield.
“I could have transferred to another unit to remain a truck driver, but the location of the units were rather unreasonable from where I live,” said Bell.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2016 16:25 |
| Story ID: | 193555 |
| Location: | JOHNSTON, IA, US |
| Hometown: | TIPTON, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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