Company B, 14th Engineers 'Rugged' Heads for Iraq
[About the Composite Battalion]
Story & Photos by SGT Charles Ames - Posted Sep, 2003
As Operation Iraqi Freedom began to take shape, commanders at every level began to discuss who would participate, and from which posts critical units and assets would be drawn. A number of units were drawn from I Corp, headquartered on Fort Lewis. Among them were the men of the Company B, 14th Engineer Battalion, commanded by CPT Shane O'Donnell of University Place WA.
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The 14th Engineers is a "composite" unit and includes a company of Washington Army National Guardsmen. The National Guard must meet the same standards as their active duty counterparts. However, the mobilization process of most reserve component forces takes weeks or months. Because of their unique relationship with their active duty parent unit, Bravo Company had their equipment loaded on ships and was ready to leave within 4 days, on the same time schedule as the rest of the battalion.
The battalions motto is Gong Mu Ro - Korean for Duty - but these Engineers are fonder of their unit's unofficial nickname Rugged, which they shout out about as often as that most favored of all-purpose Army expressions Hooah! Like 'Hooah', amongst these soldiers 'Rugged' has come to mean "I understand", or "can-do", or "mission accomplished". It's an expression of the warrior spirit that imbues these tough soldiers, and highlights their unit's capabilities.
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Of course, these Guardsmen are "citizen soldiers" just as like the rest of the Washington Nation Guard, and SPC Darric Lowery is no exception. He is a landscape construction manager on the civilian side and handles irrigation and builds ponds. He manages a crew of landscapers and, like many in the unit, also operates heavy equipment. When asked how the deployment is affecting him, he says, Its always been in the back of my mind. It kind of caught me by surprise, but our unit has prepared us for it." SPC Lowery was married one month ago, but says his wife understands his mission and has been quite supportive. The Loweys will not be able to celebrate their honeymoon until his mission is accomplished in the Gulf.
Another Engineer-Guardsman experiencing well supported by the home front is SGT Harley Van Eaton. During his drill weekends he is an Engineer Section Leader, but in his "day job" he holds the title of Director of Public Works for the scenic town of Eatonville. The town has supported me wonderfully. He believes himself to be in a fortunate position and considers himself as ready as he can be. We have some outstanding resources here in this unit. We get on task, we identify the job, and we accomplish it. We are busier than most Guard units in the nation. I believe this to be an elite Army National Guard unit right here at Fort Lewis.
Shortly before their deployment overseas Governor Locke visited Camp Murray, and, together with Major General Lowenberg, personally thanked the members of this prestigious and unique unit for their sacrifice.
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The Guardsmen of Company B, and their active duty brothers have been in Iraq since early summer of 2003, working under the command of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, and proving that their battalion well deserves their nickname... "Rugged"!
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