Hauling mission helps Missouri Guard unit prepare for Afghanistan

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

RAYTOWN - When Soldiers have the opportunity to receive real-world training it makes all the difference in their readiness for future missions. As the 548th Transportation Company in Trenton prepares to deploy to Afghanistan this spring, the company is always looking for ways to make sure their Soldiers are ready. To be able to provide hands-on training when possible is invaluable, and shows the care they take in their Soldiers.

During a recent drill, 31 Soldiers with the 548th TC were able to put their training to good use and perfect their skills for future missions.

Staff Sgt. Lori Acfalle, supply sergeant for the 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Kansas City, needed 10 three-quarter-ton trailers transported from Jefferson City to the field maintenance shop in Raytown.

"We didn't know how to get them here," said Acfalle. "We requested the mission and the 548th came through for us. I was so impressed."

"This is a training mission as we would do in Afghanistan," said Sgt. Donnie Sprague, of Osborn. "Their (110th MEB) need worked well for us. They needed something and we needed something to do."

The Soldiers left Trenton and headed to Jefferson City to pick up the trailers for the 110th MEB. They then traveled to Centertown and spent the night with their detachment. The next morning they finished hauling the trailers to their ultimate destination at the maintenance shop in Raytown.

"It's good training," said Sprague. "This unit always has good training for us."

Anytime troops are deployed there is always concern for safety and preparedness. Every Soldier's goal is to be mission-ready.

"Any hands-on training now will help us over there in Afghanistan," said Sgt. Jamie Conley, of Cameron.

Sprague does not gloss over the fact that his approaching deployment may be dangerous at times, but he takes solace knowing that missions like these prepare him for when duty calls.

"There's less chance of a mistake if you train properly before you go," said Sprague. "A mistake can really cost you over there."

Sprague said that this hauling mission helped the Guardsmen work on keeping good intervals while traveling and making sure the convoy stayed in contact with each other.

Sprague has been with the National Guard for eight years. He is both a truck driver for the National Guard and for MFA Agri Service in Maysville.

Conley has been with the National Guard for two years and has been in the military for a total of 10 years. He is a truck driver for the National Guard and a former truck driver in his civilian career. He currently is a correctional officer at the Crossroads Correctional Facility in Cameron.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.