Soldier Takes Pride In Seven Deployments
(April 28, 2009) |
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Army Sgt. 1st Class Class Trevino L. Copeland, a Multinational Division Baghdad supply sergeant, is serving the seventh deployment of his Army career. Courtesy photo |
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BAGHDAD, April 23, 2009 – A Multinational
Division Baghdad supply sergeant here knows a thing or two
about deploying. He's serving the seventh deployment of his
Army career, his fifth since 2001. Sgt. 1st Class Trevino L. Copeland, a native
of Lincoln, Neb., enlisted in July 1990 as an infantryman.
His last five deployments have been with the 82nd Airborne
Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team. This is his third
deployment to Iraq, and he also has deployed twice to
Afghanistan.
Prior to becoming a supply specialist, Copeland was deployed
as an infantryman in support of Operation Desert Storm in
1991, where he served with the now-inactive 24th Infantry
Division. Copeland also deployed in support of efforts in
Bosnia while assigned with the 1st Armored Division.
For this 36-year-old paratrooper, the Army experience has
been a sacrifice. The deployments have been hard on him, he
admitted, but he added that he's proud to be a solider and
of serving when his country needed him most. |
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"For the country's freedom, this is just a small sacrifice
for a better and secure future," Copeland said. "To be
involved in this generation's most significant events, and
look back one day and say that I was a part of it really
makes me proud."
Copeland had a brief break in service before rejoining the
Army in 2000 and becoming a supply specialist. As a supply
specialist serving in Iraq, Copeland is responsible for
ordering and accounting for thousands of dollars worth of
equipment. He works with local vendors in Iraq to ensure his
unit has all the necessary equipment it needs to be
effective in combat.
Copeland has seen the change in security and the recent
gains across Iraq over the past few years. He witnessed some
of the heaviest fighting in the war during his deployment to
Fallujah, Iraq, in 2003 and 2004.
"There is a big difference from back then until now," he
said. "The Iraqis are taking the lead, and we are just here
to assist them."
Copeland's family has a history of military service. His
grandfather served during World War I, where he was
seriously wounded and lost a leg. His brother served in the
Marine Corps.
Following his deployment, Copeland said, he plans to retire
from military service and hopes to pursue a bachelor's
degree and continue serving his country as a civilian.
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By Army Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea
Multinational Division Baghdad, 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team public affairs office
Special to American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2009
Reprinted
from American
Forces Press Service / DoD
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