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July 4, 2012 - Sgt. Jeremiah Hampton, a sniper team leader with
Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 508th
Parachute Infantry Regiment finds time for a smile during a convoy
in Zharay district, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Hampton is known
to many soldiers for having an upbeat and laid-back attitude.
Courtesy Photo
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ZHARAY PROVINCE, Afghanistan (07/26/2012) - A sniper by trade, a
carpenter by hobby, a construction worker since youth but a soldier
none the less. Sgt. Jeremiah C. Hampton, a sniper team leader with
Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company is known by
many titles.
“People have called me many things, good and
bad, because I'm that guy that will step in and try to take charge,”
Hampton said.
During a recent mission, Hampton took charge to
help when vehicles in a convoy became stuck near Combat Outpost
Salim Aka. Soldiers laughed when they saw Hampton run up to one of
the bulldozers and pull out the inexperienced driver who buried the
dozer in the mud
“Our leaders did the best they could to
direct the drivers,” he said, “but this was one of those situations
where an experienced equipment operator can help dictate a different
situation.”
His unit, Scout Plt., HHC, 1st Battalion, 508th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, is very familiar with his easy-going
personality. The unit knows that when things need to be done,
especially driving equipment and carpentry projects, Hampton doesn't
hesitate to get things started.
“I have been driving
heavy-equipment for six years,” Hampton said. “I have also worked
and been around construction and carpentry since I was 13-years-old,
so I know a lot about those things.”
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Talking about driving
heavy equipment sparked an old memory that he recalled as if it just
happened.
“When I was a specialist at Fort Campbell, I helped pull
out roughly 60 trucks with a bulldozer when our sister
unit's trucks got stuck in a vehicle staging area after it
rained for a week straight,” he said. “You can't blame
anyone because it was Mother Nature's doing.”
Hampton is also called his unit's unofficial carpenter since
he takes charge in nearly every construction project
wherever he goes. His work around Combat Outpost Salim Aka
is appreciated by his fellow soldiers.
“With the help
of other soldiers here, I built the guard towers, a
shower-hut, restroom facility and shade areas,” Hampton
said. “I try to help the soldiers maintain positive
attitudes as they continue to work hard to complete
missions.”
He said it's unfortunate that his title of
a sniper, which he is most proud of, isn't frequently used
because he performs other duties for his unit. Units often
need to fill positions with a body no matter what the
soldier's trade or training.
“I haven't had the
opportunity to pull my sniper-rifle out since being at COP
Salim Aka,” he continued.
Hampton is from Milton,
Fla., a small town outside of Pensacola. He joined the Army
in 1996 and served until 2002 when he left the military to
work at a family business. After joint decision with his
wife of 11 years, Ericka Hampton, with whom he has a
5-years-old daughter, he rejoined the Army in 2008.
“Even though I can't act as a sniper right now, I
re-enlisted so obviously I enjoy my military career.”
Hampton stated that above all else, he appreciates the
fact that no matter the task or mission, there is always
help from fellow soldiers to get things accomplished.
By Army Spc. Tyler Meister
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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