 Military News
What is not apparent is the Soldier who has only been working with the refueling team for about a month and is learning to become a petroleum specialist through on-the-job training. The bright-eyed, young Spc. Theresa Welsh, of Harrisburg, Pa., was not slotted to work at the FARP during her deployment in Iraq. Originally, she was a logistics specialist. But when Riflestock needed more Soldiers to help complete the refueling mission, FARP personnel reached out to the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade for extra Soldier support. Not wanting to "be stuck in an office" and wanting to "see the action," Welsh said she answered the call to work at the Baghdad refueling point. Which is exactly what she does. Welsh has a hand in every aspect of the refueling process from standing by with fire extinguishers as a fireguard, hooking up the hose and refueling the aircraft, operating the fuel truck to using her logistics background by filing and tracking paperwork. "It's a good learning experience," she said. "You get to meet tons of people and learn a lot about the job." Assisting with her on-the-job training, Staff Sgt. Brian Pierce, of Hershey, Pa., said Welsh has a high comprehension level and learned the different jobs quickly. "We have to slow her down," he said. "She's a get up and go type person." Working as the first shift leader, Pierce has had many opportunities to assist and observe Welsh as she has learned the refueling craft. "She wants to get on every bird," said Pierce about Welsh's enthusiasm to work. "Across the board she is an outstanding Soldier, and I hope to have five or ten more have her." When Welsh returns to the states, she plans to attend school to re-class from a logistics specialist and officially become a petroleum specialist. |
