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In Uniform (March 3, 2017)

Published 1:30 am Friday, March 3, 2017

By Herald Staff

In Uniform (March 3, 2017)
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In Uniform (March 3, 2017)
Capt. Brandon Myers (left), of Snohomish, and 1st. Sgt. Frederick Wahlgren case the 176th Engineer Company guideon during the Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at Camp Buerhing, Kuwait, on Dec. 12. This action signifies the completion of the mission and the transfer of authority to the 1156th Engineer Company of the New York National Guard. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Valentina Aguilar)
Engineer soldiers of the 176th Engineer Company, 863rd Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade construct offices for incoming flight line personnel in a remote Iraq camp. The unit recently completed a nine-month deployment. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Valentina Aguilar)

National Guard unit returns to Snohomish

CAMP BUERHING, Kuwait — After nearly nine months supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, the 176th Engineer Company returned to a “welcome home” ceremony Dec. 31 in Tacoma. Soldiers were then given up to 90 days of leave to reintegrate to civilian life.

The unit arrived in Kuwait in mid-April 2016.

“Our mission on this deployment was to construct all vertical force protection and life support throughout the entire area of operation in Iraq,” said Capt. Brandon Myers, of Snohomish, in a U.S. Army Reserve story.

Soldiers built offices and living spaces for soldiers, made repairs and maintained facilities, among many other projects.

Upon arrival, the unit first had to figure out how to resource materials to complete their projects in remote locations.

“We overcame our challenges by reclaiming materials from abandoned forward operating bases,” Myers said.

One of their most notable projects was the construction of the Multi-National Joint Operations Center at Task Force Al-Taqaddum, helping coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to monitor the fight against ISIS.

ACTIVE DUTY

Army Sgt. Michael S. Cynkar has deployed overseas in support of Atlantic Resolve in eastern Europe, designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

Cynkar is a 2012 graduate of Marysville Pilchuck High School.

RESOURCES

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: The nonprofit provides interest-free loans and grants for emergency and unexpected financial needs for active duty, retired military and their family members. Programs include budget counseling, financial education, nurse home visits, and more. NMCRS Everett is based at the Smokey Point Navy Complex in Marysville. More info: 425-304-3203, www.nmcrs.org.

Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves: ESGR supports the men and women of the Guard and Reserves, including employer and supervisor awards programs, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. More info: 800-336-4590 option 1, esgr.mil.

Hero’s Café: Hero’s Café, a social gathering for veterans, meets 9 a.m.-3 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at Verdant Health and Wellness Community Center, 4710 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Veterans can share a cup of coffee and their stories. The program is a partnership between local veterans groups and the city of Lynnwood. A service officer will be available for those seeking benefits information. More info: Gary Walderman, ckr_satx@yahoo.com.

Resource workshop: A free Veteran’s Services Resource Workshop is offered 2-3 p.m. first Mondays at Everett Community Justice Center, 8625 Evergreen Way, Suite 108. Housing assistance, employment resources, resume help, health care answers, skills lab, PTSD counseling and more. Bus vouchers available. More info: 425-356-2800.

Job help: Homeless, unemployed veterans can get help through Workforce Snohomish. Employment assistance, support services, help with VA benefits and housing. More info: Gordon Meade, 425-921-3478 or gordon.meade@workforce snohomish.org.

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