Joint Base Balad, Iraq –
Senior Master Sgt. Cesareo Montoya
Home Unit: 633d Civil Engineer Squadron
Location: Joint Base Balad, Iraq
What do you do? Heavy repair superintendent
What will you remember about your deployment 20 years from now? The people
What's the most useful item you packed? 500 gigabyte hard drive
When did you realize you "weren't in Kansas anymore;" aka your "Dorothy" moment? The first time I heard and saw a Counter rocket, artillery, and mortar discharge.
What has been the highlight of your tour? The ability to interact with Iraqi local nationals now employed on the base and within our unit
What's the best part of the deployment? Building new friendships
The worst part? Separation from family and friends
What do you do during down time? Go to the gym and read
What is the first thing you will do when you return? Take some time off!
What is the first thing you will eat when you return? Steak and potatoes
What insight experience will you take away from your time over there? Greater appreciation for all the things that we take for granted in the States
What do you miss the most? Family
How is your job that you are doing now different from the job back stateside? I'm not stuck behind a desk here
Have you tried the local cuisine? Not yet!
What do you think about what you hear on the news from what is going on stateside? I do not keep up with stateside news
Do you have plans for any extra money that you might be making from this deployment? I do, but I have not told the spouse...so no plans yet!
About when are you to return? April 2010