KANDAHAR, Afghanistan –
Meet Spc. Benny Gilmore, a 29-year-old native of Binghamton, N.Y. Gilmore is a sling load team member assigned to the 623rd Sling Team Detachment, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Resolute. He is currently deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, with the headquarters element of the 7th Sustainment Brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The sling load team is responsible for providing small outposts in Afghanistan with supplies such as unitized group rations, frozen meals, fuel and water. After receiving a request the team gathers the supplies, palletizes the order and coordinates pick-up via helicopter. The crew then sling loads the supplies to the military aircraft. Once everything is securely attached to the aircraft the supplies are then airlifted to its set destination.
When asked why he serves as a U.S. Soldier, Specialist Gilmore responded, "I serve because it's an honor to be a part of the military and I believe in this country, so I want to defend it. I want to make a difference in the world."
Specialist Gilmore is proud of the mission that he is part of, which shows through when speaking with him.
"My job supports the Soldiers who can't get the supplies they need to accomplish their mission," shared Specialist Gilmore. "We get what they need pushed out in emergency situations and get it there faster than a truck can."
Sling loading supplies onto an aircraft is a physically demanding job which requires fast thinking and team work. The work can be challenging and stressful but to Specialist Gilmore, it is worth it.
"When I have a bad day at work, I just remember that my Army buddies across Afghanistan may be having a worse day and need what we are sending them," he said. "We are all one family in the Army and we need to put others needs before our own to make things happen."
This marks Specialist Gilmore's second deployment. While there are similarities regarding both deployments the operation and mission have changed.
"Being in Kandahar is different than when I was in Iraq," explained Specialist Gilmore. "While here I get to work with other branches of our service, the Afghanistan National Army, and various Coalition forces."
As every deployment is different, every base is as well and having a working knowledge of the places to be for relaxing and unwinding can make being deployed a bit more entertaining. When asked what the best spot on Kandahar Airfield is, Specialist Gilmore replied, "Definitely the pool hall. They have four pool tables and it is a good place to hang out."
Specialist Gilmore has this to share to his family back home, "I'll be home soon. Words and expressions are best said face-to-face."