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CAMP TAJI, Iraq (July 28, 2008) - The rank insignia of a
noncommissioned officer gives the wearer a title as well as the
power to accomplish certain tasks and objectives, but the rank
alone doesn't always make a leader.
Leadership involves inspiring others to achieve higher goals,
and the Multinational Division Baghdad Soldiers from the 25th
Infantry Division's 1st Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th
Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, say Army
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Lowers, a Sunrise, Fla., native -- their
platoon chief and a member of the Sgt. Audi Murphy Club -- is
someone they define as a true leader.
The Soldiers call him "Sergeant Smoke," a title commonly given
to artillery chiefs. He supervises the fire base here, and is
responsible for all artillery fires.
"There is nothing more exciting than putting a 100-pound
projectile downrange knowing that you've done everything you can to
make sure it hits its target," Lowers said. "I think the battalion
commander says it best: 'It's not a sexy job.' However, we are in a
support role, and it's good to know that we do our part to support
the infantry Soldiers with their mission. I'd like to think our
part is as important as the next guy's."
Lowers came to the United States from Jamaica when he was 19,
and he enlisted in the Army five months later.
"I wanted to go to college, but my parents didn't have the funds
to support me, and I knew that the Army had a lot of
opportunities," he said.
After serving four years as a finance specialist, he said, he
wanted to pursue a long-term career in the Army, so he spoke with
his leaders about a job switch.
"I enjoyed finance, but I was young and wanted to do something
more exciting. Going from finance to artillery is like night and
day," he said.
Lowers is not just a Soldier in the Army; he is a Soldier who
fully believes in the Army.
"I can attribute everything I have and everything I've become to
the Army. It has provided for me and my family and given us
everything we need," he said. "I've met so many people from all
walks of life that are perusing the same dreams as me. I've had the
opportunity to learn from them, as well as about life itself."
Dedication is only one of the values Lowers displays. His
Soldiers have developed great admiration for his ability to react
under pressure and to take care of their needs.
Army Spc. Justin Ren, native of Lincoln, Neb., and a cannon crew
member with Headquarters Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th
Field Artillery, broke his leg in April while out at the fire
base.
"Sergeant Smoke didn't hesitate," he said. "He immediately got
the first aid kit, splinted my leg, and made sure I stayed calm and
collected. He got me to the hospital and stayed with me for moral
support while they performed X-rays. He always seems to know what
to do and when to do it. If it's for the Soldiers' needs, he never
hesitates."
Army Spc. Timothy Blair, a Nicholasville, Ky., native,
agreed.
"He shows us the right way to handle any situation and always
comes out on top," said Blair, an assistant gunner with 1st
Platoon, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery.
Blair has been in the Army for two years, is awaiting promotion
to become a sergeant and in May, and was nominated for Soldier of
the Month.
"He has developed me in everything I have done. He is one of the
main reasons why I am where I am in my career," Blair said. "He
puts the opportunity up front and allows us to take initiative to
achieve it."
Lowers said he believes it is his responsibility to be the best
leader possible.
"This is my job. Once I pinned on the sergeant stripes, it
became my responsibility to teach, mentor, and develop my
Soldiers," he said. "I have Soldiers that come to me straight out
of basic training and are not sure what the Army's about. My job is
to instill that knowledge in them and break it down to a level they
can understand. I've seen Soldiers transition from a private all
the way to sergeant first class. Watching Soldiers go through that
transition is my inspiration."
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