Madras Machinist Heads to Iraq with Navy Seabees

(October 2006) Bob Wolverton, a Bright Wood machinist and member of the U.S. Navy Seabees Reserves, left Central Oregon in mid-July on his way to six months of active duty in Iraq. His first stop was Gulfport, Mississippi where he underwent six weeks of training in convoy security. From there his 450-member Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB 18) headed to Kuwait at the end of August for more weapons training.

When Bob’s unit rolled into Iraq in late September, the clock started on his six months of active duty. He expects to be attached to a base in Al Asad, which is 180 miles northwest of Baghdad and 12 miles from the Syrian border. Bob’s job will be to escort and protect his fellow Seabees as they go out into the Iraqi countryside to build and repair the infrastructure – schools, police stations, roads, wells, etc. – Iraqis need to be self sufficient.

Bob, who could have retired in September 2006 with 22 years of active and reserve duty, instead opted to serve one more year so he could go on the mission to Iraq. “The military is like a brotherhood,” Bob said. “You are there for your brothers and you support them any way you can. I’m also going in the hopes that we can make life better for the Iraqi people. It will be tough for my family, but it is important that I serve my country and preserve what it stands for by helping the Iraqis build a stable democracy.”

Machine Shop supervisor, Jay Roth, spoke for everyone in the Madras Shop and Fabrication Department when he said: “We are all very proud of Bob. We wish him the best with the Seabees and hope for his safe return to his family and friends.”

Other Newsletter Articles:

705 Rebuild Team Outpaces Schedule (June 2006)

Madras Door Frame Plant Nails All Box Score Targets in March (June 2006)

Take the Steering Wheel with Diabetes (June 2006)

2P + 2 Products + 2 Crew Members =
2 Percentage Points to Run Time Goal (March 2006)

Consolidation Idea Rejuvenates Skid Row (March 2006)

In-Plant Mill Supplies Keep Drivers Home (March 2006)

Bright People Donate $11,742 to Central Oregon Charities in December (March 2006)

Bright Wood to Close Bend Facility (Company announcement released February 17, 2006)

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