Jake VanKeuren in Iraq
VCI Mobility’s Jake VanKeuren, 26, of Royersford, PA, is currently serving a 1-year deployment to Iraq.
“I grew up with respect for soldiers and a strong interest in the military, so joining the Army just seemed like the natural thing to do,” Jake said.
Jake enlisted with the Pennsylvania National Guard in the summer of 2007 as a Combat Engineer. Since then, he has been balancing his technician job with VCI Mobility-Norristown during the week with reporting for duty as an engineer 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks out of the year.
Jake, along with the other soldiers of the 228th Engineer Company from Spring City, PA, have been submerged in a whole different culture and environment while serving their country overseas. The desert environment in Iraq can be harsh and—with summer approaching—the temperatures can reach anywhere from 120 to 130 degrees.
“We call the sand here moon dust because it’s so fine and gets everywhere,” Jake reports from Iraq.
Adapting to these conditions has not been easy, but Jake honestly likes his job in Iraq and feels the U.S. forces are doing a good job of rebuilding the country.
Jake says that the majority of the locals are peaceful and happy to see the U.S. troops.
In closing, Jake stated, “I’m a patriot, so serving my country gives me great satisfaction.”
Job well done, Jake!
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keep up the good job troop,were all proud of you here at home,if you see Sgt.Carmelo my son tell him dad says hi,hurry home be safe all of you !