first on decorahnews.com: These leaders helped the 322nd EN to successfully complete its deployment

(left to right): 1st Sergeant Brian Losen of Hesper and Captain Troy King of Des Moines

A Des Moines resident and a Hesper resident were the leaders of the 322nd Engineering Battalion during its deployment in Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

Captain Troy King and First Sergeant Brian Losen made sure that the work got done--and that the soldiers were safe--during the 10 months in Afghanistan.

King says there were plenty of challenges getting ready for the deployment, as first there were 80 members of the 322nd two years ago,then 120 members by August of 2010, then 140 by October of 2010.  Even with this constant change, King tried hard to promote unity, telling new soldiers "you're a member of the 322nd."

King says the young men "have grown up fast" while on deployment.  The combination of being away from their parents and learning new skills helped them to mature.

He made it his goal to have the most disciplined company at FOB Walton--and he thinks he succeeded.

Losen is even more positive.  He says the 322nd EN developed a reputation in Kandahar Province for doing quality work and doing it on time.  "Everybody brags about our work," he says.

Losen says that's a testimony to the unit's leadership--not just Captain King, but the sergeants, platoon leaders and squad leaders.  "Once you get a system, it works pretty good," says Losen.

With their deployment coming to an end on Tuesday, both men say they have similar plans.  King says he's "getting ready to see my family," while Losen is also looking forward to reuniting with his family--especially with his 6-year-old daughter.