MOUNT ROLLAND TRAINING SITE, Senegal –
Name: SSG Charles Mudgett
Military Specialty: 91L Construction Equipment Repairer
Years of Service: 17
Unit: B. Co. 186th BSB
Deployments: 2005-2006, Iraq, 1-172nd Armor. 2010, Afghanistan, C-Troop 1-172 Cav.
Hometown: Fletcher, Vt.
Current Town: Fairfield, Vt.
High School/Graduation Year: 2001
College/Graduation: Vermont Technical College 2004
Q. Why did you join the Vermont National Guard?
A. I always felt the urge to serve my Country. I liked the fact that the National Guard stayed in the community. One of my high school teachers had told me that if I was unsure about going to College the military provided direction and job training.
Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. Until just recently when I switched units I had been working as a Construction Equipment Repairer for Detachment 1, Garrison Support Command at Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho.
Q. What do you do for civilian work?
A. I work as the Production Controller for FMS-3 in North Hyde Park.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. Serving my Country and the State of Vermont.
Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. I have had the opportunity to service the people of Vermont during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. I have also learned how to work as a team to accomplish any task.
Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. Walking off the plane at the BTV after returning from Iraq. I was the first one off the plane and the families were all waiting on the opposite side of the tarmac behind some engineer tape. As I approached the families pushed through and started running straight at me. I stopped moving as this wall of hundreds of people over took me.
Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. My entire life.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. It’s a true community.
Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. How deep the relationship is between brothers in arms. It’s an extension of my family.
Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. I know I have done and seen things I can tell my grandkids about.
Q. What made you volunteer for this Senegal Mission?
A. I have been a part of almost everything the Vermont Guard has been involved in. Iraq, Afghanistan, Hurricane Irene, Macedonia. Senegal is the missing piece for me.
Q. Is this your first time here going to Senegal? If yes, what are you looking forward to? If no, what was your previous mission and what did you do?
A. Yes, I’m looking forward to leaving a positive legacy for the Vermont National Guard. When the Senegalese Army uses this range I hope they tell their soldiers, “the Vermonters helped us build this.”
Q. What is your mission in Senegal?
A. Construct a training range for the Senegalese Army.
Q. Why do you think your mission in Senegal is important?
A. To strengthen the partnership between our countries.
Q. What do you want to take away from this trip?
A. The feeling of accomplishment.
Q. How do you think this mission helps the Vermont National Guard?
A. It allows Vermont to shine on the World stage. It also strengthens our partnership with Senegal.
Q. How do you feel about being able to train with the Senegal Army?
A. I hope we are able to leave the Senegalese with a positive attitude about America and the State of Vermont.
Q. What are some differences between Senegal and Vermont?
A. The weather.