MOUNT ROLLAND TRAINING SITE, Senegal –
Name: Sgt. David Paquette
Military Specialty: 88M-Truck Driver
Years of Service: 18 Years
Unit: Detachment 1, Garrison Support Command
Hometown: Essex Junction, VT
Current Town: Essex Junction, VT
High School/Graduation Year: 1975 Essex Junction
Q. Why did you join the Vermont National Guard?
A. To serve my country and learn a trade.
Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. I am in a maintenance unit. We maintain roads and buildings on the range in Jericho. We do all types of construction projects.
Q. What do you do for civilian work?
A. I am a master plumber. I am an account manager for F.W. Webb Co. We are a wholesale plumbing and heating supplier.
Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. To have the opportunity to serve my community and state in disasters and wartime.
Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. It has provided my with diverse training opportunities that I can use outside the National Guard.
Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. We were deployed in 2011 after Hurricane Irene, which did a lot of damage to roads in the state.
Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. 61 years.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. I like meeting new people. I get the opportunity to see the products I sell get installed. I like teaching my trade to young plumbers.
Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. I was surprised to see how much the National Guard is used throughout the state for emergencies.
Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the VT National Guard?
A. I like serving the state when we are needed for emergencies.
Q. What made you volunteer for this Senegal Mission?
A. I want to go out of the country with my unit before I retire.
Q. Is this your first time here going to Senegal?
A. Yes, I am curious to see the country and the culture.
Q. What is your mission in Senegal?
A. I am a truck driver and a team leader.
Q. Why do you think your mission in Senegal is important?
A. Because the country of Senegal is a partner to us and we want to work together to accomplish a mission.
Q. What do you want to take away from this trip?
A. A knowledge of the culture in Africa.
Q. How do you think this mission helps the Vermont National Guard?
A. It helps us learn to work with a foreign unit to achieve mission success.
Q. How do you feel about being able to train with the Senegal Army?
A. I am excited to get this opportunity.
Q. What are some differences between Senegal and Vermont?
A. The climates are very different.