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CSM Patrick Powers

About The CSM
CSM Patrick Powers joined the Army in November of 1986, as a Tactical Transport Helicopter Repairer (UH-60 Blackhawk Mechanic). He remained on active duty for approximately 10 years, and left the Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). In January of 1997, CSM Powers joined the Arizona Army National Guard as a Sergeant (E-5) UH-60 Crew chief assigned to C Co, 1-189th Aviation at Papago Army Airfield, advancing to the position of Flight Platoon Sergeant. He joined the 1-285th as the First Sergeant of A Co in January 2004, and was re-assigned to D Co in October 2004. In April of 2006, he was promoted to Command Sergeant Major, with the Desert Hawk Battalion

About The CSM

CSM Patrick Powers joined the Army in November of 1986, as a Tactical Transport Helicopter Repairer (UH-60 Blackhawk Mechanic). He remained on active duty for approximately 10 years, and left the Army as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). In January of 1997, CSM Powers joined the Arizona Army National Guard as a Sergeant (E-5) UH-60 Crew chief assigned to C Co, 1-189th Aviation at Papago Army Airfield, advancing to the position of Flight Platoon Sergeant. He joined the 1-285th as the First Sergeant of A Co in January 2004, and was re-assigned to D Co in October 2004. In April of 2006, he was promoted to Command Sergeant Major, with the Desert Hawk Battalion

The CSM's Comments
Living Conditions in Afghanistan The living conditions in Afghanistan vary from location to location. Relatively speaking, the aviation community lives rather well when compared with some of our ground focused counterparts. Most aviation personnel at Camp Salerno live in what’s commonly referred to as a “Brick & Mortar.” This is basically a rectangular building with thick stucco covered brick walls and a ceiling of bricks covered with cement. These structures are divided into four rectangular rooms, with an entrance at either end. Each rectangular room has two airconditioning units. There’s a very small window at either end of the room, and the window is covered with a metal shade that blocks out any light. Some personnel live in what’s commonly referred to as a “B Hut,” which is basically a smaller, wood-framed building. It has much the same amenities as a brick & mortar, with the exception being during a rocket attack, residents of tents and B Huts must seek shelter in a bunker where as people in a brick & mortar stay put. Many personnel have opted for cable TV in their rooms. This is done with a satellite dish, run through an AFN receiver. There’s a few channels, and some decent sports coverage. Definitely better than nothing. There are also some local satellite stations that can be tuned through an Afghan television receiver. Channels range from educational to the extremely bizarre. Some groups have Internet access in their living quarters. It’s pretty slow access, and relatively expensive. Unfortunately, it’s not available to all Soldiers, and access is often dependent on if you live in a building with an available system. The food in Afghanistan is pretty good to excellent, depending on the day. The mess halls run by our Soldiers tend to be very good, but KBR does a good job too. Nobody can complain about not getting enough to eat. Meals are served four times a day. Physical fitness facilities in Afghanistan are good. At Camp Salerno there is a large clamshell hangar that houses the gym. A myriad of machines and equipment are available for use 24 hours a day; however many Soldiers run outside for exercise. There are a number of routes, the most common being the 5k/10k loop. It is a loop that partially follows the perimeter, and circles the airfield. Each loop is approximately 5k. Camp Salerno holds fun-run events sponsored by different units, which are very popular. Religious services are conducted in the Chapel, which is a very nice, large wooden structure. The Chapel is also used for numerous other functions, such as safety day activities and briefings.

The CSM's Comments

Living Conditions in Afghanistan

The living conditions in Afghanistan vary from location to location. Relatively speaking, the aviation community lives rather well when compared with some of our ground focused counterparts.

Most aviation personnel at Camp Salerno live in what’s commonly referred to as a “Brick & Mortar.” This is basically a rectangular building with thick stucco covered brick walls and a ceiling of bricks covered with cement. These structures are divided into four rectangular rooms, with an entrance at either end. Each rectangular room has two airconditioning units. There’s a very small window at either end of the room, and the window is covered with a metal shade that blocks out any light.

Some personnel live in what’s commonly referred to as a “B Hut,” which is basically a smaller, wood-framed building. It has much the same amenities as a brick & mortar, with the exception being during a rocket attack, residents of tents and B Huts must seek shelter in a bunker where as people in a brick & mortar stay put.

Many personnel have opted for cable TV in their rooms. This is done with a satellite dish, run through an AFN receiver. There’s a few channels, and some decent sports coverage. Definitely better than nothing. There are also some local satellite stations that can be tuned through an Afghan television receiver. Channels range from educational to the extremely bizarre.

Some groups have Internet access in their living quarters. It’s pretty slow access, and relatively expensive. Unfortunately, it’s not available to all Soldiers, and access is often dependent on if you live in a building with an available system.

The food in Afghanistan is pretty good to excellent, depending on the day. The mess halls run by our Soldiers tend to be very good, but KBR does a good job too. Nobody can complain about not getting enough to eat. Meals are served four times a day.

Physical fitness facilities in Afghanistan are good. At Camp Salerno there is a large clamshell hangar that houses the gym. A myriad of machines and equipment are available for use 24 hours a day; however many Soldiers run outside for exercise. There are a number of routes, the most common being the 5k/10k loop. It is a loop that partially follows the perimeter, and circles the airfield. Each loop is approximately 5k. Camp Salerno holds fun-run events sponsored by different units, which are very popular.

Religious services are conducted in the Chapel, which is a very nice, large wooden structure. The Chapel is also used for numerous other functions, such as safety day activities and briefings.