Jul 1, 2002 By Patty Shultz 6 min read

ANNVILLE – They’re awakened shortly after the sun edges into the eastern sky. “Somehow the lights magically are turned on,” said Sgt. Ron Pisano. “We’re not sure who does it, but it happens.”

One by one the drowsy men begin functioning as soldiers and undertake the necessities tied to that responsibility.

The facilities at Fort Indiantown Gap where the 36 men from the Connellsville-based National Guard unit are making a brief two-day stop in preparation of deployment to Europe, allows for only a few at a time to prepare for breakfast and the activities of the day.

Showered and clean-shaved, they don the uniform of the day – a green and brown camouflaged pair of pants and long-sleeved shirt. It also happens to be the uniform every day.

The unit is assigned one of nearly 50 “mess halls” at the Gap that they make their way to, individually or in groups.

“It’s not home cooking, but it’s not that bad,” said Sgt. Sam Popovich.

The “hall” is no more than a large building where the meals are prepared by a team of cooks and served in buffet-style fashion.

A pile of gray cardboard trays sits at the doors’ entrance next to a box of plastic silverware.

Spoonfuls of prepared powdered eggs, bread, sausage and other breakfast military-issued items are placed on the trays as the men pass through the line.

Popovich advises that it’s best to take what is served, as second helpings aren’t permitted.

Fruit and beverage is at the discretion of the diner.

Properly energized the men dispose of the trays at a rear exit where a half dozen plastic-lined garbage cans are stationed for the empties.

As they walk back to the barracks, the morning buzz is punctuated by rousing sounds emanating from bass drums, trumpets, piccolos and tubas.

The 28th Infantry Division band, led by drum major Sgt. Jeff Jaworski is undergoing its drills.

The 52 members, who live throughout Pennsylvania and the neighboring states of Ohio and Maryland, meet one weekend each month and two weeks during the summer to practice their music and marching skills.

Already that morning they have performed a concert for a military dignitary who had visited the installation.

After a brief break, Jaworski gathers the musicians.

“Instruments up,” he says as he raises the silver baton. “‘The Old Gray Mare’ is up.”

The band continues along its path, playing the tune in proper marching fashion.

The Connellsville unit, meanwhile, prepares for its 8 a.m. inspection.

Sgt. David Williams calls the men to attention as Capt. Dana Keith, the company commander, looks over his assembled troops.

The three rows of soldiers are widened as Williams barks the orders. Keith moves along the first line, checking that each soldier is clean-shaven, his shoes have the appropriate luster and his uniform is in proper order.

The second and third lines undergo similar scrutiny by the officer.

“What we’re doing here is checking the uniform for serviceability,” he later explains. “We want to make sure there are no rips or tears in the uniform.”

The men are advised that they will review their Common Skills Tasks and re-pack the gear that was laid out for inspection during a drill the previous night, throughout the remaining hours of the day.

Sgt. Scott Ferris gathers his squad to a shaded area where they will review the protocols for using a gas mask.

Ferris determines the soldiers will go over the proper procedures concerning the equipment, as they will undergo certification testing when they arrive at Fort Dix.

Spec. Charles Price reads from the small green manual that within a nine-second time frame, the soldier must remove his helmet, obtain the mask from a sidebag, and attach the covering onto their face with their eyes closed and without breathing.

Ferris advises that the mask should be folded and stored for easier accessibility.

After the men discuss the task and make the proper adjustments, Ferris queries the group for the first volunteer.

Sgt. Chris Clark steps forward and the clock is set.

“Gas, gas, gas,” shouts Ferris in initiating the time clock.

Clark ends the test when it appears he is unable to place the straps attached to the mask over his head.

Popovich takes his turn, and complies within the regulation time frame in his first attempt.

Sgt. David Teres, however, does not meet the standard.

The remaining members of the squad take their respective turn with the clock running and within three or four attempts can accomplish the task as required by the military.

Teres still is struggling with the straps that must be fitted over his head and then tightened to seal the mask.

“I know I can do this,” he said.

Popovich urges Teres to take his time.

“It’s hard, because this is something we don’t do every day,” said Popovich. “He’ll get it.”

Teres later gets a “thumbs up” from the squad after completing the task within seven seconds.

The soldiers later review first aid skills such as bandaging and accessing injuries – other tasks they must receive certification before going overseas.

After completing the requirements, they’re instructed to repack their clothing in the military-issued duffel bags.

Keith said the late night inspection only allowed for impromptu replacement of the uniforms and required items in the bags.

The “A” bag is to contain the soldier’s helmet, gas mask, uniforms and sleeping bag. The “B” bag is for additional uniforms and wet weather gear.

The “Ruck Sack” – a smaller backpack-style bag, is for shaving gear, shoe shine kit, running shoes and civilian clothing.

A third duffel bag – designated as the “C” bag, is for any additional civilian clothing.

The soldiers are permitted to carry one additional backpack for personal items, such as photographs, games or computer laptops.

“You have to be prepared for every situation and location,” said Pisano.

The remaining hours are considered “down time,” as the unit has carried out all the assignments.

They’re permitted to write letters and read or catch up on missed sleep.

“We’ll be a lot busier at Fort Dix,” said Keith. “There will be a whole lot more that has to be done.”