As the holiday season is here, we often get too caught up in our own busy lives that we fail to remember the ones that can’t come home for the holidays. We forget those whose job prevents them from being with their families throughout the holidays while serving us. Staff Sergeant Robbie Richardson of the 877^th EN BN (Engineer Battalion), who didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving at home, is one of those. Richardson is one of our local heroes that just completed his second tour to Afghanistan. Robbie Richardson left April 6, 2014 for Afghanistan to work as Battalion Medical NCOIC (Noncommissioned Officer In Charge) and Senior Combat Medic in the battalion.  The BN Medical NCOIC is responsible for the medical operations and medical care of all Soldiers in the 877^th EN BN. As the Senior Medic, Richardson supervised all of the combat medics within the battalion and made sure there was adequate medical coverage for all areas of operations. At the height of operations there were 24 medics and two medical officers in the BN. As the NCOIC of the BAW (Battalion Aid Station) he ran the aid station under the clinical direction of the Battalion Surgeon. The 877^th Engineer Battalion had approximately 900 soldiers and eight companies within the battalion while in Afghanistan. In addition, Richardson’s BAS provided medical support for two other battalions and had a total population of approximately 2500 soldiers that they served. From June through October, the 877^th BAS had over 2,600 patient encounters and was the busiest Role I Medical Facility in all of Afghanistan. The aid station’s ‘sick call hours’ were form 0730 to 1300, Monday through Saturday.

“I had two main rules for my aid station,” Richardson said. “Make coffee before you do anything else and whatever you do to a patient, don’t make them any worse.” Richardson was responsible for making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and doing what they were supposed to do. His medics would screen patients, do examinations, and present them to the PA, or Richardson if the PA was busy. They would diagnose and treat the patient or send them to get x-rays or labs and come back. In some cases, they would refer the patient to a specialist.

“My medics worked hard and made my job easier,” said Richardson. “We stayed busy.”

Richardson said that adjusting to life on a deployment is more difficult for family and friends back home.

“If you got a job to do and soldiers to take care of you just do it,” Richardson said. “Your family are the ones that have to make decisions and carry on and worry about you while you’re away.”

When asked about the worst part of being away Richardson said, “You miss your family most, of course, but in general I think Sundays going to church and Friday nights during football season are when I miss home more than any other time. And I do look forward to working out with all my buddies at the gym.”

Robbie said he always regretted not serving in the military and got tired of seeing kids that haven’t even had a chance of having a life yet go and serve while he sat at home.  Richardson joined the Army National Guard when he was 37.  This was his second tour.

“Thanks to a praying mother that doesn’t take no for an answer I have made it safe thus far,” Richardson said. “As long as God has a plan for your life and you’re willing to serve Him, you’re safe no matter where you are until he’s through and calls you home.

“Sometimes being in the center of God’s will puts you in Franklin County, Alabama and sometimes it puts you on the other side of the world. You just have to realize that is the safest place to be and trust in Him.” Richardson said.