Soldier visits Joliet school for Veterans Day

U.S. Army Cpt. Gregory Baugh, of Plainfield, recently visited Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to talk about Afghanistan at its Veterans Day Assembly on Friday.

Among the students were his sons Bryant, Logan and Luke.

The three had this to say about their dad coming to speak to their school:

"I think it's really cool," Bryant said.

"I think it's cool," Logan said.

"I'm excited he's coming to my school," said Luke.

Mom and wife Dana joined in to say, "I think it's a great opportunity for the children and teachers to hear firsthand from a soldier about what the military is doing in Afghanistan and how they are trying to work with and help the Afghani people."

While Baugh is overseas, he is never far from his family's thoughts:

"I miss him and want him to come home early," Bryant said.

"I really miss him while he's in Afghanistan," Logan said.

"I miss him a lot and love him," Luke said.

"We miss him very much and hope the time goes quickly until he's home again. We've been through other deployments and time apart, but this will be the longest. We understand that this is what he has to do and we are very proud of him and all our military," Dana said.

The school recently hosted a school supply collection drive and sent them to Baugh to hand out to the Afghan children. About 140 pounds of supplies were collected and shipped overseas.

In honor of veterans, the school displayed American flags along the front entrance walkways. Also, the students and staff wore red, white and blue in support.

Baugh began his presentation with slides of his life in Afghanistan. He talked about his mission overseas and showed photos. Baugh also mentioned the type of vehicles used in Afghanistan. He said that when the helicopters are being flown, there are always two or three leaving together at any given time. One is to fly personnel, and the others are used for security.

At the end of his presentation, he opened the floor for the children to ask him questions. Last, he asked the class the question who said this quote: "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." It was Thomas Jefferson.

Baugh has a total of 22 years of service under his belt; 10 years of which he served as a commissioned officer and 12 years as an enlisted noncommissioned officer.

He is presently the detachment commander assigned to the 310th Psychological (PSYOP) Company while deployed in Afghanistan. His duty assignment in the Army reserves is an Operations Officer with the 393rd PSYOP Company in Aurora.

Baugh was commissioned in December 1998 and was promoted to captain in 2005.

Throughout his military career he has been awarded many decorations and badges. He has received: The Meritorious Service Medal w/1 OLC; Army Commendation Medal w/1 OLC; Army Achievement Medal (w/1 OLC; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal w/3 OLC; Afghanistan Service Medal (1 Bronze Star; Iraqi Freedom Service Medal (1 Bronze Star); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal w/2 knots; Korean Defense Medal; National Defense Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star; NCODP Ribbon w/number 2); Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/"M" Device and hour glass; Army Overseas Ribbon (3); Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (3); Army Superior Unit Award (3 awards) (ASUA); Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA); NATO Medal; Air Assault Badge and Airborne Badge.

In the civilian world, Baugh is employed as a district sales manager of Dart Container Sales Company in Plainfield.

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