JORDAN — Columbus native Maj. Steve Spencer is about 6,000 miles away from his usual job in the Indiana National Guard.
The deputy base operations manager at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, located near Butlerville, currently serves as a base commander in Jordan, where he and his soldiers in the 38th Infantry Division provide support to the flow of logistics and sustainment throughout the area of operation.
In May, more than 600 division soldiers left Indiana to support Task Force Spartan, which provides leadership, command, control and in-depth staff analysis for Operation Spartan Shield, which is a U.S. Department of Defense operation in the Middle East.
Spencer recently received a 38th Infantry Division former wartime shoulder sleeve insignia (combat patch) for his service supporting Task Force Spartan in the Middle East.
“Serving in the military gave me the opportunity to work with some truly great people and also exposure to different countries and cultures,” said Spencer, an 18-year National Guard veteran who now lives in Alert. “Joining was a personal commitment. I could not expect others to serve if I was not also willing, and I ended up enjoying my military service and have since I made it a career.”
Spencer said he joined the National Guard to give back to his local communities and nation.
“Being in the military means a personal commitment,” said Spencer, who joined the military a month after the 9/11 terrorists attacks. “I now work full-time as a technician. It’s very rewarding and has been a great way to serve my community and my country.”
