Mark Coovert grew up in Barboursville, graduated from the old Barboursville High School and worked part time while attending Marshall University. All fairly normal activities for a kid growing up in the 1980s.

That close knit community of Barboursville is now a world away. Fact is, he hasn't lived there for some time.

He now belongs to a new generation of patriots fighting for a cause that's as old as history itself.

Coovert is a sergeant first class in the United States Army, presently stationed in Iraq. Like his brothers in arms before him and those who will follow his footsteps for generations to come, he continues a tradition of protecting an American way of life that most take for granted.

As you read this in the comfort of your surroundings, without worry of driving over land mines or concern for rocket attacks, stop for a minute and offer a word of thanks for Coovert and the thousands of his comrades in arms who are fighting for our freedom at this very minute.

Coovert was one of those rare individuals who actually enjoyed attending basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. He considered his time at boot camp a unique learning experience filled with challenges that tested his limits of endurance each day.

Graduation day saw him with a renewed level of confidence in his ability, a few extra pounds of muscle and a box of his mother's homemade peanut butter cookies delivered by Mom herself.

"For as long as I can remember, it seems that Mark always expressed a desire to join the military. It always made me uncomfortable, but I thought one day he would simply outgrow the notion," said Mrs. Coovert. "I always tried to steer him in another direction -- even when he promised to at least try a year at Marshall before making a decision. I thought that might change his mind. Then, without much notice, he just mentioned that he was going to enlist in the military. I sat down and cried. I even thought about getting a lawyer to see if I could have it all reversed."

In less than two weeks, Coovert was on a plane for boot camp. Since then, he has had tours of duty in several stateside locations. Also Germany, the Mideast, Korea, Alaska and now is presently serving another tour of duty in Iraq.

Coovert's old bedroom at 731 Lee Street now seems like a one-room Hilton when compared to his present sleeping accommodations in Iraq. He sleeps in a containerized housing unit, or as the Army calls it, a CHU. They are miniaturized, 20-foot structures surrounded with concrete walls lined with sandbags. When you move in a couple of soldiers with all their gear and equipment, wall lockers, beds and small night stands, there is little room to move around.

"In my area, there are two shower trailers," Coovert said. "One has five showers with four sinks. The other trailer has 10 showers with eight sinks. These facilities are used daily by 200 soldiers. You learn from experience when the line is the shortest. When the temperature gets around 130 degrees, you're grimy and sweaty before you shower and just as sweaty after you go back outside."

The last sound Coovert hears at night are the fighter jets taking off and landing during night missions. He says you just learn to accept the noise as part of the job.

He lives with the constant threat of incoming missile attacks, which are never treated as routine when the warning sirens go off. Summer heat is unbearable, proper hydration is of major concern, and sand is much more than a simple nuisance.

"The sand over here isn't like any beach back home," said Coovert. "During the rainy season, the water doesn't sink into the earth. It lays on top the ground and mixes with dirt that creates mud everywhere. Sand creeps through every crack in every building, it ruins equipment and causes constant cleaning of weapons. During sand storms, it reduces visibility, gets under your clothes, in your hair and even in the food you eat."

Coovert says that if you don't stay constantly concerned about your surroundings, you become vulnerable.

"We are told to stay vigilant and avoid complacency. When you stop becoming scared of this environment, that's when you begin to loose touch with the very reason that brings you here," he said. "Every time we drive out the gate, you try and place yourself in a higher state of readiness. You never say that it can't happen to you."

Some work days for Coovert last up to 17 hours, many are 12. He doesn't mind the extra hours on the job, as it combats boredom.

"There isn't a whole lot to do with your free time. Staying in shape is a priority -- over here you can quickly add 50 pounds or take 50 pounds off. We watch movies, exercise, and once a week, I get a few minutes to skype with my wife and kids on the computer. The computer is a great morale boost for everyone."

The Army expects all senior non-commissioned officers like Coovert to be above everything else -- an example of leadership for the younger soldiers. Senior NCOs also are expected to be qualified in areas other than their assigned career fields.

Coovert is no exception, he is qualified in several weapon systems. He is also the chemical warfare training NCO. His position also requires constant communications with all convoys outside the surrounding area.

When required, he coordinates air support, dispatches help for the wounded and lives with the daily realization that not everyone who goes on patrol, doesn't return.

Coovert looks forward to going home in July. He will process through the very building at Fort Hood where the killings occurred. He looks forward to retirement; he dreams of a world that's safe for his children. He feels he is doing the right thing, and he says he would do it all again. But for now, Barboursville is a world away.

Clyde Beal is a free lance writer living in Huntington. If you have a unique holiday related story to share, write him at: archie350@verizon.net

National Video

The Herald-Dispatch

Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Coovert

Purchase this photo