CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. — Going above and beyond the call of duty is routine for one Indiana National Guard Soldier participating in U.S. Army North’s Vibrant Response 16 exercise held here April 28 through May 16.
Army Spc. Robin Hefner, a human resource specialist, assigned to Army North Operations Company, is filling multiple roles during the exercise to include supply, operations and tracking personnel.
Multi-Talented Soldier
“Out here, I am a little bit of everything,” said Hefner, who hails from San Antonio, Texas.
Hefner said her main job during the exercise is battle staff noncommissioned officer, but she’s also in charge of purchasing needed items and distributing those supplies across the area of operations.
On top of maintaining the day-to-day operations of a tactical operation center, updating the shift change brief and maintaining a massive, constantly changing phone roster, she also fills in for the supply sergeant when he is out handling his duties and ensuring everything is signed for.
“Specialist Hefner is a self-starter”, said Army Master Sgt. Terrell Williams, Operations NCOIC, “She doesn’t wait for someone to tell her what to do. If something is wrong, she can identify it and take action on it. She doesn’t wait until the last minute to bring it to someone’s attention.”
Experience Produces Confidence
This is Hefner’s third time attending Vibrant Response and she has learned a great deal about how government agencies work together if a major disaster occurs.
“If I was a regular civilian, I wouldn’t know what to do in case of a disaster but because of my experience in the military, I feel I can handle myself better,” she said.
The opportunity to acquire experience and knowledge is her favorite part of the job.
“She’s a team player,” Williams said of Hefner.