Montana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Steve Johnsrud confers with Lt. Col. Thomas Carden.

Montana Builder Volunteers for 48th BCT Deployment

By Staff Sgt. Britt Smith
48th BCT Public Affairs

What happens when a house builder puts his life on hold to volunteer for a deployment to Iraq with the 48th Brigade Combat Team?

Energy, Army can-do and lots of field knowledge, Staff Sgt. Steve Johnsrud is that person. He is a 19-year veteran who transferred from the Montana Army National Guard to the Georgia Army Guard to become the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the S-7 section, for the 48th BCT Headquarters, better known as information operations. 

"IO," as it is called, is a relatively new concept that involves many elements designed to target enemy forces. It doesn't always involve lethal force, but, by creating the desired outcome, it helps creates new partners rather than a defeated foe.
Johnsrud is a person of many talents and abilities to include building just about anything that requires wood, nails and a little sweat equity. 

"Many of the things we do in life are perishable, but when I build a quality home for people, I get a real sense of satisfaction that I've improved a family's life," Johnsrud said. In addition to his civilian skills, Johnsrud brings a multitude of combat skills to a job that requires him to stay one step ahead of his boss, Lt. Col Thomas Carden, a man of no less energy and enthusiasm. Combined they make up the Information Operation section for the 48th BCT and its support elements.
Carden praised Johnsrud soldiering skills.

"He is a warrior, he (Johnsrud) is among the top two percent of soldiers I've ever served with," Carden said. "He sets the standards for superiors and subordinates alike." Johnsrud says working for Carden is "awesome" he "takes chaos and turns it into something that works smoothly."

It really is something to be part of, Johnsrud said.

During their time at NTC the hours have been long, the sleep in short supply and the stress level running at full tilt. 

Notwithstanding, both Carden and Johnsrud have worked well together learning to take advantage of each others strengths as well as looking out for each other when that proverbial wall approaches, often at full speed and when it's least expected.
"The man doesn't sleep or eat, except when it's absolutely necessary," Carden said. "I can't keep up, but I keep trying."

Some people bring out the best in others and Johnsrud does just that, he mixes what can only be described as Montana plains patience with compassion, knowledge and just the right amount of self-deprecating humor. It draws privates and generals to his side for a bit of uplifting conversation, just the right thing to help cope with the hectic NTC training cycle where it seems a lifetime is squeezed into two weeks of work.

"I like people and I love the Army," Johnsrud said.

It's a recipe that makes the Army life fun for Johnsrud and helps to motivate others. Master Sgt. John Linstra, Brigade chaplain's assistant, said working with Johnsrud is a joy.

"He goes the extra mile to help others, even when he doesn't have to," Linstra said. "Plus, he doesn't steal my chairs which are in short supply around here."

Johnsrud comes from an Army family. His wife Leslie is a sergeant first class who has already served 14 months in Iraq with a Montana National Guard transportation battalion and she may be going again sometime in the near future.

The couple has three children, Christopher, 24, Jillian, 23, whose husband is a regular Army chaplain's assistant stationed in Washington, DC, and Brian, 22.