Transportation unit prides itself on getting a move on

That’s what members of the Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation Company take pride in, especially when they roll through dangerous places in Afghanistan.

From the commander to the drivers to the gunners – also known as the Babas brothers – the men and women who make up the company out of Camp Phoenix near Kabul International Airport have at least one thing in common: they know how to get the job done safely.

Capt. Curtis Kolvet, the company commander, said his soldiers – including 15 who are women – come from every corner of Nevada, from as far south as Boulder City to as far east as McGill, a small mining town north of Ely in White Pine County.

Seven of the female soldiers regularly ride on missions and hold prominent positions of responsibility.

For example, 2nd Lt. Yelena Yatskikh not only serves as platoon leader but is also a convoy commander twice a week.

She admits to having some butterflies before heading out, but she overcomes those anxieties by knowing her soldiers and their expertise make the convoy run smoother.

“I am used to going out now, but I do not want to become complacent,” she said, preparing for a mission in November.

“I need to stay focused.”

Yatskikh grew up in a Russian city south of Moscow but came to the United States to finish her undergraduate degree in New Hampshire. She wound up in Las Vegas where she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a master’s degree in international relations and political science.

While in graduate school, the 30-year-old Yatskikh enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard and eventually completed officer candidate school.

Before receiving her commission, she took the oath to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Spc. Julia Rodriguez, of Boulder City, may be one of the shortest drivers in the convoy but the repetition of driving Kabul’s narrow streets in an armored, mine-resistant vehicle has made her a conscientious yet aggressive driver.

Rodriquez, 21, said she likes being in control of the heavy vehicle especially when she is leading the convoy. At times, though, she said she is afraid “a child may run out into the street and get run over” because they seem to be fearless around all of the vehicles.

Rodriguez said she prefers night missions because the trucks are more concealed and also there is not as much traffic.

The company arrived in Afghanistan with four sets of brothers from Reno, Spring Creek and the Las Vegas Valley.

The Babas brothers from Henderson joined the Guard within six months of each other. They are serving their first deployment together with the 593rd.

While they take their mission seriously, they enjoy light-hearted moments.

Pfc. Matthew Babas gave a forthright answer when asked why he joined the Guard.

“This is what my brother said. ‘The girls are hot,'” Matthew Babas said with a laugh.

Chris Babas, offered a clarification, saying he told his brother about the benefits of being a citizen soldier.

They both said their enlistment and deployment to Afghanistan as gunners has made them closer.

They check on each other regularly.

“We’ll stop by each other’s room,” Matthew Babas said. “Once a week we’ll have a serious night, smoking cigars and talking about business or stuff back home.”

Both Matthew and Chris aren’t afraid to give each other a hug or swat each other on the butt for good luck before they leave for their missions.

They want their deployment to be successful so they can return home safely to their family. They also want their 12-year-old brother to feel secure.

“I’m happy Matt and I are here to look after each other,” Chris Babas said.