Ruskite, 1st Lt. David Shanks, featured in Marine Corps News

1st Lt. David Shanks, officer in charge of Regimental Combat Team 2's Route Clearance Platoon, conducts a debrief following a recent mission in Dulab, Iraq. A San Antonio native, who grew up in Rusk, he is part of the RCT-2 Route Clearance Platoon. It is their mission to minimize the number of improvised explosive devices along vehicles' routes within the Denver area of operation. PHOTO: CPL. ADAM JOHNSTON

David Shanks, a San Antonio native, who grew up in Rusk, was recently featured in Marine Corps News.

1st Lt. Shanks is a 1995 Rusk High School graduate. He is the grandson of Sue and Bud Broach, who reside on Academy Street, in Rusk.

In the article written by Cpl. Adam Johnston, 2nd Marine Division, entitled "Combat Team's Route Clearance Platoon--The Ultimate Road Trippers," Lt. Shanks was credited as being the platoon officer in charge. He said, he is all for technology, the safer the better. He doesn't want people to forget what matters most in a real combat situation.

The article quoted Lt. Shanks, "The human element is still the most important factor. A well trained Marine is the most precise piece of equipment I have. A tool is only as good as the guy using it."

Summer heat has already hit Iraq. In the states escaping the heat is only a road trip away. Americans can just hop in the car and head to the beach or anywhere where it is cooler.

But, the Iraq trips are not as safe as one taken stateside. The RCT-2 Route Clearance Platoon, whose members are part of Bravo Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, are responsible for minimizing the number of improvised explosive devises along vehicle routes within western Al Anbar Province, Dulab, Iraq.

"These guys have the most dangerous jobs in Iraq," said 1st Sgt. Michael T. Mack. "While everyone else is trying to avoid IEDs, they are out looking for them."

The platoon is armed with the latest in mine resistant vehicle technology that money can buy.

Gunnery Sgt. Erik A. Chism, the platoon's staff noncommissioned officer in charge said, "These new trucks definitely have the advantage over the humvee. Their hull is specifically designed for better blast dispersion."

Chism reported finding a command wire IED with five 122mm motar rounds attached.

"An explosion that size would have annihilated a humvee. Their buffalo (Mine protected clearance vehicle) however would have only been slightly damaged. The Marines inside would be o.k.

Force Protection Inc. recently received a $490 million contract to produce 1,000 Cougars for the Marine Corps' mine resistant ambush protected vehicle program.