ESC Today - December 2012

Vol. Vol. 6, 6, Issue Issue 10 9

143DSUSTAINMENT SUSTAINMENTCOMMAND COMMAND(EXPEDITIONARY) (EXPEDTIONARY) 143d

A NEW WAY TO SERVE: ARMY RESERVE EMBARKS ON HISTORIC MISSION TO RELIEVE HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

pg. 20

December 2012 October, 2012

10 6, Issuee 9 Vol Vol.. 6, Issu

December RY) NARY) TIONA PEDITIO (EXPED ANDD(EX MMAN COMM ENTTCO NMEN TAINM SUSTAI 143dDSUS 143

er 20122 emb ober, 201 Dec Oct

2012

<< On the Front Cover On Nov. 3, New York City first realized the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the largest recorded storm ever to form in the Atlantic Ocean.

On Nov. 5, the U.S. Army Reserve Command issued a warning order to several units along the Eastern Seaboard These units did something Army Reserve had never done

A NEW

RVE:

SE WAY TO

SSION

MI HISTORIC RKS ON VICTIMS Y E EMBA RESERV ICANE SAND ARMY RR IEVE HU TO REL

pg. 20

in the past. They deployed on a domestic assignment.

They helped New York get back on its feet.

Photo illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Lawn, 143d ESC

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ESC today Commander 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Col. James H. Griffiths Command Executive Officer 143d ESC Mr. Fred Guzman Command Sergeant Major 143d ESC Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey E. Uhlig Public Affairs Officer/Editor 143d ESC Maj. John Adams Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV “ESC Today” Layout & Graphic Designer

Inside This Issue >> Messages from the top..........................................................3 ESGR honors Central Florida employers...............................8 New commander takes charge of 207th RSG........................9

CONTRIBUTORS: Lt. Col. Terence P. Murphy 143d ESC Staff Judge Advocate Lt. Col. Brian Ray 143d ESC Chaplain Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mitchell Conrad 143d ESC Staff Judge Advocate Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC Public Affairs NCOIC

421st Quartermaster Co. (DET 4) rigs up for duty.................12

Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Around the ESC.................................................................13

Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th Public Affairs Detachment

An idiot’s guide to holiday safety..........................................16 Fit for duty: 414th TC exercises mind, body, spirit.................17 A new way to serve..............................................................20 The 411 on Army Tuition Assistance.....................................22 352nd CSSB changes command.......................................23

Staff Sgt. Eric Wade 145th TTOE UPAR Sgt. Christina M. Dion 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th Public Affairs Detachment Spc. Mara Dean 410th Quartermaster Detachment UPAR Spc. Aaron Ellerman 414th Transportation Company UPAR

ESC Today is the monthly command information magazine of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense, according to provisions in Army Regulation 360-1. The opinions and views expressed in ESC Today are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Defense Department, Department of the Army or the headquarters, 143d ESC. 2

The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs officer. This publication is written, edited and published by the public affairs office of the 143d ESC, 9500 Armed Forces Reserve Dr., Orlando, Fla. 32827. Submit comments to: john.adams16@usar.army.mil or call 800-2219401 ext. 1132. Send editorial and photographic submissions to: john.adams16@usar.army.mil.

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Spc. Christopher Tobey 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Spc. Adrianne Vinson 421st Quartermaster Co. (DET 4) UPAR Mark Daly 143d ESC Safety Officer Gilbert Rivera 143d ESC Alcohol and Drug Coordinator

The Command Post

Col. James H. Griffiths Commander 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Photo by Capt. Kyle Key National Guard Bureau

I entrust this message finds you and your

allow us to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah,

family both safe and healthy after the first

Kwanzaa and other celebrations of faith. Be

portion of the holiday season. As we enter the

proud of the sacrifices you’ve made which

month of December, I want all of you to enjoy

allow all Americas to enjoy this time of year.

the season with dignity, remembrance, safety

Many of us have been deployed or away from

and compassion for our fellow Soldiers and

home during the holidays.

their families. I want leaders to ensure their

Keep an eye out for each other, and remember

Soldiers and families are cared for during the

we are brothers and sisters in arms; constant

holiday season. Conduct your holiday parties

vigilance for our mission and each other is

safely and make sure families have a stake in all

vital to our success. Overall, remain vigilant

events. Allow for time off without sacrificing

and have a great experience during this special

mission essential functions and ensure our

time of the year.

Soldiers have good contact information if they

Lastly, I want to remind you that eating and

find the need to reach out for help. I encourage

relaxingc comes with any holiday season.

all of you to share as much as you can with

Watch your waistline and maintain your

those less fortunate among our ranks. Enjoying

physical and mental resiliency. The way to

yourselves and sharing with others during the

accomplish this is simple: discipline and

holidays is the right thing to do.

moderation. Take it easy and check on your

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to plan

battle buddy often. My best to you and your

time with family and friends over the holiday

family; enjoy the holidays, and I will see all of

season. Take time to remember those among

you back safely next month.

our ranks currently serving overseas.

As

American Soldiers, we fight for freedoms that

“Be proud of the sacrifices you’ve made which allow all Americans to enjoy this time of year.”

Sustaining Victory!

Army Strong!

Photo by Maj. Travis Dettmer

3rd BDE Combat Team

DID YOU KNOW? As part of its Military Salute celebration, Universal Orlando now offers active, Reserve, National Guard and retired service members free, three-day park-to-park tickets! Universal Orlando also gives a free, third day ticket to with purchase a two-day park-to-park ticket by any person holding a military ID. Service members may pick up their complimentary tickets at any participating military installation. These offers expire March 31, 2013 and ticket holders must visit the park no later than June 30, 2013. Contact your nearest Morale, Welfare and Recreation office for more information. www.twitter.com/My143dESC • http://www.facebook.com/143dESC

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December 2012

3

The Bottom Line The MOS equation The Army Reserve covers a variety of career

tasks without enrolling in courses that enhance

fields ranging from engineering and electronic

their MOS, and still others wrap themselves

warfare to logistics and law enforcement.

in projects that lie far outside their area of

Every field contains at least one of more than

responsibility.

150 military occupation specialties, each

These seemingly isolated incidents can

defining a Soldier’s field of expertise. Though

spill over into other sections and units that

the opportunities and objectives differ greatly

rely on resources residing outside their

among these specialties, they nevertheless

sphere of influence. For instance, a wheeled

revolve around our warfighter core—a core that

vehicle mechanic (91B) who plans to attend

may very well collapse without ample training

a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle

and communication among the Army’s subject

maintenance course assumes that the human

matter experts.

resources specialist (42A) down the hall

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey E. Uhlig Command Sergeant Major 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

My visits to various units under the 143d

properly processed his paperwork. Meanwhile,

ESC have revealed the great strides made in

that 42A inputting the 91B’s data into her

sharpening our basic Soldiering skills. Many

computer assumes the information systems

resolve this issue through the art of mentoring.

go above and beyond to simulate a deployed

operator/analyst (25B) downstairs installed the

Knowing the MOS of every Soldier in your

environment

field

necessary software to connect to the network. As

command is a great start, but NCOs must dig

exercises, ruck marches, marksmanship training

the 25B provides technical support throughout

deeper. Spend a few minutes researching the

and combat lifesaver courses. Soldiers can

the facility, he assumes the unit supply specialist

most common specialties in your section or

apply these experiences regardless what their

(92A) across the street has ordered the parts

unit, then speak with your Soldiers and find

assignments entail. However, can these Warrior

needed to upgrade the network’s hardware. If

out if what they do matches what they should

Citizens also meet demands specific to their

just one of these assumptions proves false, then

be doing. Give them the tools and training

MOS?

the entire system can shatter under a deluge of

necessary

delays.

Submitting an order for new equipment that

through

competitions,

Many Soldiers hover in a holding pattern as

to

accomplish

their

mission.

they wait their turn to enter a certain school

Our Command cannot reach its potential if

will enhance your section’s efficiency or sending

that will upgrade their status from “pending”

our Soldiers suffer from MOS mismanagement.

a Soldier to a two-week course relevant to his/

to “qualified.” Many more toil in their daily

Fortunately, non-commissioned officers can

her MOS can save your unit thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours in the long run.

Having properly trained Soldiers assigned to the appropriate positions is but one part of the MOS equation. Leadership and morale must stand as pillars to performance, and it’s up to NCOs to mold them in a manner that motivates Soldiers to push their talent a little harder, farther and faster than they thought possible.

I know of no better way to do that than by showing Soldiers firsthand that you appreciate what they do, and that their Command counts on their military occupation specialties to

Photo by Spc. John L. Carkeet IV

143d ESC

Photo by Sgt. Natalie Loucks

3rd ID Public Affairs

Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg

204th PAD

sustain victory.

DID YOU KNOW? The Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System is a self-service portal that allow service members with a common access card to apply for family IDs or retirement cards and even update dependents’ statuses online. CAC holders may visit the RAPIDS website, call up the listing of their dependents, and fill out and digitally sign Form 1172-2 for their family members. These family members can go to the closest DMDC office to pick up the card without their sponsor. For more information, visit the RAPIDS site locator to find the sites nearest you.

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Message from the 143d ESC Command Chief Warrant Officer the model event with ESCs as far away as the state of Washington

requesting

information workshop

about

our

that

they

so

may develop their own programs.

“The purpose of this workshop is to leverage 143d ESC resources to improve the overall position of the warrant officer community of assigned professionals.”

This year’s theme is based in part on the Gen. Jeffrey

result of this workshop, unit commanders will

W. Talley’s “Rally Point

have better informed warrant officers engaged

32” plan. We will leverage

in their responsibilities and locked into the

knowledge,

appropriate level of the Warrant Officer

information

technology and personal

A secondary intent is to recruit and prepare

overall readiness of the

qualified applicants for the warrant officer

warrant officers in the 143d

program. The Army Reserve Career Division

ESC, the 377th Theater

will be available to speak with qualified enlisted

Sustainment

Command

personnel about the WO program and assist

and the U.S. Army Reserve

them through the entire process. Commanders

Command.

are encouraged to take this opportunity to this

bring these resources to bear upon their units in

workshop is to leverage

an effort to fill unit vacancies and to announce

143d

The As

the

143d

Sustainment

Command

Education System.

experience to increase the

purpose

of

to

opportunities within their commands. My goal

(Expeditionary)’s Command Chief Warrant

improve the overall position of the warrant

is to ensure that every 143d ESC enlisted Soldier

Officer, I would like to wish everyone a joyous

officer community of assigned professionals.

is aware of the warrant officer opportunities in

holiday season as you spend time with your

This means taking steps to ensure we have the

this Command and to provide him or her with

family and friends. I want to clearly state that

right warrant officer in the right position and

a pathway to becoming a Army warrant officer:

I am here to serve you. As we work together to

at the right time so as to maximize his or her

The best job in the Army!

ensure we have the finest warrant officers in the

career to maximize the knowledge and skill

Army, I challenge you to be the best leaders and

sets available at each level of command. As a

ESC

resources

I look forward to seeing you all at the WO Workshop!

experts in your chosen field. As your CCWO, my goal is to ensure that 143d ESC warrant officers are viewed as key leaders, advisors and mentors.

CW5 David N. Conrad Command Chief Warrant Officer 143d ESC

I would also like to remind all Warrant Officers

and

interested

and

qualified

noncommissioned officers of our 143d ESC Warrant Officer Professional Development and Recruitment Workshop Jan. 3-6. Attendance is mandatory for all warrant officers. If you have not yet registered with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Claflin for this WOPD Workshop, you need to do so now! Please submit your orders through your normal command channels for review and approval.

This will be the 143d ESC’s third annual WOPD Workshop, and it is shaping up to be another exciting professional development event. This workshop is quickly becoming

Courtesy Photo

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September 2012

5

Reflections by the Chaplain:

The best way to honor our veterans is one at a time Soldiers and families of the 143d ESC, Sometimes words just get in the way. I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Well my

father-in-law recently sent me the following pictures. As you’ll see, any words I might try to offer would simply get in the way of the powerful message these images convey.

Lt. Col. Brian Ray Command Chaplain 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Soldiers of the 143d ESC, Happy Veterans Day! Your service and sacrifice are the bedrock of our nation’s freedoms. Together our veterans and their families will remain AMERICA STRONG! “Pro Deo et Patria . . . For God and Country!”

DID YOU KNOW? The 81st Regional Support Command will sponsor several Strong Bonds events for married couples Jan. 11-13, 2013 in Nashville, Tenn. Couples will learn how to improve their communication and problem solving skills while gaining a greater appeciation for their spouses. All members within the 81st RSC’s area of operations may attend this event. Soldiers earn retirement points for completing the event, and all participants will be reimbursed for their travel and lodging expenses through the Defense Travel System. Registration ends Dec. 12, so call 803-751-3230 or 803-751-9621 and request a registration form today!

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The Legal Corner

Your rights under USERRA Employees upon preparation for activation

Soldiers who receive a dishonorable, bad

need to notify their employers to be covered

conduct, or other than honorable discharge, or

under the Uniformed Services Employment and

are dismissed or dropped from the rolls.

Reemployment Rights Act for reemployment

Returning to your employer

rights.

1. You must report back to the employer in

USERRA prerequisites

a timely manner upon completion of military

1. You must be an employee. The law covers

duty. Soldiers must provide notice to their

all employees of federal, state and local

employer when they are ready to return to

government agencies, non-profit corporations

civilian employment after being activated.

and all private businesses. There is no small

Unless impossible or unreasonable, through no

business exemption.

fault of the employee, Soldiers must report back

2. You must give prior notice of your military

to their employers as follows:

Lt. Col. Terrence P. Murphy Staff Judge Advocate 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

service to your civilian employer. Soldiers are

a. Service up to 30 days must report back at

encouraged to give prior written notice to their

the next shift following safe travel time plus 8

receives only the protection provided by the

employer of any military deployment or duty

hours for rest.

anti-discrimination provision of the USERRA.

period that may conflict with their civilian employment. The employer may not dictate the type of notice to be provided. A Soldier’s commander or senior noncommissioned officer

b. Service up to 180 days must apply for reemployment within 14 days. c. Service 181 days or more must apply for reemployment within 90 days.

4. Employers may not discriminate in hiring, employment, and retention in employment, promotion, or any other benefit of employment because of current or prior military service.

may also provide the notice to the employer. It is

2. The USERRA provides several protections

5. Employers may not require a Soldier to use

strongly suggested that you provide the notice to

to Soldiers upon their military activation and

their vacation pay or time for military duty. The

your immediate supervisor and your company

return:

Soldier may elect to use his vacation pay for

or government agency human relations office.

a. Prompt reinstatement to their civilian job.

military duty.

3. You must have not served more than five

b. Reemployment at the same status as before

6. Employees need only show that employer

years of active military duty while employed

they were activated, as to title, location and

discrimination based upon current or prior

with your employer. This provision does not

work hours.

military status was a factor in an adverse

count military call-up for operational missions,

c. No loss of seniority based benefits,

disaster relief, wartime mobilization, annual

including pension contribution rights and

training and military drill periods. The clock

vesting privileges.

personnel action or withholding a favorable personnel action to receive relief by the courts.

7. Federal employees may raise claims of

employer-provided

“hostile work environment” resulting from

4. You must have served under honorable

health insurance, without waiting periods or

their current or prior military status before the

conditions. The USERRA will not apply to

preexisting condition provisions for families

Merit Systems Protection Board. The courts

that use TRICARE military health care while

have not yet addressed this issue with respect

the Soldier is activated.

to State and local government employee and

starts over with every new employment.

d.

Continuation

of

e. Reasonable employer efforts to train and accommodate returning employees upon their release from active duty.

private business employees.

Non-Seniority Benefits Any benefits an employer provides to their

Special protection against discharge

employees that are not seniority based, but

1. If a Soldier does 181 days or more of active

are provided for employees on furlough or

duty, he cannot be discharged except for cause

nonmilitary leave, are to be provided to Soldier

for a period of twelve months.

employees. These benefits could include ESOP,

2. If a Soldier does 30 to 180 days of active duty, he cannot be discharged except for cause for a period of 180 days/six months.

3. If a Soldier does less than 30 days, he

disability insurance or life insurance premium payment, or holiday bonuses.

Enforcement of the USERRA.

See “USERRA,” pg. 18>>>

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December 2012

7

<<< “USERRA,” cont.

investigations of USERRA violations. If the

1. National Committee for Employer Support

Department determines that there is probable

of the Guard and Reserve: The ESGR is a DOD

cause to believe a violation occurred and the

funded agency that provides information to

employer refuses to comply with the law, the

Soldier employees and employers regarding

Department can refer the case to the Office

USERRA and tries to resolve USERRA disputes

of Special Counsel for federal employees, and

in an informal manner. The ESGR Ombudsman

the Department of Justice for all other cases.

Federal employee cases are resolved before

Program, including state volunteer ombudsmen, provides initial mediation of USERRA issues

employer disputes are not able to be resolved

the Merit Systems Protection Board and most

between employees and employers. Call 1-800-

informally, the cases are referred to the

other cases are heard in federal court. A list of

336-4590.

Department of Labor for formal investigation.

local VETS Offices in each state may be found

The Department investigators have subpoena

at http://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/

and contempt powers to assist in their

main.htm.

2. The Department of Labor - Veterans’ Employment

and

Training

Service:

If

Recognition luncheon held for employers of Central Florida

BY STAFF SGT. RAUEL TIRADO

States Postal Service, Target, Walt Disney World and Florida Hospital.

204th Public Affairs Detachment

ORLANDO, Fla.– Employers of Central Florida

Guests were treated to a buffet luncheon and

were recognized alongside their Citizen Soldier

an award presentation with Orlando City Mayor

employees by the Employer Support of the

Buddy Dyer and Army Reserve Ambassador

Guard and Reserve Florida Committee with a

to Central Florida Allie Braswell. Employers

recognition luncheon held at Orange County City

were presented ESGR Outstanding Performance

Hall, Sept. 20.

Certificates,

When Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers are called to duty in support of contingency

operations,

civilian

employers

also share the burden of sacrifice along side

Army

Reserve

Ambassador’s

Certificate of Appreciation plaques, and the Ambassador’s medals and pins.

During the ceremony, the mayor took a moment to address the attendees.

family members. Employers at the event were

“I appreciate the opportunity to recognize the

recommended for appreciation by their own

Central Florida businesses that are leading the

employees who were activated for a period of time

way in hiring and supporting our troops,” said

away from their jobs.

Dyer. “Here, in the city of Orlando, we make it

The luncheon was held on the top floor of City Hall overlooking downtown Orlando. Some of the employers recognized included the United

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado

8

204th PAD

our mission to support our Soldiers and family

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado

204th PAD

From left to right: Spc. Martha JaramilloGavira, 143d ESC, Heather Cobb, Target Human Resource Officer, Allie Braswell, United States Army Reserve ambassador to Central Florida and Buddy Dyer, Orlando City mayor, present the Army Reserve Ambassador’s plaque during a Recognition Luncheon at Orange County City Hall, Sept. 20.

members.”

Dyer also recognized the Orlando Police

Branch. “It’s the hard work and dedication of

Department and their partnership with the

our military service members that protect our

Army for Youth Services. The program partners

country, and I’m proud to support them.”

the military with public and privates sectors to

Blanchard is the supervisor for Sgt. 1st Class

provide the opportunity for American youth to

Eric Bandazewski, assigned to Headquarters

serve their country while they prepare for the

Company,

future.

(Expeditionary), who is a USPS letter carrier. He

143d

Sustainment

Command

For the employer’s representatives in attendance

nominated his employers recognized by ESGR

who received the awards, it was a special moment

and the USAR Ambassador for their support

for themselves.

while he deployed.

“It’s a complete honor and privilege to be

For more information on how you can nominate

here,” said Michelle Blanchard, customer service

employers with the ESGR, visit http://www.esgr.

manager, United States Post Office South Creek

mil or contact your local ESGR representative.

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New commander takes charge of 207th RSG

BY STAFF SGT. DEIDRA JACKSON 210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT JACKSON, S.C. – Soldiers of the 207th Regional Support Group and their families attended a change of command ceremony Oct. 14 in Fort Jackson, S.C., where Col. James C. Bagley relinquished command to Col. Jeffrey T. Sims.

The incoming commander, Sims, comes with an impressive resume. He has served for 26 years in the Army Reserve. He has served as the deputy chief of staff for supply and maintenance with the United States Army Reserve Deployment Support Command.

He also was the commander of the 828th Transportation Battalion, ammunitions and training officer for 397th U.S. Army Garrison, battalion maintenance and S1 officer for the 844th Engineer Battalion, and much more.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson

210th MPAD

Col. James H. Griffiths (center), commander of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), hands the 207th Regional Sustainment Group’s guideon to Col. Jeffrey T. Sims (left), the 207th RSG’s new commander, during a change of command ceremony Oct. 14 in Fort Jackson, S.C. Col. James C. Bagley (right), served as the 207th RSG’s commander for two years.

While addressing his new Soldiers at the

did a warrior training exercise in 2011 and

to a Modified Table of Organization and

change of command ceremony, Sims thanked

supported a combat support training exercise

Equipment (MTOE) ready establishment.

them for the opportunity and told them he was

in 2012. The 362nd Quartermaster Battalion

At the beginning of fiscal year 2007, the

privileged.

ranking third in the 143d Sustainment

207th RSG was transferred from under the

“I want to take the time to say I am honored

Command (Expeditionary) readying units for

81st Regional Readiness Command to the

beyond words to lead such an incredible

war stands as one of the 207th RSG’s greatest

143d ESC.

organization,” Sims said.

achievements. showed

said Colonel James H. Griffiths, commander

the passing of responsibilities that each

professionalism and dedication for service,”

of the 143d ESC out of Orlando, Fla. “While

commander has for that unit and its Soldiers

said Bagley. “I will always count it an honor to

the faces may change, the mission remains the

is symbolized by the ceremonial passing of the

have served alongside each of you.”

same: protect and defend our homeland and

When a military unit changes command,

“My

command

“Today we celebrate a change in leadership,” teams

always

colors. By passing the colors, the commander

The 207th Regional Support Group was

relinquishes his command, and the new

constituted in 2005 at Fort Jackson, S.C., with

way of life.”

The units participating in the 207th RSG

commander formally accepts command.

its first member assigned May 2, 2005. Col.

change of command ceremony includes

During his two years as commander of

Nora Fisher was assigned to the 207th RSG as

the 208th Army Band, the 207th RSG’s

the 207th RSG, Bagley achieved much with

its first commander. The purpose of the 207th

Headquarters

the help of two battalions and more than 20

RSG was to replace the 81st Regional Readiness

Transportation Battalion, and the 362nd

company and detachment organizations. They

Group due to the Army’s transformation

Quartermaster Battalion command.

Detachment,

the

828th

DID YOU KNOW? The U.S. Army Transportation School in Fort Lee, Va., now offers Master Driver course. Soldiers graduating from this 80-hour course will take charge of their unit’s driver training program and advise their commanders on driving-related issues. Students also learn to reference and resource training material for all assigned vehicles and equipment. The course is available to staff sergeants and sergeants first class in the motor transport operator military occupational field (88M). Graduates will receive the additional skill identifier of M9. The school has the capacity to train 72 Soldiers each year, so now’s the time to register! www.twitter.com/My143dESC • http://www.facebook.com/143dESC

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December 2012

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WHY I SERVE: Name: Mark D. Hodges Rank: Specialist Unit: 143d ESC Title: Unit Supply Specialist Hometown: Orlando, Fla.

It’s ironic that, among the millions of people who would love to live in California, I was looking for a way out. As a kid who faced a “join the Army or go to jail” dilemma, I saw the military as my ticket to get out of trouble. Little did I know that this move would also make me a better person.

I enlisted in the active Army in July, 1987. My first assignment after basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) took me to the 159th Maintenance Company in Fort Bragg, N.C. It was here that I learned how to be a Soldier.

The 159th kept pace with the 82nd Airborne Division, so my comrades and I humped constantly from one exercise to the next. If the 82nd stayed in the field for three weeks, the 159th would stay in the field for three weeks. If the 82nd did a 12-mile ruck march, the 159th would do a 12-mile ruck march. These challenges taught

me to respect the uniform, and they molded me into the loyal husband and loving father.

Long before marriage and children entered my mind, the Army gave me the opportunity to watch history unfold by sending me to Germany in 1990. I literally saw the country’s reunification first hand as I held a piece of the Berlin Wall. Two years later I reported for duty at Camp Humphries in South Korea. That’s when I got my first major dose of culture shock.

My upbringing in the streets of Sacramento ill prepared me for the sights, sounds and smells in that country. In time, I accepted the cultural differences as it became clear that all people— regardless of their nationality— share the same feelings.

My career in the active Army came to a close in 1994 with an assignment at a military intelligence battalion based in Orlando, Fla. In the years since, I married my wife Sonya, and

raised three terrific children, Mark II, Sophia, and Carmen.

These life-changing milestones did not stop me from earning my associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree paid in part by the Montgomery G.I. Bill.

In 2010 I lost 41 pounds so I could become a Warrior Citizen—not an easy feat for someone my age. To say this accomplishment was worth every pound would be an understatement.

My career in the Army Reserve spans between the public affairs and unit supply fields. Although shocked at how much the Army changed since my active duty days, I am honored to meet relatively young Soldiers who exemplify the traits of great leaders. Their ability to reach into the ranks and bring out the very best in every Soldier has inspired me to attend as many military schools available to me and add chevrons to my rank.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn

143d ESC

Stay Drug Free 143d ESC The holiday season has snuck up on us once

Is somebody you know avoiding holiday

again. It is a time for time off, travel, family

gatherings, preferring to stay home alone?

get-togethers, gift shopping, and holiday office

Have you noticed a coworker drinking too

parties. It is a time for reaching out to one

much at the holiday parties? Does your spouse,

another and enjoying a festive atmosphere and

sibling or parent seem more distant, moody

a renewed appreciation for life.

and irritable? Is there a downward change in

Unfortunately, it is also a time for an increase

attitude or appearance coinciding with this

in cases of depression, thoughts of suicide and

season? If you detect something out of the

drug and alcohol abuse. This is understandable,

ordinary, you may wish to investigate further

especially when we have family and coworkers

to determine if drugs or alcohol are a factor in

dealing with loneliness, financial challenges,

these behavioral changes.

upcoming mobilizations or post-traumatic

Substance

abuse

prevention

and

stress disorder. When it seems everybody in

rehabilitation doesn’t take off for the holidays.

the world is happy and celebrating the season

If you suspect a friend, coworker or loved

with loved ones, it shouldn’t be surprising that

one is abusing drugs or alcohol, do not wait

some may want to retreat into a cocoon and

until after Christmas or New Year’s to seek

just drink or abuse medications, marijuana or

help. Chaplains, rehabilitation clinics and

other controlled substances until the feelings

Counselors are ready to assist anybody in

all the facts before making any confrontations,

of depression and hurt goes away.

Gilbert Rivera Alcohol & Drug Coordinator 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

need of help during the holiday season.

and remember to be sympathetic but firm.

During the holidays, it is especially important

If you believe treatment is necessary for a

Helping a loved one through a substance abuse

to watch for signs of possible drug and alcohol

friend, seek the assistance of a Chaplain, drug

challenge to sobriety could be the best gift you

abuse among friends, family and co-workers.

rehabilitation professional or unit leader. Get

could ever give.

10

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DA PHOTO LAB W O

N

N E P

O Where we’re located

9500 Armed Forces Reserve Dr. (TAFT Bldg) Orlando, FL 32827

Dates & hours Scheduling of operation and other info

Nov. 29-30 Thurs. & Sat. Dec. 1 0730 - 1530 Jan. 3-5, 31 Fri. Feb. 1-2 1000 - 1900

Go to www.vios.army.mil Army, Army Reserve & Army National Guard only Call 757-878-4831 for more information

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•

December 2012

11

DET 4 of the 421st Quartermasters rigs up for duty

BY SPC. ADRIANNE VINSON 421st Quartermaster Company (DET 4), UPAR

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – The month of October brings about a change to the Eric T. Burri Rigger Facility, where the 421st “Riggers” Quartermaster Detachment 1 were replaced by their Detachment 4 counterparts who arrived in country Sept. 20 from Fort Valley, Ga. Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Harris III, DET 1 commander, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Davis, DET 1 Sergeant, and their Soldiers worked long days over the last year to ensure that the supplies needed for small base camps all over Afghanistan were rigged and air dropped in for the Soldiers.

Their high standards left some large boots to fill, but Warrant Officer Philip Hamill, commander of the 421st QM Co. DET 4, and Sgt. 1st Class Larry Carter, DET 4’s senior noncommissioned officer, know that their Soldiers are up to the task.

Hamill put it into perspective by saying, “As one of the biggest enablers in the military, parachute riggers are always on call to provide direct combat support to our brothers and sisters in harm’s way. With this support, they can rest assured that we will never miss or fail a mission. They [the warfighters]

Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Berardi

316th ESC

Sgt. Jack Arnold, a resident of Macon, Ga., and a member of the 421st Quartermaster Company, inspects the webbing on a bundle being prepared for aerial delivery in Southwest Asia, Sept. 29.

“Understanding the importance of our job and how it relates to the overall

will always be able to shoot, move and communicate.”

Preparation for deployment was not just about brushing up on packing and

success of the mission is what drives us to work hard to accomplish it,” said

rigging skills for the 421st QM Co. DET 4. More than 20 Soldiers have spent

Spc. Elizabeth McPherson, a 421st QM Company health care specialist who

the last year training for all types of Soldiering skills such as mounted convoy

works closely with the riggers of DET 4.

operations and reflexive fire that are outside of their normal military duties,

Parachute rigging began in 1940 during World War II and has continued to become an important part of the war effort. Troops on secluded forward

but still necessary for deployment purposes.

“All of the men and women of DET 4 have worked hard day in and day out to be the best at their jobs,” said Carter. “In doing so, they have proven that

operating bases can quickly and efficiently receive needed food, water and ammunition when main supply routes may not be available or safe.

“We are here for the single purpose of supporting our brothers and sisters

being a Soldier is more than just a job.”

Like the DET 1 Soldiers before them, DET 4 will be involved in mission operations. They will be sending supplies like food, water and ammunition.

in arms downrange,” said Sgt. Jack Arnold, a lane chief for the 421st QM Co. DET 4.

641st RSG ‘cowboy’ rides, shoots, scores

BY SGT. JOHN L. CARKEET IV 143d ESC Public Affairs Office

a form of mounted marksmanship made famous by the American cowboy.

PLANT CITY, Fla. – To the Soldiers and

Ware and his horse, Dakota, spent four months

civilians assigned to the 641st Regional Support

acclimating to the sport’s unique skill set that

Group, Lt. Col. (promotable) Harlan T. Ware is

involves the horse navigating around obstacles

the unit’s supervisory staff administrator. To the

while its rider attempts to shoot 10 targets with

horseback riding and trick shooting enthusiasts

a pair of .45 caliber revolvers holding five rounds

of America, Ware entertains the country as Gus

each. The duo entered its first competition in

Trent, a cowboy mounted shooter.

October 2011 and have placed twice since then.

Ware fulfilled his life long passion to own a horse

“I enjoy the competitions, but this sport is

in August 2010, but he was unsure as to what he

more about honoring the spirit of the Old West

should do with his equine companion beyond the

than who wins or loses,” said Ware. “The Bay

occasional trot through a trail. Ware resolved this

Area bandits keeps that spirit alive by providing

dilemma several months later when he witnessed

authentic cowboy attire, guns and training to

his first mounted shooting exhibition. It wasn’t

anyone with a horse.”

long before this Soldier joined the Bay Area Bandits shooting club in Plant City, Fla., to master 12

Learn more about cowboy mounted shooting at www.bayareabandits.org.

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Photo by Charles Vansispine

Lt. Col. Harlan T. Ware–known in the horse riding community as Gus Trent–shoots a target during an exhibition January 2012 in Plant City, Fla. Ware and his horse, Dakota, train twice a week with the Bay Area Bandits.

AROUND THE ESC

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 414th TC

Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV

143d ESC

Col. Jay D. Rieger, support operations officer for the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), presents a certificate of completion to Staff Sgt. Oshaonna Bryant, a human resources specialist for the 143d ESC, during the Operational Contract Support course Oct. 26 at the David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla. Bryant and 22 other Soldiers from the 143d ESC graduated from this two-week course that prepared them to manage, forecast and administer contract support assignments in a contingency and garrison environment.

Spc. Daniel Harwell, a motor transport operator with the 414th Transportation Company out of Orangeburg, S.C. helps Kiah Thompson, a motor transport operator with the 414th Transportation Company, secure her gunners harness prior to conducting convoy operations July 10 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. Making sure the harness fits snug is essential to keep the gunner safe in instances of a roll over or improvised explosive device blast.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

Command Sgt. Maj. Jose Licea (top row, center), command sergeant major for the 332nd Transportation Battalion based in Tampa, Fla., poses fellow Soldiers who participated in his unit’s Best Warrior Competition Nov. 19 in Camp Blanding, Fla. The 332nd was the first unit in the 143d ESC to host a Best Warrior Competition this fiscal year.

Master Sgt. Cheryl B. Harmon with the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) locks arms with Winnie and Woody Woodpecker Nov. 9 during a veterans appreciation luncheon at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. The Univeral Veterans Network hosted this day-long event that included a parade, a flag raising ceremony and complimentary passes to the parks.

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•

December 2012

13

AROUND THE ESC

Photo by Maj. John Adams 143d ESC

Spc. Chris Easton (left), water treatment specialist, and Spc. Brittany Metcalfe (right), chemical equipment repair specialist, 410th Quartermaster Detachment out of Jacksonville, Fla., remove covers from 6-inch hosing Nov. 9 while wading through storm water in a residential area at Breezy Point, N.Y. The unit pumped water out of an area approximately the size of a football field. The 410th supported the Federal Emergency Management Agency, state and local officials as a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Photo Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC

Sgt. Konyali Jossie (right), a movement control manager for the 839th Movement Control Team Detachment out of Miami teaches Spc. Valerie Kipps (left), a transportation management coordinator with the 520th Movement Control Team, how to input data in the Transportation Coodinators’ Automated Information System Nov. 14 in Orlando, Fla. The 520th’s senior leadership selected Jossie to teach their Soldiers how to use TCAIMS–a program that assigns missions to civlian trucks owned and operated by Afghans–due to the wealth of experience she accumulated during her recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Wade 145th TTOE UPAR

Six Soldiers from the 145th Transportation Theater Open Element hold their “Welcome Home Warrior Citizen” awards presented Nov. 3 in Anniston, Ala. Front row (left to right): Sgt. Antwone Murray and Spc. Roy Wilkins. Back row (left to right): Spc. Darius Spencer, Spc. Javier Zayas, Spc. Samuel Hunt and Capt. Jason Poe. 14

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AROUND THE ESC

UNIT PHOTOS WANTED The “ESC Today” wants to show off photos of Soldiers from your unit performing operational duties and basic soldiering skills. Include a caption with names, ranks, place, date and a short description of what is happening in each photo, then send your images to: john.adams16@usar.army.mil

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 414th TC

Spc. Vincent Bess, a light wheel vehicle mechanic with the 414th transportation company out of Orangeburg, S..C., prepares his Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Recovery Vehicle (MRV) to extract an MRAP stuck in the sandy terrain outside of Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan Sept. 3.

Photo by Marta Feliciano 143d ESC

Sally the puppy becomes the center of attention as children take part in a lesson about proper pet care taught by Sean Brosnan from the Human Society of Bay County during the 576th Transportation Detachment’s Fall Festival Oct. 20 in Panama City, Fla. The festival honored the youth of the 576th who are coping with separation for their loved ones due to deployment.

Courtesy Photo

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Victor Gomez, the family readiness group leader for the 143d ESC, accepts an award presented by senior members of the Universal Veterans Group Nov. 9 at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. You may watch Gomez’s moving presentation he made that day via these links: part 1 and part 2. www.twitter.com/My143dESC • http://www.facebook.com/143dESC

•

December 2012

15

An idiot’s guide to holiday safety

BY MARK DALY 143d ESC Safety Office

It’s that time of year again when we gather

it. Your wife is saying, “I told you so,” and the kids are screaming . . . So much for the winter

1. If you are unsure of a certain task, don’t wing it. Ask for help.

wonder land.

with family and friends to roast chestnuts, have

Does this sound familiar? If it does, you’re

a little eggnog (or maybe more than a little more

an “unsafe idiot.” Don’t get me wrong. Unsafe

eggnog), then go outside to deep fry the turkey,

idiots keep the safety profession very well

start a house fire, and give a relative third degree

employed. Firefighters, emergency medical

burns.

technicians, nurses and doctors also appreciate

We all enjoy decorating our houses to show

and merry:

their business.

2. Take the 10 extra minutes and read the directions.

3. Fire extinguishers are the tools of the wise men. Buy one and learn how to use it.

For the Clark W. Griswolds of Christmas (see “Christmas Vacation” starring Chevy Chase):

our Christmas spirit. Since it is the holiday

Deep frying a turkey has defined the actions of

basic electricity is very easy math. An electrical

season, you might start out with a some spiked

the “unsafe idiot.” How much property damage

circuit can typically handle 15 to 20 amps. If you

cider, then get all the electric décor that was

has been done, and how many Christmas

exceed this, the breaker will trip, thus cutting

most likely thrown in the box 365 days ago.

bonuses have been depleted because certain

off power and (usually) preventing damage

You grab an aluminum ladder and proceed to

people have forgotten liquid levels rise when

make your house festive. Since there is only one

you put a solid mass to it? Let’s not forget that

electrical outlet that is convenient, you plug all

hot oils easily combust near a lit cigarette or

of the décor into it. A flip of the switch, a quick

similar heat source.

WARNING! Do not attempt if reading below confuses you!

1. Look for the “AMP” rating on your circuit and write that value in the last line.

smell of ozone, then . . . POP! No more power.

At the risk of making my job obsolete, the

2. Look for the rated AC input on each

Santa bypasses your house because he can’t see

following will be helpful to keep the season safe

appliance to be plugged into the outlet, and write those values in the last column.

3. If no AMPS are shown, look for the watts and write that number in the “WATTS” column.

Divide the watts by 220 volts, then write the result in “AMPS “column.

Total all the AMPS. Your total CANNOT exceed the AMPS of your circuit.

Here’s an example with a 15 AMP chart:

*Divide by 220

In order to have a Happy Holiday Season, do not exceed your limits and ask for help.

Contrary to common beliefs, alcohol does not make you smarter or better looking; in fact the opposite is true. Finally, the only good things about “unsafe idiots” are that they stimulate the economy by keeping safety professionals employed.

Illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Lawn

16

143d ESC

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Enjoy your holiday season!

FIT FOR DUTY

414th Transportation Co. exercises the mind, body, spirit

BY SPC. AARON ELLERMAN 414th Transportation Company UPAR

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN – Many people think that “Soldier Fitness” can be measured by a score from a mundane test, a reading from some unforgiving machine or by how many lead weights are lifted into the air; but there is more to Soldier fitness than what meets the eye.

For the Soldiers of the 414th Transportation Company out of Orangeburg, S.C., the challenge of staying fit proves more daunting than usual during their deployment to Afghanistan.

For deployed Soldiers, the task of staying mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually fit can be difficult. They often do not have the same luxuries afforded to them as they have in a garrison environment, so they must find alternative ways to stay fit.

“You have to have time to exercise your mind,” said Sgt. Marilyn Borroum-Ruddock, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman

414th TC UPAR

Mental Fitness: Sgt. Marilyn Borroum-Ruddock, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with the 414th Transportation Company, teaches college mathematics for the University of Maryland during her downtime at the Camp Leatherneck career center at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

specialist with the 414th.

Ruddock has been a mathematics teacher in the Orlando, Fla. area for more than 10 years and holds four military occupational specialties.

Defense civilians at the Camp Leatherneck career center.

“I am blessed that I have the opportunity to teach here,” said Ruddock.

The struggle with staying mentally fit here is that there are a limited

“It is my mental workout . . . I am constantly learning from my students

variety of resources, said Ruddock. Finding the time and energy to

and those around me, and I encourage everyone to learn from the

participate in a mental activity after a long day can be challenging.

different personalities that surround them.”

Ruddock also teaches math for service members and Department of

As the war continues in Afghanistan, the longest in U.S. history, it takes a toll on the Soldiers morale and emotional fitness level. With the climbing rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, it is essential that Soldiers’ emotional fitness is being taken seriously.

“When your mind is cluttered, it distracts from the mission, and focus is lost which puts everyone at risk,” said Spc. Anthony Anderson, a motor transport operator with the 414th. “In our job it is critical to have a clear mindset because we have to look and listen to what is happening around us and what could happen.”

For many Soldiers on deployment, the challenge to stay emotionally fit can be tough because there are few places to get away from the work environment. Anderson alleviates this issue by listening to music or reading a book, but he still depends on his battle buddies to keep going.

“It’s very important to have a close battle buddy while being deployed since you are away from your family, and it’s nice to have someone you know and can talk to,” said Anderson. “The Soldiers keep each other going and are always there for each other.”

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman

414th TC UPAR

Physical fitness: Soldiers of the 414th Transportation company out of Orangeburg, S.C., maintain their physical fitness while deployed at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan by participating in daily physical training routines and extra circular activities such as post runs and intramural sports.

According to the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, spiritual fitness is the strengthening of a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain a person beyond family, institutional, and societal sources of strength.

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See “Fit,” pg. 18>>> •

December 2012

17

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman

414th TC UPAR

Spiritual Fitness: Many Soldiers of the 414th transportation company out of Orangeburg, S.C. are a part of the Camp Leatherneck Chapel’s choir. The Soldiers can sing and play musical instruments while gaining spiritual enlightenment. challenges with friendly competition.

<<<“Fit,”

“Soldiers always want to outdo their leaders, so I make sure my Soldiers

“When you’re up against endeavors in your life and facing seemingly overwhelming odds, it is important to be spiritually fit,” said Denise Williams, a motor transport operator with the 414th. “If you don’t feed your soul everyday with positive things, your spirit will eventually die.”

Williams keeps her spirit alive by attending religious services and reading scripture.

stay physically fit by exceeding the maximum expectations myself which encourages them to strive to beat me,” said Dixon.

The smile on a Soldier’s face, the coolness under pressure, the ability to come up with new ways of solving problems, and the ability to do what is necessary are all characteristics of a fit Soldier. It is of utmost importance that we remain fit at home and in theatre because it is our

Over here you need the mind, body and soul to make it, said Williams.

duty as Soldiers to always be ready.

It is difficult to adjust spiritually when you are used to having a set routine back home. Having all the different beliefs intertwined in a confined space can sometimes be overwhelming, but when we are put into a stressful environment, we come together and put aside our differences to complete the mission.

Physical strength and endurance is what many think of when they think of fitness. It is a core Army requirement and measured throughout the year. Equally important to the other fitness categories, physical fitness measures the body’s ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

“The burden of war is very physically demanding, [and] being physically fit could determine whether you live or die,” said Staff Sgt. Kendrick Dixon, a motor transport operator with the 414th. Being physically fit gives you that self assurance and confidence required to complete the task at hand.”

According to Dixon, Soldiers have plenty of time to get into shape while deployed because they have fewer distractions. However, they face the problem of finding motivation, which is difficult at times given the high mission tempo and mental exhaustion. Dixon combats these

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman

414th TC UPAR

Emotional Fitness: Soldiers of the 414th transportation company out of Orangeburg, S.C. participate in events to help relieve stress and have a good time. The 414th has a monthly themed MWR day which provides Soldiers a much needed break from the stressful environment.

DID YOU KNOW? Operation Warfighter provides recuperating service members meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment. The program assists in their wellness and offers a formal means of transition back to the civilian workforce. Open to all branches and components, Operation Warfighter helps service members in a medical hold status to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will prepare them for the future.Visit this link or call 703-428-7536 for more information.

18

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BY MAJ JOHN ADAMS 143d ESC Public Affairs Officer

AND SPC CHRISTOPHER TOBEY 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

On Nov. 3, New York City first realized the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, the largest recorded storm ever to form in the Atlantic Ocean.

On Nov. 5, the United States Army Reserve Command issued a warning order to several units along the Eastern Seaboard.

These units did something Army Reserves had never done in the past. They deployed on a domestic assignment. They helped New York get back on its feet.

Army Reserve water purification specialists played a crucial role in New York’s initial recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

These Reserve Soldiers worked in conjunction with a number of civilian and military organizations and had an immeasurable impact for thousands New York residents.

“We had to get things here [on] short

Photo by Spc. Mara Dean 410th QM DET

equipment repair specialist with the 410th Quartermaster Detachment, “but we got it here and we’re all excited to be doing our job.”

Authorization Act of 2012.

“Most of us have deployed to other countries for humanitarian missions,” said Staff Sgt.

Three water pump teams – the 401st

Michelle Satterfield, 401st QM DET. “It’s always

Quartermaster Detachment from Lock Haven,

an honor to do those types of things, but to

Pa., the 431st Quartermaster Detachment from

directly help the people of our country has been

Kinston, N.C., and the 410th Quartermaster

a very humbling, somewhat emotional and

Detachment from Jacksonville, Fla. – were

really honorable experience for all of us.”

activated to support the recovery efforts. This

The NDAA is an annually updated law that

marks the first time Reserve Soldiers have

outlines the structure of the Department of

participated in a domestic relief effort under

Defense. It specifies budgets, expenditures,

the new authorities of the National Defense

personnel limits and numerous other aspects of each component of the DOD.

notice,” said Spc. Brittany Metcalfe, a chemical

Updates to the NDAA earlier this year allowed the Army Reserve to provide disaster relief and emergency management in support of civil authorities. As a result, state governors and the president can now activate Reserve units in response to emergency assistance requests.

Soldiers from the 401st Quartermaster stage their vehicles and equipment to pump water out of Long Beach High School’s flooded basement Nov. 6 in Long Beach, N.Y. The 401st QM DET and several other Army Reserve units spent several days pumping water and clearing debris from communities ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The specialties and assets make the Army Reserve invaluable to any type of disaster response effort. They provide almost 70 percent of logistics, 60 percent of medical, 40 percent of Public Affairs and 30 percent of the engineering Photo by Maj. John Adams 143d ESC

capabilities required by the Army.

During

the

Hurricane

Sandy

response

mission, all DOD assets fell under the direction of U.S. Northern Command as a component of Joint Task Force Civil Support. The 19th Engineer Battalion was in command of the reserve pump teams in this taskforce.

“The Soldiers who are here, regardless of the component, have all worked hard and all feel like they are a part of a team that is able to help,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Ethan Dunbar, the Photo by Maj. John Adams 143d ESC

20 20

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command sergeant major for the 19th Engineer • www.twitter.com/

“New York City is like the epicenter of

resiliency,”

said Staff Sgt. Matthew Allis, squad

Photo by Spc. Mara Dean 410th QM DET

BN.” All of the members of this task force are really making a difference.”

leader,

401st

Corps of Engineers Maj. Gen. Kendall Cox visited the relief zone and praised the Reserve units for their determination and ingenuity.

QM

“We are here to do what ever we can to help

DET. “They’re never beaten,

the victims of this storm, and that’s exactly what

whether it be natural disasters

they’re doing,” said Talley.

[or] terroris attacks. Nothing

As the recovery mission enters its second

divides them, it just brings

month, there are still some without housing,

them closer together.”

more without cars and countless haunted by

For one member of the 401st

the memories of the storm and its aftermath.

QM DET, this mission truly hit

However, many residents have been uplifted

close to home. Spc. Elizabeth Basile-Louison,

by the way so many people came together to

The pump teams concentrated their efforts

a resident of Hauppauge, N.Y., found herself

help one another out of the devastation. While

along hard hit areas on New York City’s southern

undertaking a mission only 20 miles from home.

the actions of our Warrior Citizens were only a

most barrier islands in the borough of Queens.

“Hearing the New York accent and hearing

small part of a vast reaching effort, they remain

They pumped water out of schools, community

their stories [are] just so devastating because I’m

essential to the recovery in several areas most

centers, housing complexes, individual homes

so connected to them,” said Basile-Louison. “It’s

devastated by the storm.

and even one popular beachfront restaurant,

almost like it’s my aunt, my mom, someone from

the Sugar Bowl.

church or from school crying to me . . . It’s really

The pump teams did anything needed to

been an intimate and emotional experience.”

do to get the job done. They waded through

The intimacy of their mission impacted many

waist-high water in 40-degree weather. They

of the Soldiers, but it also affected the residents

carried dozens of segments of heavy hose almost

they were helping.

1000 meters so they could safely redistribute

“It was great,” said Dennis Barnes, a Breezy

the standing water to the ocean. They resorted

Point resident. “Our main state road was flooded

to shoveling the last bits of water out of a

for the longest time and Army Reserve came in

beachside home when their pumps overheated.

with their big pumps and cleared it all out. It’s a

They even braved a nor’easter that dumped six

great help with the Army coming in and doing

inches of snow on them to pump the water out

this, and it’s a great help and a morale booster

of a housing complex in Rockaway, N.Y.

as well.”

“Being from Florida, the 410th [QM DET]

In addition to pumping water, the Army

wasn’t fully prepared for that,” said Spc. Sam

Reserve also supplied more than 40 emergency

Schwartz, a water treatment specialist. “For some

preparedness liaison officers and two Army

of the people in our unit, that was the first time

Reserve helicopters.

they had even seen snow, but it was incredible to see the impact that our efforts made here.”

The joint task force drew the attention of many

Photo by Spc. Mara Dean 410th QM DET

distinguished visitors. The commanding general

“It’s just great to be out here in the rain, in

of the U.S. Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley,

the snow, in the cold,” said Basile-Louison. “I

Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter

wouldn’t change it for the world.”

and deputy commanding general of the Army

Photo by Maj. John Adams 143d ESC

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•

December 2012

21

THE 4

ON ARMY TA

BY SGT. ELISEBET FREEBURG

204th Public Affairs Detachment

It is not authorized for programs beyond

information, your GoArmyEd account will be

a master’s degree. To receive TA, you may not

placed on hold. You will be notified the reason

pursue a degree at the same or lower level.

by email.

Up to 100% of tuition is paid, provided tuition does not exceed $250 per semester credit hour

In addition to completing a high school

and $4,500 total per fiscal year. Usually, TA

diploma, associates, bachelor’s, or master’s

covers fees that are mandatory to enroll in an

degree, TA is also authorized for Soldiers to

individual course.

complete one certificate. This could be an

When receiving TA, students must maintain a

What is Army TA?

academic certificate, program of preparation

grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. If you fail a

for

course or withdraw for reasons other than those

certification in an area of specialization.

out of your control (unanticipated military

Capstone certification programs are often the

mission, hospitalization, etc.), your TA will be

choice of working professionals who desire to

recouped. Read AR 621-5, Chapter 5, Paragraph

enhance their skills without seeking a degree.

13 for more information regarding tuition

In the case of a certificate, a Soldier may pursue

assistance recoupment.

the program regardless of the education level

Where do I apply?

Courtesy Photo

Does TA cover certificates?

Visit www.GoArmyEd.com to create a new user account.

How does it work?

certification,

licensure,

or

capstone

he or she has already reached. Note that credits received from continuing education courses must be transferable toward degree/certificate completion to receive TA. This will most likely

One of the many benefits of being a Soldier in

Every year, Soldiers must sign and submit a

depend on the school you attend and the specific

the Army Reserve is receiving financial support

TA Statement of Understanding (SOU). They

program. In addition, if the course is available

to continue education. In addition to the Post

must have their commander’s approval and

through the Army e-learning portal, TA is

9/11 GI Bill, Army tuition assistance is available

signature as well. Soldiers grade E-7 and above

prohibited unless the course is a requirement for

to most Warrior Citizens.

can sign for themselves and do not need their

a college degree. TA is also provided for Soldiers

commander to sign.

seeking a state education credential through an

Army tuition assistance or TA provides financial assistance for Soldiers who are pursing

After applying and being accepted into an

off-duty course, regardless of the degree level

personal and/or professional goals outside of

accredited school and program, the service

the Soldier has achieved. Officer, commissioned

their daily duties. This applies to both distance

member must submit an educational goal. TA

and warrant, are subject to the additional service

learning and a traditional classroom setting.

will be authorized for required courses in the

commitment.

Who qualifies?

pursuit of that goal.

Army Regulation 621-5 outlines specifics

Before registering for a class, sign into your

regarding TA. Army Reserve Soldiers who are

GoArmyEd account to request TA for that

coded as a satisfactory participant for battle

semester. After your TA has been approved,

assemblies and training qualify for Army TA.

you may register for classes. If your school

What’s the catch?

participates in the GoArmyEd electronic

If you’re a Reserve officer, you will incur

class schedule system, you can register there.

four years of additional service obligation.

If not, you’ll have to complete a TA Request

The additional years will begin on the date of

Authorization form in GoArmyEd. The form

completion for the last course in which you

will be sent to an Army Education Counselor

used TA.

for approval who will then notify the Soldier

Assistance

is

available

to

complete

a

if it’s approved. After this, you must print the

high school diploma, certificate programs,

approved form, provide it to your school, and

undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

then enroll through your school. Soldiers should allow for this additional time.

If at any point, you have not met requirements for using TA or your account is missing

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Photo by Spc. Britney Bodner 103rd PAD

352nd CSSB CHANGES COMMAND

BY SGT. CHRISTINA M. DION 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

And that became our motto. Not only did we

all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Jenae Brown, S-1

provide sustainment for Soldiers in USD-North

administration noncommissioned officer in

and USD-Central, we also conducted the largest

charge, 352nd CSSB. “She planned ahead and

retrograde in history.”

thought of everything.”

“It was a great mission for a combat sustainment support battalion, said Williams. “We were stationed at Joint Base Balad working for the 77th

One of the reasons it worked so well is because

Sustainment Brigade. Along with the retrograde,

noncommissioned officers were able to step in

the 352nd planned over 650 corps level convoys

and take the lead when the leaders were unable to

providing sustainment support throughout Iraq

attend meetings, said Capt. Maurice Thompson,

and scheduled more than 14,000 movement

transportation officer, 352nd CSSB.

requests in support of Joint Base Balad.”

Photo by Christina M. Dion 414th TC UPAR

Soldiers of the 352nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion salute during the national anthem at the change of command ceremony between Lt. Col. Debra E. Jenkins, outgoing commander and Maj. Tom J. Williams, incoming interim commander, Oct. 13 at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Macon, Ga.

MACON, Ga. – In keeping with Army tradition,

In this instance, it appears that Jenkins’ civilian

“We successfully managed and closed or

career helped prepare her for this marathon

transferred responsibility for Joint Base Balad’s

deployment. As a Soldier-Citizen, Jenkins works

[class I] yard, the bottled water plant and the ice

at Coca-Cola’s transportation and logistics

plant. By the end of our tour, we distributed more

department.

than two million cases of bottled water and more

“The whole way we eventually set up and tracked

than 9,000 cases of [meals ready to eat],” Williams

our movements was a play from the Coca-Cola

explained.

playbook of distribution,” said Jenkins.

The 352nd’s successes with maintenance, battalion oversight, resources and support work orders. This lead to the successful shut down

had a critical role,” said Jenkins. “I’m proud that,

of nine shop operations and three maintenance

[out of] 1,200 Soldiers, nobody lost their lives,

initiatives before turning over an environmentally

nobody lost a limb. We all got back and we

clean site to the mayor of Joint Base Balad prior to

accomplished the mission and we accomplished

base transition.

the mission safely.”

colors changed hands Oct. 13 from Lt. Col. Debra

support across all of USD- North and Central

E. Jenkins to Maj. Tom J Williams in a change of

with uninterrupted operations for a responsible

command ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve

drawdown of forces,” said Spc. Mathew Johnson,

Center in Macon, Ga.

an intelligence specialist for the 352nd.

definitely been the Super Bowl of my career, so

Redistribution Team) sites at Joint Base Balad

family. I want to personally thank each and every

and VBC,” said Williams. “Working with the Air

Soldier in the 352nd for your support, your

Force, this team planned for two Joint Base Balad

dedication and your service.”

Amnesty Days and one special [class V] amnesty

of

two

fixed

MRT

day prior to base transition. “ “In total, we facilitated shipment of 1,600 containers of excess equipment and supplies out of Iraq and saved the Army over $77 million by

then we took command and control for the largest

putting unused supplies back into the Army

logistics footprint in Iraq,” said Jenkins. “When

supply system,” said Williams

unit, had some questions about, ‘could a Reserve unit do this,’ so we clearly told them, ‘we got this.’

commander,” said Brown.

(Mobile

“ . . . In 90 days we built a dynamic battle roster,

we got there, the 13th, which was an active duty

“She’s always listening. She’s a great battalion

“This team successfully oversaw the daily

commander, but I’m also sad to be leaving my

leadership.

he has big shoes to fill according to the Soldiers.

Part of that drawdown was the success of

operations

Williams takes command of a unit that set

Williams takes control of a well-formed unit, but

Operation Clean Sweep.

I’m excited to go to the 642nd to be the deputy

standards in Iraq under Jenkins’ command and

said she’s most proud of her Soldiers.

“It was definitely ‘all hands on deck’ and everyone

“Our job was to provide operational level logistics

“Today is a bittersweet day for me,” said Jenkins.

Of all of the successes of the deployment, Jenkins

allowed the 238th to complete more than 4,700

the 352nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion

“It’s truly been an amazing assignment, and it’s

“We did use it. We used that [Military Decision Making Process] a lot,” said Jenkins.

Soldiers of the unit credit Jenkins’ leadership with the unit’s success.

“She used the Military Decision Making Process

Photo by Christina M. Dion 414th TC UPAR

The official party: Col. Edith Greene, commander of the 642nd Regional Support Group, Lt. Col. Debra E. Jenkins, outgoing commander of the 352nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Maj. Tom Williams, incoming interim commander of the 352nd CSSB, and Command Sgt. Maj. Annette Andrew, command sergeant major, 352nd CSSB.

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December 2012

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