1st Theater Sustainment Command - DEC - Black Jack Express

1st Theater Sustainment Command

Sus t ainment/Redeployment/Retr ogr ade

DECEMBER 2013// ISSUE 001

Expeditionary

FEATURES FEATURES

8 — 1230th TC

Practice makes Perfect!

11 — 101st SB COMBAT CASH

15 — 82nd SB Setting Daily Goals

3 — 1st TSC 1st TSC Mission Summary

5 — 82nd CMRE CENTCOM— Materiel Recovery Element

6 — 330th JMCB Task Force Dragon’s HearT

17 — 809th Liaison Det. Petroleum

Have you checked out the latest edition of Army Sustainment magazine featuring the 1st TSC

See more — inside Front Cover

1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

Issue 1 DEC 2013

Black jack express

1st Theater Sustainment Command

Black jack express 7

Photos from the Front

11

A Day in the Life Photo Page

FRONT COVER

“Army Sustainment Magazine” Have you checked out the latest edition of “Army Sustainment” magazine featuring the 1st TSC and its downtrace units?

Cover: CMRE & p. 22-25  p. 2-3: Shaping future of Sustainment (photo p.3)  p. 4-5: Story by BG Shapiro  p. 26-31: 101s...TSC story by COL Hamilton  p. 36-37: 1st TSC story

Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. Kurt J. Stein

Public Affairs Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. David Rhodes

Command Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Charles M. Tobin

Public Affairs Operations NCO Sgt. 1st Class Jessika Greendeer

Deputy Commanding General Brig. Gen. Duane E. Gamble

Public Affairs NCOIC-Afghanistan Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Lawn

Afghanistan Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. James M. Lambert

Combat Documentation/Production NCO Sgt. Amanda Moncada

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Roderick Cunningham

Public Affairs Photojournalist Spc. Aaron Ellerman

Deputy Public Affairs Officer Maj. Thomas Campbell

Public Affairs Specialist Stephenie Tatum

Black Jack Express — Is an authorized publication for members of the Department of the Defense. Contents of the Black Jack Express magazine are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs Officer.

This publication is a digital publication and will not be reproduced or printed.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1TSCPA https://www.facebook.com/1stTheaterSustainmentCommand

ATTENTION: Congratulations to CSM Tobin. . .

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Department of the Army has selected our Command Sergeant Major, CSM Charles M. Tobin, as the Command Sergeant Major of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. This is great news for CSM Tobin - another golden opportunity

for him to serve Soldiers in this great Army of ours.

The departure date is still being negotiated - thinking it will be some-time in March.

Having said that - don't worry. The Army always gets it right. They take away one tremendous leader and

replace them with another outstanding individual.

Although that individual has yet to be identified - I assure you, he or she will be good.

Bottom line - we have a tremendous organization Congratulations CSM — Page 2

1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Happy Holidays, First Team!

T

his time of year is a great season of hope, joy and promise. It is a time when we gather with our Families and friends to share the many gifts of our talents, to reflect on our many accomplishments and to dream of a better and More peaceful world. As this season descends upon us, my thoughts are with the Soldiers of the 1st TSC, steadfastly working their many sustainment and retrograde missions across the globe from Bragg, to Kuwait and Afghanistan. I am deeply proud and grateful to them for their commitment, courage and candor.

Their hard work contributes to safeguarding our nation and our freedoms — truly an enduring gift to the American people.

Throughout our history, it has been the way of the American Soldier to be on point in some lonely locale at this time of year, whether it be Valley Forge or Kabul, defending

the cause and dream of freedom. It is this sacrifice that has tempered our resolve, but at the same time, has instilled in us an intense love of Family and home. This holiday season is entirely appropriate for us to unite and bind together as Americans, as Soldiers and as an Army in order to honor our fallen and their Families, to wish each other well, and to be thankful for all that we have.

All the best to you and your Families in the days ahead.

Happy Holidays!

-- Maj. Gen. Kurt and Debbie Stein

Congratulations CSM — From Page 1

here in the 1st TSC. Although we are losing a great leader, in fact the very best CSM I have served with in 37 years of service - we will be OK. Why? Because this command is truly blessed with some of the very best Soldiers, NCO's, Officers and Civilians in our Army. In fact, the 1st TSC has a tremendous reputation supporting an Army at war.

I challenge all of you to remain focused, stay positive,

continue to take care of each other - and keep up the good work. You are clearly making a difference.

I am proud of each and every one of you!

Respectfully, - Maj. Gen. Kurt Stein 1st Theater Sustainment Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. Kurt J. Stein

First Team,

I

want to say it is an honor and privilege to represent our service members and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.

There are so many things that make us thankful and appreciative for our military Family. Resilience and long -standing devotion are two traits that I appreciate.

This holiday season, Families all across America will gather with friends and neighbors to rekindle relationships, honor holiday traditions and renew the hope and spirit that is part of this special time of year. During these gatherings, I ask everyone to be thankful for a wonderful year of achievement, tireless execution of missions too numerous to mention, and hopes for continued success, health and happiness in the new year.

While the holiday season is a happy time, it can also be a stressful time for many in our command, and in our Families. I ask leaders to be especially mindful of those going through difficult times, and/or separated from loved ones -- especially our deployed service members and their Families. Consider opening your homes to single Soldiers and those geographically separated from their Families, while r ein v ig or at i ng y o u r Buddy systems. Everyone should have an assigned buddy, and no one should be alone during this time of year.

I would like to personally wish each of you a joyous holiday season, and ask everyone to safely return to duty, ready for another exciting year in 2014.

First Team, Army Strong!

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Tobin

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1st Theater Sustainment Command Mission Summary Mission Statement: 1st TSC plans, prepares and executes operational sustainment support; conducts Coalition/ Joint Reception, Staging and Onward Movement redeployment, and re-posture of forces and sustainment in order to support operations throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.

End State:  1st TSC is postured to support Unified Land Operations throughout CENTCOM. 

Tailored sustainment structure and Third Army Partner Nations engagement to support future operations.



Balanced team with resilient Soldiers, civilians, Family members.

The 1st TSC is an Army two-star command based at Fort Bragg, N.C. with two forward headquarters at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Kabul, Afghanistan. Made up of nearly 20,000 military, civilian, and contractor personnel, the 1st TSC and its subordinate units ensure fighting men and women have the supplies and transportation capabilities they need to accomplish their missions. A global sustainment provider, the 1st TSC supplies food, fuel, water, transportation, ammunition, building materials and repair parts. Additionally, the 1st TSC manages the ports, flights, and customs points needed to keep people and equipment moving 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The 1st TSC also provides adjunct support in the areas of financial management, human resources, humanitarian aid distribution, host-nation engagements, and medical care for troops and civilians within the command. Soldiers with the 1st TSC are in the fight every day, moving what is needed throughout the 20 countries in U.S. Army Central Command’s area of operations, more than 6 million square miles.

First Team!

1ST tsc

101ST SB

15TH SB

CMRE 82ND SB

401ST afsb

330TH jmcb

4TH esc

https://www.facebook.com/1stTheaterSustainmentCommand?ref=hl http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/1TSCPA 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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CENTCOM

The 82nd SB CMRE

The 82nd Sustainment Brigade U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element — conducts synchronized retrograde in direct support of regional commands to facilitate theater base closures/transfers and conduct recovery, redistribution, retrograde and disposal (R3D) throughout the CJOA-A in order to execute the responsible redeployment of forces from Afghanistan.

82nd SB - U.S. CMRE is postured to support R3D through the CJOA-A to enable theater transition to long term stability in accordance with velocity goals. The 82SB-CMRE provides single mission command to the 1103rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the 489th Engineer Battalion, the 133rd Engineer Battalion and other designated CMRE forces for retrograde operations through entrepreneurial leaders prepared to support future and contingency missions that set the conditions to achieve post 2014 operational requirements while fostering a balanced team.

director of logistics visits 82nd SB-CMRE

W

hile conducting battlefield circulation, Stamps, Ark. native, Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, director of logistics for U.S. Central Command speaks to Soldiers, attached to the 82nd Sustainment Brigade - CENTCOM Materiel Recovery Element, about their work doing retro-sort operations at a retro-sort yard on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Nov. 3.

(U.S. Army photo(s) by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp, 82nd SB-CMRE Public Affairs) https://www.facebook.com/82nd-Sustainment-Brigade http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/82SB

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The 330TH jmcb

The 330th JMCB, Task Force Dragon’s Heart, is responsible for continuous and uninterrupted transportation support utilizing the National Afghan Trucking (NAT) contract, Xeless Assets, and Short Takeoff and landing aircrafts in the Combined Joint Operations AreaAfghanistan while simultaneously conducting redeployment, retrograde, redistribution, and disposal (R4D) operations for all CJOA-A units to ensure 1st Theater Sustainment Command priorities are achieved. The 330th JMCB provides mission command for nineteen subordinate Movement Control Teams (MCTs) committed to providing first-class customer service and dedicated to optimizing In-Transit Visibility.

Current priorities for the 330th JMCB include: planning, synchronizing, executing, and tracking contracted transportation throughout the CJOA in support of R4D.

 Process movement requests and arrange transport for moving personnel, equipment, and sustainment supplies.  Maintain NAT Contract Officer Representative oversight and execution.

The 330th Joint Movement Control Battalion (In garrison, we are the 330th Transportation Battalion main body arrived in Afghanistan NOV. 6.

The 330th JMCB conducted a TOA with the 39th JMCB on NOV 18.

Hometown/base

 Manage the execution of the Xeless contract.  Establish and maintain positive inbound clearance, optimize in-transit visibility, and maximize throughout velocity.  Synchronize with CMRE and SB to facilitate R4D and sustainment operations.  Position MCTs in key locations to maintain fluid transportation in an evolving environment.

https://www.facebook.com/82nd-Sustainment-Brigade

Date of deployment/redeployment

The 330th JMCB’s home station Is Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

More than 50 Soldiers deployed with the 330th.

Area of operation The 330th JMCB AO is unique because we have 19 MCTs located in 15 different locations in all five Regional Commands in Afghanistan. The 330th JMCB HQ is located on Bagram Air Field.

https://www.facebook.com/330thtrans

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Practice makes Perfect!

Hasty hook up drills ensure mission success Story by Sgt. 1st. Class Timothy Lawn 1st Theater Sustainment Command

MARMAL, Afghanistan – In the shade of the night, Soldiers of the 1230th Transportation Company, “Road Dawgs,” conducted convoy tactics, techniques and procedures, and honed movement drills to sharpen their skills in preparation for the following day’s mission, Oct. 12, 2013, Camp Marmal, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. The 1230th TC is in operational support of the 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Commanded by, Lt. Col. James M. Droppleman, Regional Command North, Afghanistan.

“It is our job, our priority, getting the cargo from Point A to Point B,” said 1st Lt. Derek Ellyson, a native of Cummings, Ga. Ellyson is the 2nd Platoon leader and the Convoy Escort Leader on this mission.

“To get out of the kill zone and avoid hurting others, is our objective” said Staff Sgt Michael Watson, a native of Mack, Ga. Watson is the company troop commander.

Practicing a vehicle hasty hookup drill of two equal vehicles of even capacity was one of the drills Watson and another Soldier performed.

Working together as a team, they quickly demonstrated the speed at which the Hasty Hook Up drill can be accomplished.

“This drill can be accomplished in a matter of minutes, even under combat conditions,” said Watson.

“In a combat situation minutes are important,” Watson stressed. “We don’t want to give the enemy enough time to focus on us.”

“In a combat situation minutes are important,” Watson stressed.

“We don’t want to give the enemy enough time to focus on us.”

The 1230th TC, ensures that drill training allows the Soldiers to focus on a couple priorities. The first priority, is the safety of the Soldiers, and the second is the success of the convoy.

He described the platoon’s mission, its capabilities, explained why they practice the drills and what is expected of convoy drivers once they exit base camp to run missions.

“We make sure everyone is trained properly, they know what to do, and they know how to act if a situation arises,” said Spc. Dakota Turner, a native of Lincolnton, Ga., and is a 1230th TC driver.

“We practice these drills until it’s muscle memory,” said Ellyson.

He capped the moment when he emphasized how the Soldiers of the 1230th TC, are required to know their own position and requirements and each other’s jobs, To Dakota, each Soldier knowing what to do ensures mission success.

As the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles revved up and moved into position for training, Ellyson discussed the seriousness of his Soldiers exercising their TTP’s, and knowing their job.

The drills enable the Soldiers to be able to respond and react quickly thereby allowing them to remove themselves and their cargo from danger quickly, if need be.

https://www.facebook.com/1230thTransCo 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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‘Providing Momentum’ “Providing Momentum”

“

W

e practice these drills until its muscle memory,” said 1st Lt. Derek Ellyson, platoon leader, as he described the Soldiers pre-mission training for an upcoming mission. Ellyson is assigned to the 1230th Transportation Company, 78th Homeland Response Force, Georgia Army National Guard.

The 1230th TC Soldiers are on a 10-month deployment in Afghanistan supporting logistic convoys, or, what are called green convoys.

Operations may include protecting Afghan convoys hauling U.S. military equipmen t, sustaining convoy missions, hauling loads of fuel or food to Forward Operating Bases, or retrieving gear to go to retrograde sort yards for shipping preparation.

One of the drills practiced is the Hasty Hook -Up drill of two-equal vehicles of even capacity. The drill enables the Soldiers to be able to respond and react quickly thereby allowing them to remove themselves and their cargo from danger quickly, if need be. Staff Sgt Michael Watson, company troop commander, and another Soldier performed the drill, working together as a team, they quickly demonstrated the speed at which the Hasty Hook-Up drill can be accomplished.

1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Black jack express 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Combat cash “Eagle Cash Card, that’s pretty much

Tudor said. He added that the card

how we do all these things when it

is a valuable asset for finance

comes to disbursing and the savings

operations, because a Soldier can use

and

deposit program,” stated Tudor, a

the card at the Post Exchange or even

accountability are three key

native of Morehead, Ky. “You can’t do

to get a haircut without fear of

elements required to support

anything without the Eagle Cash Card.

losing cash or compromising personal

That is our main source of completing

information.

Story by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, Task Force Lifeliner

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -

S

upport,

financial

management

operations

throughout

our task.”

Afghanistan.

“All services a Soldier receives in The maintenance of financial support

With the Eagle Cash Card Soldiers do

the U.S. can also be received in

for Soldiers in a deployed environ-

not have to worry about carrying cash

Afghanistan by the finance manage-

ment is essential. If a Soldier’s

that can be lost or a credit card that

m e nt

personal finances are not in order it

has associated personal information.

detachments,” said Lt. Col. Derek G.

can create devastating effects to mis-

“You can just carry around this little

Bean, commander of 101st Special

sion readiness.

card that has a pin number tied to it,”

Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment

s u p p o rt

u n it

and

it ’s

Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air “We have to ensure Soldier’s pay is

Assault).

accurate; and if it isn’t, it is our job to fix it correctly and accurately,” said

Few forward operating bases have

1st Lt. Wesley S. Tudor, detachment

full-time

commander of the 101st Financial

capabilities, so there was a need for

Management Support Detachment. “If

Financial

we don’t, Soldiers will be thinking

Teams to be implemented. These

about their finances and how they are

teams consist of two and three

going to take care of their Families,

financial management personnel. The

financial Management

support Support

rather than their mission.”

One of the services provided for Soldiers in Afghanistan is disbursing support, which gives Soldiers access to their pay while in a deployed environment. Finance operations also provide military pay services, also known as MILPAY; this is a service that allows Soldiers to resolve pay issues. Soldiers also have access to military financial programs like the Savings Deposit Program through their finance personnel.

Finance personnel also manage the Eagle Cash Card. http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116580/combat-cash 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Combat cash

main function of these teams is to

who had to carry all that excess

total finance detachments,” Bean

travel throughout Afghanistan, to

money,” stated Spc. Nicoll C. Flores, a

explained. “One finance company and

remote FOBs, to ensure every soldier

native of Woburn, Mass., and a cashier

five detachments fell under the 101st

in theater has the opportunity to

with the 101st Financial Management

Sustainment Brigade in Eastern

receive finance assistance.

Support Detachment.

and Northern Afghanistan. The other finance company and two detach-

“It’s very important that we make

“We had about 1.3 million dollars and

ments fell under the 15th Sustainment

those missions. Soldiers at remote

it weighed a ton… it was so heavy. I got

Brigade in Southern and Western

areas need to access their money as

a little bit nervous having all that

Afghanistan.” The 101st Special

much as the soldiers from the larger

money because you never know what’s

Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment

FOBs,” Tudor explained.

going to happen…you just have to keep

Brigade, will eventually transition the

your eyes open and make sure

finance support into a smaller more

everything around you looks okay.”

mobile theater asset. As we continue

The personnel from the FMST are a unique team with huge responsibilities.

with the drawdown and base closure

“The type of a Soldier that is providing

Even though taking care of Soldiers is

operations they begin to transition into

financial services in Afghanistan, in

a priority for the finance mission in

a single Sustainment Brigade. Bean

combat, is a highly trained, very smart

Afghanistan, there are other assets the

explained the process as all logistical

Soldier who’s accounting for hundreds

financial management support detach-

and support assets consolidate so will

of thousands of dollars a day, and in

ments support.

the finance management support.

some cases, millions of dollars,“ emphasized

Bean,

a native

of

Eventually there will be a reduction Ensuring payments are made to

in the finance company, which will

civilian contractors is also part of the

leave one finance company in theater

finance mission. As explained by Bean,

to provide mission command and

One of those key elements is

simple things such as portable latrines

operat ional

accountability Bean explained. Every

require contracts and those contrac-

finance detachments that will cover

single dollar that comes into Afghani-

tors are paid through the military

the entire finance operation in

stan and goes out of Afghanistan has

finance company.

Afghanistan.

has a trail, a receipt. “It’s a big

“We have our hands in everything

“We started this process last month

responsibility because the loss of one

throughout the country. That’s the way

and we’re gradually taking over the

dollar invokes an investigation,” Bean

I look at it,” Tudor smiled.

two-finance management detachments

Charleston, S.C.

s upport

to

s even

to be accounted for. Every transaction

continued.

in the South,” Bean said. “We’re The finance detachments have their

currently in the process of accounting

One of the highly trained Soldiers Bean

challenges as they are incorporated

for all the funds and will assume

spoke about, recalled an experience

into just about every aspect of opera-

mission command and operational

she had when she carried a large

tions in Afghanistan. It is a natural

support.”

amount of money as a forward operat-

process for there to be a drawdown

ing base closed and the finance

in financial support alongside the

The financial operations personnel,

detachment consolidated their team to

drawdown of soldiers and the closure

although small in number, pride

a larger base.

of operating bases.

themselves on the impact their mission has in Afghanistan. Hundreds of

“We closed down our finance office in

“When we first arrived there were

thousands of dollars are managed and

Salerno and there were three of us

two finance companies and seven

processed to support the troops and

1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Combat cash

sustain the forces. These dollars can be

why we encourage the use of the Eagle

distributed in a variety of ways

Cash Card, so there are minimal U.S.

such as, Eagle Cash Card, cash, and

dollars being used in Afghanistan.”

vouchers.

The finance teams throughout theater

The 101st SustainmEnt Brigade

“The only other currency our financial

work to effectively manage millions

management deals with is the Afghani

of dollars, to ensure a steady cash

currency. We use Afghani in an

flow,

attempt to get the U.S. dollar out of

aimed

Afghanistan’s economy,” stated Bean.

deployed environment, assist in the

(Afghanistan)

“We’re trying to ensure that as the

development

Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Coalition transitions out of Afghanistan;

commerce

the Afghani currency is the one being

transition

used throughout its commerce. This is

mobile finance asset.

provide to

financial

assist

support

Soldiers

in

a

of Afghani use in and

into

a

to

smoothly

smaller

more

101st SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE

Deployment Ongoing The 101st Sustainment Brigade, Task Force Lifeliner, is responsible for providing logistical support to

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1050678/combat-cash

coalition units throughout Regional Command (RC) East, RC-North and RC- Capital, in addition to synchronizing and executing the movement of retrograde equipment.

The "Lifeliners" provide support, to nearly 49,000 service members and civilians, through the oversight and movement of all classes of supply, from food and fuel to ammunition. These supplies are what maintain the warfighters throughout Afghanistan.

Current operations include: providing convoy escort teams for the transport of logistical supplies

Spc. Nicoll C. Flores, a native of Woburn, Mass., and a cashier with the 101st Financial Management Support Detachment fills out the exchange transaction record to withdraw money as part of a transaction for a soldier, Nov. 4, 2013, at Bagram Air Field, Parwan province, Afghanistan. With this form a soldier can withdraw money to exchange Afghani currency to U.S. dollars or vice versa. The 101st Financial Management Support Detachment is a Massachusetts National Guard Unit. (U.S. Army Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, Task Force Lifeliner Public Affairs) http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/101SB-101ABN https://www.facebook.com/Lifeliners

throughout RC-East, RC-North and RC-Capital; aerial delivery; air movement of personnel and supplies; postal and financial operations; humanitarian relief supply yard operations; communications support; and the oversight of food services, water, fuel, ammunition and construction material."

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401st ARMY FIELD SUPPORT BRIGADE (AFG) The 401st Army Field Support Brigade headquarters is located at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where it leverages the full might of the Army Materiel Enterprise at the tip of the spear in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The 401st AFSB provides its headquarters, the Army Sustainment Command, and the materiel enterprise partners a forward presence.

The 401st AFSB executes, directs and manages field and sustainment level logistics for U.S. and selected coalition forces in Afghanistan. They serve as the single-entry point for integration and synchronization for acquisition, logistics and technology between the tactical and the materiel enterprise while enhancing unit readiness and improving combat capability in accordance with 1st TSC, ARCENT, and USFOR-A priorities. The AFSB uses a building block approach to supporting the Afghanistan Combined/Joint Operations Area.

http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/3-401AFSB https://www.facebook.com/401stAFSB 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Setting daily goals: CMRE trooper sorts it out Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp 82nd Sustainment Brigade

of life revolves around setting and sticking to goals.

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — For Phenix City, Ala., native Pfc. Jordan Hunter, a motor vehicle operator for the 227th Quartermaster Company, currently attached to the 82nd Sustainment Brigade – U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element, whether he’s doing retrograde operations or preparing for college, his way

In his efforts as part of the CMRE, the 20-year-old Hunter said he sets a new goal everyday as he off-loads containers for sorting and prepares military grade materiel for shipping.

The Soldier processes everything from auto parts to military manuals, lights to medical supplies, and tools to canvas tents, among a whole host of other equipment.

“I’ve been in country for two months, every morning I come in and get started on the mission of estimating how many containers we need to knock out for the day,” remarked Hunter. “We work to return materials to the military system and to save the American taxpayers’ money.”

“Overall, I feel as if the road we’re on is that we are on track to accomplish the mission as our forces prepare to redeploy

Phenix City, Ala., native Pfc. Jordan Hunter (right), a motor transport operator for the 227th Quartermaster Company, guides the forklift driven by Thomasville, Ga., native Spc. Xavier Mills, a logistics specialist, 227th QM Company, as he sets a box of equipment onto a trailer during operations at the Bagram Air Field retro-sort Yards Oct. 26. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp, 82nd SB-CMRE Public Affairs) 1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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Setting daily goals: CMRE trooper sorts it out

Phenix City, Ala., native Pfc. Jordan

from Afghanistan,” he added.

“Anytime I can be part of history, regardless of whether I’m working in the retrosort yard or if I were preparing to go out on convoys, I’m still proud of what I was doing at the end of the day.”

several years of education from Central Texas College behind him and hopes to one day earn a degree in sports medicine.

Much of the materiel Hunter off loads is needed within the military inventory. The equipment is returned to the U.S. or shipped to pre-staging facilities around the globe for future contingencies.

“I’ve also learned to lean on other members of the team to help me cope with being away from home,” he added. “I’ve have my military brothers and sisters that I can talk to here, so it’s kind of like a home away from home.”

“We separate what’s good to keep and what needs to be disposed of, such as scrap metal,” said Hunter.

Hunter, a motor transport operator for 227th Quartermaster Company, currently attached to the 82nd Sustainment Brigade – U.S. Central Command Materiel Recovery Element, ties down equipment for shipping during operations at the Bagram Airfield retro-sort Yards Oct. 26. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp, 82nd SB-CMRE Public Affairs)

When he’s not driving a forklift, inventorying material by hand or preparing and stowing equipment for shipping, or Hunter spends his free-time studying or playing basketball.

“I want to stay focused, and work on my study guides, while continuing to make the mission happen,” said Hunter, who has

“This is my first deployment. As a stress reliever, I like to play basketball,” said Hunter.

Hunter’s supervisor, Lawton, Okla., native, Staff Sgt. Anthony Hill, retrosort yard noncommissioned officer in charge for the 227th QM Company, said he’s impressed with the goals his soldier has set and is fully confident in the trooper’s abilities.

“He could run this yard by himself, he is extremely capable,” Hill said. “It makes me feel good to know he’ll always do the right thing and make the mission

BLACK JACK EXPRESS - CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS

1. Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Lawn - 1st Theater Sustainment Brigade - PAO - Practice makes Perfect 2. Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, 101st SB - Task Force Lifeliner - Combat Cash 3. Sgt. 1st Class Jon Cupp, 82nd SB - CMRE Public Affairs - Setting Daily Goals

BLACK JACK EXPRESS - unit highlights 1st Theater Sustainment Command Mission Summary The 82nd SB CMRE The 330TH Joint Movement Control Battalion The 101st Sustainment Brigade 401st Army Field Support Brigade (AFG) ) The 809th Quartermaster Liaison Detachment (Petroleum)

1st Theater Sustainment Command — Black Jack Express

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The 809th Quartermaster Liaison Detachment (Petroleum) The 809th Quartermaster Liaison Detachment, Petroleum, was stood up in Albuquerque, N.M. in 1992. The unit’s initial training missions focused on providing support for the Roving Sands annual national exercises with the Liaison Teams providing eyes on the ground for the 49th Quartermaster Group (Petroleum).

The 809th deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Enduring Freedom in March 2003 providing support for Bulk Fuel missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan. Initially worked supporting Defense Logistics Agency missions in the CENTCOM Theater, to include the Humanitarian Aid Task Force and Operation Restore Iraqi Oil. Took over the 49th Quartermaster Group Petroleum Fusion Cell in June 2003. The 809th QM DET earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for performance of duties while in theater.

From 2004 to 2013 continued to provide support for the national Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise to Petroleum Battalions and Transportation Units working with Defense Logistics Agency-Energy and the 475th Quartermaster Petroleum Group.

Currently deploying in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom providing petroleum support to DLA-E and Army fuel sites throughout Afghanistan.

TERMINOLOGY “Redeployment” is the overall NATO/ISAF term to describe the movement of personnel and equipment out of Afghanistan.

“Retrograde” is a specific U.S. doctrinal term that describes the movement of military equipment and other property off of the battlefield to refurbishing yards where it is eventually returned to the military inventory for use world-wide.

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