ESC Today - December 2012

143d SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY) October, 2012Vol. 6, Issue 9Vol. 6, Issue 10 December 2012143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDTIONARY)

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

pg. 20

December 2012On 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 in the past. They deployed on a domestic assignment. They helped New York get back on its feet.

<< On the Front Cover143d SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)

October, 2012

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

December 2012

143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDTIONARY)

A NEW WAY TO SERVE:

ARMY RESERVE EMBARKS ON HISTORIC MISSION

TO RELIEVE HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

pg. 20

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

20

CONTRIBUTORS:

Lt. Col. Terence P. Murphy143d ESC Staff Judge Advocate

Lt. Col. Brian Ray143d ESC Chaplain

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mitchell Conrad143d ESC Staff Judge Advocate

Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn143d ESC Public Affairs NCOIC

Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th Public Affairs Detachment

Staff Sgt. Eric Wade145th TTOE UPAR

Sgt. Christina M. Dion319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg204th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Mara Dean410th Quartermaster Detachment UPAR

Spc. Aaron Ellerman414th Transportation Company UPAR

Spc. Christopher Tobey214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Adrianne Vinson421st Quartermaster Co. (DET 4) UPAR

Mark Daly143d ESC Safety Officer

Gilbert Rivera143d ESC Alcohol and Drug Coordinator

ESCtodayCommander

143d Sustainment Command(Expeditionary)

Col. James H. Griffiths

Command Executive Officer143d ESC

Mr. Fred Guzman

Command Sergeant Major143d ESC

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey E. Uhlig

Public Affairs Officer/Editor143d ESC

Maj. John Adams

Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV“ESC Today” Layout & Graphic Designer

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.

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: [email protected] or call 800-221-9401 ext. 1132. Send editorial and photographic submissions to: [email protected].

Inside This Issue >>Messages from the top..........................................................3ESGR honors Central Florida employers...............................8New commander takes charge of 207th RSG........................9421st Quartermaster Co. (DET 4) rigs up for duty.................12Around the ESC.................................................................13An idiot’s guide to holiday safety..........................................16Fit for duty: 414th TC exercises mind, body, spirit.................17A new way to serve..............................................................20The 411 on Army Tuition Assistance.....................................22352nd CSSB changes command.......................................23

2 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC •www.twitter.com/My143dESC

Col. James H. GriffithsCommander

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

The Command Post

I entrust this message finds you and your family both safe and healthy after the first portion of the holiday season. As we enter the month of December, I want all of you to enjoy the season with dignity, remembrance, safety and compassion for our fellow Soldiers and their families. I want leaders to ensure their Soldiers and families are cared for during the holiday season. Conduct your holiday parties safely and make sure families have a stake in all events. Allow for time off without sacrificing mission essential functions and ensure our Soldiers have good contact information if they find the need to reach out for help. I encourage all of you to share as much as you can with those less fortunate among our ranks. Enjoying yourselves and sharing with others during the holidays is the right thing to do.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to plan time with family and friends over the holiday season. Take time to remember those among our ranks currently serving overseas. As American Soldiers, we fight for freedoms that

allow us to celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and other celebrations of faith. Be proud of the sacrifices you’ve made which allow all Americas to enjoy this time of year. Many of us have been deployed or away from home during the holidays.

Keep an eye out for each other, and remember we are brothers and sisters in arms; constant vigilance for our mission and each other is vital to our success. Overall, remain vigilant and have a great experience during this special time of the year.

Lastly, I want to remind you that eating and relaxingc comes with any holiday season. Watch your waistline and maintain your physical and mental resiliency. The way to accomplish this is simple: discipline and moderation. Take it easy and check on your battle buddy often. My best to you and your family; enjoy the holidays, and I will see all of you back safely next month.

Sustaining Victory!Army Strong!

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.

3 • December 2012http://www.facebook.com/143dESCwww.twitter.com/My143dESC •

Photo by Maj. Travis Dettmer 3rd BDE Combat Team

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

Photo by Capt. Kyle Key National Guard Bureau

The Bottom LineThe Army Reserve covers a variety of career

fields ranging from engineering and electronic warfare to logistics and law enforcement. Every field contains at least one of more than 150 military occupation specialties, each defining a Soldier’s field of expertise. Though the opportunities and objectives differ greatly among these specialties, they nevertheless revolve around our warfighter core—a core that may very well collapse without ample training and communication among the Army’s subject matter experts.

My visits to various units under the 143d ESC have revealed the great strides made in sharpening our basic Soldiering skills. Many go above and beyond to simulate a deployed environment through competitions, field exercises, ruck marches, marksmanship training and combat lifesaver courses. Soldiers can apply these experiences regardless what their assignments entail. However, can these Warrior Citizens also meet demands specific to their MOS?

Many Soldiers hover in a holding pattern as they wait their turn to enter a certain school that will upgrade their status from “pending” to “qualified.” Many more toil in their daily

tasks without enrolling in courses that enhance their MOS, and still others wrap themselves in projects that lie far outside their area of responsibility.

These seemingly isolated incidents can spill over into other sections and units that rely on resources residing outside their sphere of influence. For instance, a wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B) who plans to attend a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle maintenance course assumes that the human resources specialist (42A) down the hall properly processed his paperwork. Meanwhile, that 42A inputting the 91B’s data into her computer assumes the information systems operator/analyst (25B) downstairs installed the necessary software to connect to the network. As the 25B provides technical support throughout the facility, he assumes the unit supply specialist (92A) across the street has ordered the parts needed to upgrade the network’s hardware. If just one of these assumptions proves false, then the entire system can shatter under a deluge of delays.

Our Command cannot reach its potential if our Soldiers suffer from MOS mismanagement. Fortunately, non-commissioned officers can

resolve this issue through the art of mentoring. Knowing the MOS of every Soldier in your command is a great start, but NCOs must dig deeper. Spend a few minutes researching the most common specialties in your section or unit, then speak with your Soldiers and find out if what they do matches what they should be doing. Give them the tools and training necessary to accomplish their mission. Submitting an order for new equipment that will enhance your section’s efficiency or sending a Soldier to a two-week course relevant to his/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 sustain victory.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey E. Uhlig

Command Sergeant Major143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)


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.

The MOS equation

Photo by Spc. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD Photo by Sgt. Natalie Loucks 3rd ID Public Affairs

https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service;jsessionid=PXcvQBfZ41b9HNjlCNw5CytmKy1NBTy3Wb5rSx5HMPypCZS1kv5X!1981941418

http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/appj/site;jsessionid=5lVGQBcXggBy74wQLjw5BNwplbhYSjNP2QkM8ThGDhQdPh9P5kMv!1981941418?execution=e1s1

5 • September 2012http://www.facebook.com/143dESCwww.twitter.com/My143dESC •

As the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s Command Chief Warrant Officer, I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season as you spend time with your family and friends. I want to clearly state that I am here to serve you. As we work together to ensure we have the finest warrant officers in the Army, I challenge you to be the best leaders and 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.

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

the model event with ESCs as far away as the state of Washington requesting information about our workshop so that they may develop their own programs.

This year’s theme is based in part on the Gen. Jeffrey W. Talley’s “Rally Point 32” plan. We will leverage knowledge, information technology and personal experience to increase the overall readiness of the warrant officers in the 143d ESC, the 377th Theater Sustainment Command and the U.S. Army Reserve Command.

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 means taking steps to ensure we have the right warrant officer in the right position and at the right time so as to maximize his or her career to maximize the knowledge and skill sets available at each level of command. As a

result of this workshop, unit commanders will have better informed warrant officers engaged in their responsibilities and locked into the appropriate level of the Warrant Officer Education System.

A secondary intent is to recruit and prepare qualified applicants for the warrant officer program. The Army Reserve Career Division will be available to speak with qualified enlisted personnel about the WO program and assist them through the entire process. Commanders are encouraged to take this opportunity to bring these resources to bear upon their units in an effort to fill unit vacancies and to announce opportunities within their commands. My goal is to ensure that every 143d ESC enlisted Soldier is aware of the warrant officer opportunities in this Command and to provide him or her with a pathway to becoming a Army warrant officer: The best job in the Army!

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

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

Courtesy Photo

CW5 David N. ConradCommand Chief Warrant Officer

143d ESC

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.

Reflections by the Chaplain:

Command Chaplain143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

Lt. Col. Brian Ray

The best way to honor our veterans is one at a time


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!

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!”

The Legal CornerYour rights under USERRA

Employees upon preparation for activation need to notify their employers to be covered under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act for reemployment rights.

USERRA prerequisites1. You must be an employee. The law covers

all employees of federal, state and local government agencies, non-profit corporations and all private businesses. There is no small business exemption.

2. You must give prior notice of your military service to your civilian employer. Soldiers are encouraged to give prior written notice to their employer of any military deployment or duty 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 may also provide the notice to the employer. It is strongly suggested that you provide the notice to your immediate supervisor and your company or government agency human relations office.

3. You must have not served more than five years of active military duty while employed with your employer. This provision does not count military call-up for operational missions, disaster relief, wartime mobilization, annual training and military drill periods. The clock starts over with every new employment.

4. You must have served under honorable conditions. The USERRA will not apply to

Soldiers who receive a dishonorable, bad conduct, or other than honorable discharge, or are dismissed or dropped from the rolls.

Returning to your employer1. You must report back to the employer in

a timely manner upon completion of military duty. Soldiers must provide notice to their employer when they are ready to return to civilian employment after being activated. Unless impossible or unreasonable, through no fault of the employee, Soldiers must report back to their employers as follows:

a. Service up to 30 days must report back at the next shift following safe travel time plus 8 hours for rest.

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.

2. The USERRA provides several protections to Soldiers upon their military activation and return:

a. Prompt reinstatement to their civilian job.b. Reemployment at the same status as before

they were activated, as to title, location and work hours.

c. No loss of seniority based benefits, including pension contribution rights and vesting privileges.

d. Continuation of employer-provided health insurance, without waiting periods or preexisting condition provisions for families that use TRICARE military health care while the Soldier is activated.

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

Special protection against discharge 1. If a Soldier does 181 days or more of active

duty, he cannot be discharged except for cause for a period of twelve months.

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

receives only the protection provided by the anti-discrimination provision of the USERRA.

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.

5. Employers may not require a Soldier to use their vacation pay or time for military duty. The Soldier may elect to use his vacation pay for military duty.

6. Employees need only show that employer discrimination based upon current or prior military status was a factor in an adverse personnel action or withholding a favorable personnel action to receive relief by the courts.

7. Federal employees may raise claims of “hostile work environment” resulting from their current or prior military status before the Merit Systems Protection Board. The courts have not yet addressed this issue with respect to State and local government employee and private business employees.

Non-Seniority BenefitsAny benefits an employer provides to their

employees that are not seniority based, but are provided for employees on furlough or nonmilitary leave, are to be provided to Soldier employees. These benefits could include ESOP, disability insurance or life insurance premium payment, or holiday bonuses.

Enforcement of the USERRA.

See “USERRA,” pg. 18>>>

Staff Judge Advocate143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

Lt. Col. Terrence P. Murphy


http://www.dol.gov

<<< “USERRA,” cont.1. National Committee for Employer Support

of the Guard and Reserve: The ESGR is a DOD funded agency that provides information to Soldier employees and employers regarding USERRA and tries to resolve USERRA disputes in an informal manner. The ESGR Ombudsman Program, including state volunteer ombudsmen, provides initial mediation of USERRA issues between employees and employers. Call 1-800-336-4590.

2. The Department of Labor - Veterans’ Employment and Training Service: If

employer disputes are not able to be resolved informally, the cases are referred to the Department of Labor for formal investigation. The Department investigators have subpoena and contempt powers to assist in their

investigations of USERRA violations. If the Department determines that there is probable cause to believe a violation occurred and the employer refuses to comply with the law, the Department can refer the case to the Office of Special Counsel for federal employees, and the Department of Justice for all other cases. Federal employee cases are resolved before the Merit Systems Protection Board and most other cases are heard in federal court. A list of local VETS Offices in each state may be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm.

Recognition luncheon held for employers of Central Florida

BY STAFF SGT. RAUEL TIRADO204th Public Affairs Detachment

ORLANDO, Fla.– Employers of Central Florida were recognized alongside their Citizen Soldier employees by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Florida Committee with a recognition luncheon held at Orange County City Hall, Sept. 20.

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 family members. Employers at the event were recommended for appreciation by their own employees who were activated for a period of time away from their jobs.

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

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

Guests were treated to a buffet luncheon and an award presentation with Orlando City Mayor Buddy Dyer and Army Reserve Ambassador to Central Florida Allie Braswell. Employers were presented ESGR Outstanding Performance Certificates, 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.

“I appreciate the opportunity to recognize the Central Florida businesses that are leading the way in hiring and supporting our troops,” said Dyer. “Here, in the city of Orlando, we make it our mission to support our Soldiers and family members.”

Dyer also recognized the Orlando Police Department and their partnership with the Army for Youth Services. The program partners the military with public and privates sectors to provide the opportunity for American youth to serve their country while they prepare for the future.

For the employer’s representatives in attendance who received the awards, it was a special moment for themselves.

“It’s a complete honor and privilege to be here,” said Michelle Blanchard, customer service manager, United States Post Office South Creek

Branch. “It’s the hard work and dedication of our military service members that protect our country, and I’m proud to support them.”

Blanchard is the supervisor for Sgt. 1st Class Eric Bandazewski, assigned to Headquarters Company, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), who is a USPS letter carrier. He nominated his employers recognized by ESGR and the USAR Ambassador for their support while he deployed.

For more information on how you can nominate employers with the ESGR, visit http://www.esgr.mil or contact your local ESGR representative.

From left to right: Spc. Martha Jaramillo-Gavira, 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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD


http://www.esgr.mil

http://www.esgr.mil

http://www.esgr.mil


New commander takes charge of 207th RSG

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.

While addressing his new Soldiers at the change of command ceremony, Sims thanked them for the opportunity and told them he was privileged.

“I want to take the time to say I am honored beyond words to lead such an incredible organization,” Sims said.

When a military unit changes command, the passing of responsibilities that each commander has for that unit and its Soldiers is symbolized by the ceremonial passing of the colors. By passing the colors, the commander relinquishes his command, and the new commander formally accepts command.

During his two years as commander of the 207th RSG, Bagley achieved much with the help of two battalions and more than 20 company and detachment organizations. They

did a warrior training exercise in 2011 and supported a combat support training exercise in 2012. The 362nd Quartermaster Battalion ranking third in the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) readying units for war stands as one of the 207th RSG’s greatest achievements.

“My command teams always showed professionalism and dedication for service,” said Bagley. “I will always count it an honor to have served alongside each of you.”

The 207th Regional Support Group was constituted in 2005 at Fort Jackson, S.C., with its first member assigned May 2, 2005. Col. Nora Fisher was assigned to the 207th RSG as its first commander. The purpose of the 207th RSG was to replace the 81st Regional Readiness Group due to the Army’s transformation

to a Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) ready establishment.

At the beginning of fiscal year 2007, the 207th RSG was transferred from under the 81st Regional Readiness Command to the 143d ESC.

“Today we celebrate a change in leadership,” said Colonel James H. Griffiths, commander of the 143d ESC out of Orlando, Fla. “While the faces may change, the mission remains the same: protect and defend our homeland and way of life.”

The units participating in the 207th RSG change of command ceremony includes the 208th Army Band, the 207th RSG’s Headquarters Detachment, the 828th Transportation Battalion, and the 362nd Quartermaster Battalion command.

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!

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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Deidra Jackson 210th MPAD

BY STAFF SGT. DEIDRA JACKSON210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Gilbert RiveraAlcohol & Drug Coordinator143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

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

again. It is a time for time off, travel, family get-togethers, gift shopping, and holiday office parties. It is a time for reaching out to one another and enjoying a festive atmosphere and a renewed appreciation for life.

Unfortunately, it is also a time for an increase in cases of depression, thoughts of suicide and drug and alcohol abuse. This is understandable, especially when we have family and coworkers dealing with loneliness, financial challenges, upcoming mobilizations or post-traumatic stress disorder. When it seems everybody in the world is happy and celebrating the season with loved ones, it shouldn’t be surprising that some may want to retreat into a cocoon and just drink or abuse medications, marijuana or other controlled substances until the feelings of depression and hurt goes away.

During the holidays, it is especially important to watch for signs of possible drug and alcohol abuse among friends, family and co-workers.

Is somebody you know avoiding holiday gatherings, preferring to stay home alone? Have you noticed a coworker drinking too much at the holiday parties? Does your spouse, sibling or parent seem more distant, moody and irritable? Is there a downward change in attitude or appearance coinciding with this season? If you detect something out of the ordinary, you may wish to investigate further to determine if drugs or alcohol are a factor in these behavioral changes.

Substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation doesn’t take off for the holidays. If you suspect a friend, coworker or loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol, do not wait until after Christmas or New Year’s to seek help. Chaplains, rehabilitation clinics and Counselors are ready to assist anybody in need of help during the holiday season. If you believe treatment is necessary for a friend, seek the assistance of a Chaplain, drug rehabilitation professional or unit leader. Get

all the facts before making any confrontations, and remember to be sympathetic but firm. Helping a loved one through a substance abuse challenge to sobriety could be the best gift you could ever give.

WHY I SERVE:

Name: Mark D. HodgesRank: SpecialistUnit: 143d ESCTitle: Unit Supply SpecialistHometown: 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


DA PHOTO LAB

Where we’relocated

Scheduling and other info

NOW

OPEN

Dates & hours of operation

9500 Armed ForcesReserve Dr. (TAFT Bldg)

Orlando, FL 32827

Nov. 29-30Dec. 1

Jan. 3-5, 31Feb. 1-2

Thurs. & Sat.0730 - 1530

Fri.1000 - 1900

Go to www.vios.army.milArmy, Army Reserve &

Army National Guard onlyCall 757-878-4831 for more

information 11 • December 2012http://www.facebook.com/143dESCwww.twitter.com/My143dESC •

http://www.vios.army.mil


DET 4 of the 421st Quartermasters rigs up for dutyBY 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] will always be able to shoot, move and communicate.”

Preparation for deployment was not just about brushing up on packing and rigging skills for the 421st QM Co. DET 4. More than 20 Soldiers have spent the last year training for all types of Soldiering skills such as mounted convoy operations and reflexive fire that are outside of their normal military duties, 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 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.

“Understanding the importance of our job and how it relates to the overall success of the mission is what drives us to work hard to accomplish it,” said Spc. Elizabeth McPherson, a 421st QM Company health care specialist who works closely with the riggers of DET 4.

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

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.

641st RSG ‘cowboy’ rides, shoots, scoresBY SGT. JOHN L. CARKEET IV

143d ESC Public Affairs Office

PLANT CITY, Fla. – To the Soldiers and civilians assigned to the 641st Regional Support Group, Lt. Col. (promotable) Harlan T. Ware is the unit’s supervisory staff administrator. To the horseback riding and trick shooting enthusiasts of America, Ware entertains the country as Gus Trent, a cowboy mounted shooter.

Ware fulfilled his life long passion to own a horse in August 2010, but he was unsure as to what he should do with his equine companion beyond the occasional trot through a trail. Ware resolved this dilemma several months later when he witnessed his first mounted shooting exhibition. It wasn’t long before this Soldier joined the Bay Area Bandits shooting club in Plant City, Fla., to master

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

Ware and his horse, Dakota, spent four months acclimating to the sport’s unique skill set that involves the horse navigating around obstacles while its rider attempts to shoot 10 targets with a pair of .45 caliber revolvers holding five rounds each. The duo entered its first competition in October 2011 and have placed twice since then.

“I enjoy the competitions, but this sport is more about honoring the spirit of the Old West than who wins or loses,” said Ware. “The Bay Area bandits keeps that spirit alive by providing authentic cowboy attire, guns and training to anyone with a horse.”

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

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.

http://www.bayareabandits.org

AROUNDTHE 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.

Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 143d ESC

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.

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 414th TC


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.

Courtesy Photo 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.

Courtesy Photo

AROUNDTHE 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 Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV 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 by Maj. John Adams 143d ESC

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.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Wade 145th TTOE UPAR

AROUNDTHE 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.

Photo by Marta Feliciano 143d ESC

UNIT PHOTOS WANTEDThe “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:[email protected]

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 Spc. Aaron Ellerman 414th TC

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.

Courtesy Photo

http://youtu.be/SYyRaDchV70

http://youtu.be/9MltJn7PHpo


It’s that time of year again when we gather with family and friends to roast chestnuts, have a little eggnog (or maybe more than a little more eggnog), then go outside to deep fry the turkey, start a house fire, and give a relative third degree burns.

We all enjoy decorating our houses to show our Christmas spirit. Since it is the holiday season, you might start out with a some spiked cider, then get all the electric décor that was most likely thrown in the box 365 days ago. You grab an aluminum ladder and proceed to make your house festive. Since there is only one electrical outlet that is convenient, you plug all of the décor into it. A flip of the switch, a quick smell of ozone, then . . . POP! No more power. Santa bypasses your house because he can’t see

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

Does this sound familiar? If it does, you’re an “unsafe idiot.” Don’t get me wrong. Unsafe idiots keep the safety profession very well employed. Firefighters, emergency medical technicians, nurses and doctors also appreciate their business.

Deep frying a turkey has defined the actions of the “unsafe idiot.” How much property damage has been done, and how many Christmas bonuses have been depleted because certain people have forgotten liquid levels rise when you put a solid mass to it? Let’s not forget that hot oils easily combust near a lit cigarette or similar heat source.

At the risk of making my job obsolete, the following will be helpful to keep the season safe

and merry:1. If you are unsure of a certain task, don’t wing

it. Ask for help. 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): basic electricity is very easy math. An electrical circuit can typically handle 15 to 20 amps. If you exceed this, the breaker will trip, thus cutting off power and (usually) preventing damage

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.

2. Look for the rated AC input on each 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:

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.

Enjoy your holiday season! Illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Lawn 143d ESC

BY MARK DALY143d ESC Safety Office

*Divide by 220

An idiot’s guide to holiday safety


BY SPC. AARON ELLERMAN414th 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 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.

The struggle with staying mentally fit here is that there are a limited variety of resources, said Ruddock. Finding the time and energy to participate in a mental activity after a long day can be challenging.

Ruddock also teaches math for service members and Department of

Defense civilians at the Camp Leatherneck career center. “I am blessed that I have the opportunity to teach here,” said Ruddock.

“It is my mental workout . . . I am constantly learning from my students and those around me, and I encourage everyone to learn from the different personalities that surround them.”

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.”

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.

See “Fit,” pg. 18>>>

FIT FOR DUTY414th Transportation Co. exercises the mind, body, spirit

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.


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.


“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.

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

challenges with friendly competition.“Soldiers always want to outdo their leaders, so I make sure my Soldiers

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 duty as Soldiers to always be ready.


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.

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.


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.

<<<“Fit,”

http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/12038/Project%20Documents/MilitaryHOMEFRONT/Troops%20and%20Families/Military%20Severely%20Injured%20Support/OperationWarfighterProgramOverview.pdf

20 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC •www.twitter.com/

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 notice,” said Spc. Brittany Metcalfe, a chemical

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

Three water pump teams – the 401st Quartermaster Detachment from Lock Haven, Pa., the 431st Quartermaster Detachment from Kinston, N.C., and the 410th Quartermaster Detachment from Jacksonville, Fla. – were activated to support the recovery efforts. This marks the first time Reserve Soldiers have participated in a domestic relief effort under the new authorities of the National Defense

Authorization Act of 2012. “Most of us have deployed to other countries

for humanitarian missions,” said Staff Sgt. Michelle Satterfield, 401st QM DET. “It’s always an honor to do those types of things, but to directly help the people of our country has been a very humbling, somewhat emotional and really honorable experience for all of us.”

The NDAA is an annually updated law that outlines the structure of the Department of Defense. It specifies budgets, expenditures, personnel limits and numerous other aspects of each component of the DOD.

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.

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 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 command sergeant major for the 19th Engineer


BY MAJ JOHN ADAMS 143d ESC Public Affairs Officer

AND SPC CHRISTOPHER TOBEY214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment



Photo by Spc. Mara Dean 410th QM DET

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.


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

The pump teams concentrated their efforts along hard hit areas on New York City’s southern most barrier islands in the borough of Queens. They pumped water out of schools, community centers, housing complexes, individual homes and even one popular beachfront restaurant, the Sugar Bowl.

The pump teams did anything needed to do to get the job done. They waded through waist-high water in 40-degree weather. They carried dozens of segments of heavy hose almost 1000 meters so they could safely redistribute the standing water to the ocean. They resorted to shoveling the last bits of water out of a beachside home when their pumps overheated. They even braved a nor’easter that dumped six inches of snow on them to pump the water out of a housing complex in Rockaway, N.Y.

“Being from Florida, the 410th [QM DET] wasn’t fully prepared for that,” said Spc. Sam Schwartz, a water treatment specialist. “For some of the people in our unit, that was the first time they had even seen snow, but it was incredible to see the impact that our efforts made here.”

“It’s just great to be out here in the rain, in the snow, in the cold,” said Basile-Louison. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“New York City is like the epicenter of resiliency,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Allis, squad leader, 401st QM DET. “They’re never beaten, whether it be natural disasters [or] terroris attacks. Nothing divides them, it just brings them closer together.”

For one member of the 401st QM DET, this mission truly hit

close to home. Spc. Elizabeth Basile-Louison, a resident of Hauppauge, N.Y., found herself undertaking a mission only 20 miles from home.

“Hearing the New York accent and hearing their stories [are] just so devastating because I’m so connected to them,” said Basile-Louison. “It’s almost like it’s my aunt, my mom, someone from church or from school crying to me . . . It’s really been an intimate and emotional experience.”

The intimacy of their mission impacted many of the Soldiers, but it also affected the residents they were helping.

“It was great,” said Dennis Barnes, a Breezy Point resident. “Our main state road was flooded for the longest time and Army Reserve came in with their big pumps and cleared it all out. It’s a great help with the Army coming in and doing this, and it’s a great help and a morale booster as well.”

In addition to pumping water, the Army Reserve also supplied more than 40 emergency preparedness liaison officers and two Army Reserve helicopters.

The joint task force drew the attention of many distinguished visitors. The commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter and deputy commanding general of the Army

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

“We are here to do what ever we can to help the victims of this storm, and that’s exactly what they’re doing,” said Talley.

As the recovery mission enters its second month, there are still some without housing, more without cars and countless haunted by the memories of the storm and its aftermath. However, many residents have been uplifted by the way so many people came together to help one another out of the devastation. While the actions of our Warrior Citizens were only a small part of a vast reaching effort, they remain essential to the recovery in several areas most devastated by the storm.






BY SGT. ELISEBET FREEBURG204th Public Affairs Detachment

What is Army TA?One of the many benefits of being a Soldier in

the Army Reserve is receiving financial support to continue education. In addition to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Army tuition assistance is available to most Warrior Citizens.

Army tuition assistance or TA provides financial assistance for Soldiers who are pursing personal and/or professional goals outside of their daily duties. This applies to both distance learning and a traditional classroom setting.

Who qualifies?Army Regulation 621-5 outlines specifics

regarding TA. Army Reserve Soldiers who are coded as a satisfactory participant for battle assemblies and training qualify for Army TA.

What’s the catch?If you’re a Reserve officer, you will incur

four years of additional service obligation. The additional years will begin on the date of completion for the last course in which you used TA.

Assistance is available to complete a high school diploma, certificate programs, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

It is not authorized for programs beyond a master’s degree. To receive TA, you may not pursue a degree at the same or lower level.

Up to 100% of tuition is paid, provided tuition does not exceed $250 per semester credit hour and $4,500 total per fiscal year. Usually, TA covers fees that are mandatory to enroll in an individual course.

When receiving TA, students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. If you fail a course or withdraw for reasons other than those out of your control (unanticipated military mission, hospitalization, etc.), your TA will be recouped. Read AR 621-5, Chapter 5, Paragraph 13 for more information regarding tuition assistance recoupment.

Where do I apply?Visit www.GoArmyEd.com to create a new

user account. How does it work? Every year, Soldiers must sign and submit a

TA Statement of Understanding (SOU). They must have their commander’s approval and signature as well. Soldiers grade E-7 and above can sign for themselves and do not need their commander to sign.

After applying and being accepted into an accredited school and program, the service member must submit an educational goal. TA will be authorized for required courses in the pursuit of that goal.

Before registering for a class, sign into your GoArmyEd account to request TA for that semester. After your TA has been approved, you may register for classes. If your school participates in the GoArmyEd electronic class schedule system, you can register there. If not, you’ll have to complete a TA Request Authorization form in GoArmyEd. The form will be sent to an Army Education Counselor for approval who will then notify the Soldier if it’s approved. After this, you must print the approved form, provide it to your school, and 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

information, your GoArmyEd account will be placed on hold. You will be notified the reason by email.

Does TA cover certificates?In addition to completing a high school

diploma, associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, TA is also authorized for Soldiers to complete one certificate. This could be an academic certificate, program of preparation for certification, licensure, or capstone certification in an area of specialization. Capstone certification programs are often the choice of working professionals who desire to enhance their skills without seeking a degree. In the case of a certificate, a Soldier may pursue the program regardless of the education level 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 depend on the school you attend and the specific program. In addition, if the course is available through the Army e-learning portal, TA is prohibited unless the course is a requirement for a college degree. TA is also provided for Soldiers seeking a state education credential through an off-duty course, regardless of the degree level the Soldier has achieved. Officer, commissioned and warrant, are subject to the additional service commitment.

THE 4 ON ARMY TA

Courtesy Photo

Photo by Spc. Britney Bodner 103rd PAD

http://www.goarmyed.com

http://www.goarmyed.com


MACON, Ga. – In keeping with Army tradition, the 352nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion colors changed hands Oct. 13 from Lt. Col. Debra E. Jenkins to Maj. Tom J Williams in a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Macon, Ga.

“Today is a bittersweet day for me,” said Jenkins. “It’s truly been an amazing assignment, and it’s definitely been the Super Bowl of my career, so I’m excited to go to the 642nd to be the deputy commander, but I’m also sad to be leaving my family. I want to personally thank each and every Soldier in the 352nd for your support, your dedication and your service.”

Williams takes command of a unit that set standards in Iraq under Jenkins’ command and leadership.

“ . . . In 90 days we built a dynamic battle roster, then we took command and control for the largest logistics footprint in Iraq,” said Jenkins. “When we got there, the 13th, which was an active duty unit, had some questions about, ‘could a Reserve unit do this,’ so we clearly told them, ‘we got this.’

And that became our motto. Not only did we provide sustainment for Soldiers in USD-North and USD-Central, we also conducted the largest retrograde in history.”

“It was a great mission for a combat sustainment support battalion, said Williams. “We were stationed at Joint Base Balad working for the 77th Sustainment Brigade. Along with the retrograde, the 352nd planned over 650 corps level convoys providing sustainment support throughout Iraq and scheduled more than 14,000 movement requests in support of Joint Base Balad.”

“We successfully managed and closed or transferred responsibility for Joint Base Balad’s [class I] yard, the bottled water plant and the ice plant. By the end of our tour, we distributed more than two million cases of bottled water and more than 9,000 cases of [meals ready to eat],” Williams explained.

The 352nd’s successes with maintenance, battalion oversight, resources and support allowed the 238th to complete more than 4,700 work orders. This lead to the successful shut down of nine shop operations and three maintenance initiatives before turning over an environmentally clean site to the mayor of Joint Base Balad prior to base transition.

“Our job was to provide operational level logistics support across all of USD- North and Central with uninterrupted operations for a responsible drawdown of forces,” said Spc. Mathew Johnson, an intelligence specialist for the 352nd.

Part of that drawdown was the success of Operation Clean Sweep.

“This team successfully oversaw the daily operations of two fixed MRT (Mobile Redistribution Team) sites at Joint Base Balad and VBC,” said Williams. “Working with the Air Force, this team planned for two Joint Base Balad Amnesty Days and one special [class V] amnesty 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 putting unused supplies back into the Army supply system,” said Williams

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

“She used the Military Decision Making Process

all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Jenae Brown, S-1 administration noncommissioned officer in charge, 352nd CSSB. “She planned ahead and thought of everything.”

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

One of the reasons it worked so well is because noncommissioned officers were able to step in and take the lead when the leaders were unable to attend meetings, said Capt. Maurice Thompson, transportation officer, 352nd CSSB.

In this instance, it appears that Jenkins’ civilian career helped prepare her for this marathon deployment. As a Soldier-Citizen, Jenkins works at Coca-Cola’s transportation and logistics department.

“The whole way we eventually set up and tracked our movements was a play from the Coca-Cola playbook of distribution,” said Jenkins.

Of all of the successes of the deployment, Jenkins said she’s most proud of her Soldiers.

“It was definitely ‘all hands on deck’ and everyone had a critical role,” said Jenkins. “I’m proud that, [out of] 1,200 Soldiers, nobody lost their lives, nobody lost a limb. We all got back and we accomplished the mission and we accomplished the mission safely.”

Williams takes control of a well-formed unit, but he has big shoes to fill according to the Soldiers.

“She’s always listening. She’s a great battalion commander,” said Brown.

352nd CSSB CHANGES COMMANDBY SGT. CHRISTINA M. DION

319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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.

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.

24 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC

h t t p s : / / s a f e t y . a r m y . m i l