Sustainer - June 2012

Sustainers take chargePage 6

SustainerJune2012

Published in the interest of Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan Soldiers and their Families

Sustainers receive combat patchesPage 9

Volume1 Sustainer June2012

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On the inside ...

On the cover: Captain Matthew Sinor, an international and operational law attorney with the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), receives his combat patch signifying past or active participation in wartime service, from Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, the 3d ESC’s commanding general, during a ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan on May 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin)

The Sustainer magazine is an authorized publication for members of the DOD. Contents of Sustainer 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 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Public Affairs Office.

Brig. Gen. Kristin French, Comanding General, 3d ESC

Maj. Jim Bono, Public Affairs Officer

Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain, Sustainer Editor

Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin, Sustainer Staff Writer

Contributing Writers: Jacquelene Van Pool, Master Sgt. Adam Eckstein, Sgt. Ken Scar, Sgt. Chris

Huddleston

The Sustainer staff can be reached by email at [email protected], by phone: (502) 624-8523, or by mail to 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary),

ATTN: PAO, 1747 Old Ironsides Ave, Fort Knox, KY 40121.

Commander’s CornerPage 3

The Chaplain’s OfficePage 3

3d ESC Soldiers deployPage 5

Sustainers take chargePage 6

Navy customs support ArmyPage 8

Kandahar celebrates AAPI Page 9

“Combat patches” for all Page 9

Sustainers tour water plant Page 10

233rd tackles new mission Page 11

And much more ...

From the editor: Welcome to the first edition of Sustainer mag-azine - a monthly publication by the Joint Sustain-ment Command - Afghanistan Public Affairs Office.

This magazine is for you - Soldiers and Fami-lies of the JSC-A. We’d like to get your feedback on the content and anything you’d like to see in future issues, so send me an e-mail, or write on our Face-book wall (www.facebook.com/3dESC).

While you are taking a few minutes to read this letter, I’d like to discuss an important topic to Soldiers and their Families: voting.

As American citizens, we have the right to elect our representatives and leaders. As Soldiers, we fight to defend that right.

This year is a major election year, and we all need to take the time to educate ourselves on the candidates and vote.

If you need help, or don’t know where to start, head on over to the Federal Voting Assistance Pro-gram website (www.fvap.gov) to get started.

If you still need help, feel free to contact me at [email protected], and I can help you out.

Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain Sustainer Editor

The Leader’s BookPage 4

Important retention chagnesPage 12

http://www.facebook.com/3dESC

http://www.fvap.gov


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Joint Sustainment Command - AfghanistanBrig. Gen. Kristin French

Commander’s CornerSustainer Families and friends,

I am excited to officially kick off the inaugural issue of Joint Sustainment Command – Afghanistan’s Sustainer magazine. Since arriving at Kandahar Air Field, or KAF, in early/mid-April, all of our Soldiers have been busy – they processed thru Manas, Kyrgyzstan,; completed final in-country training; were involved in the transfer of authority process between the 4th Sustainment Command (Exp) and us; and, as of May 7, took over the driver’s seat as we support U.S. and coali-tion forces.

Additionally, JSC-A head-quarters had six Soldiers re-enlist and conducted a patch ceremony, where all Soldiers received autho-rization to wear the 3d ESC patch on the right sleeve of their uni-forms for the rest of their military careers. JSC-A Soldiers continue

to do a great job tackling all the missions that are given to them.

Over the next nine months we look forward to showcasing the hard work of JSC-A and our subordinate units across Afghani-

stan. We have Soldiers deployed in all regions of the country and are supporting the warfighter throughout Afghanistan. As we highlight mission and personnel in this magazine, we hope it will give you insight into the difficult logistics and support challenges our Soldiers face on a daily basis.

I want to especially thank our Families, friends and the Fort Knox community for all your sup-port. We have seen care packages flowing in and truly appreciate all you are doing for us. I would like to remind everyone to regu-larly visit the 3d ESC Facebook page where we post many stories and photos at www.facebook.com/3dESC.

Sustaining the Line! Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French

Sustainer 6

30 days in the Sand

Here are some reflections of memories of the first thirty days in Afghanistan.

It is sometimes easy to find reasons to complain when faced with a difficult or unwelcome cir-cumstance.

Though we are Soldiers and have volunteered for this mis-sion, and we are all willing to be here because of that call, does not mean that this is our preferred spot in the world. Not one Soldier I know put down Afghanistan for their next family vacation.

The days are already turn-ing hot and dusty. The clean uni-form put on fresh in the morning

is already covered in dirt by the time the morning walk to work is completed.

The smell, well let’s just say it will not be missed by anyone.

A 14-hour day is not un-common and the days of the week are already blurring together. Per-sonal space is limited.

In the size of my teen boy’s bedroom we stack four Soldiers. Some are up early, and some are up late, and NO one is as quiet as a mouse.

Are all reflections then shadows and negative? No!

Duty fills our hearts with pride to serve our nation. Friends

gather late at night around card tables to enjoy an hour of fun after a busy day.

Boxes arrive filled with goodies from schools where chil-dren send their support in simple ways. One young girl I know asked that she receive no birthday pres-ents on her birthday, but rather for all those attending to bring a gift for Soldiers serving here.

Sand, heat, dust, and crowded quarters are but a small price to pay to serve our country.

We sustain the line.

Chaplain Vanderjagt

Lt. Col. David VanderjagtThe Chaplain’s OfficeJoint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan




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Command Sgt. Maj.’s CornerJoint Sustainment Command - AfghanistanCommand Sgt. Maj. Karl RobertsGreetings from Kandahar Air-field,

I just wanted to take a moment to let you, the Families and friends of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), know that your Soldiers have performed phenomenally since arriving here. We have trained hard in prepara-tion and now it is time to perform to standard.

As the senior enlisted lead-er in the 3d ESC, I believe in hard work and dedication to the mis-sion. But I also know that Soldiers need time off to recuperate and connect with you, the Families, back home.

With this said, I would like to share with you what’s available for your Soldiers at Kandahar Air-field.

Kandahar Airfield is sprawling base located in southern Afghanistan which houses more than 25,000 NATO and U.S. Forc-es. Major commands located here include Regional Command-South (RC-S) and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Being that Kandahar Airfield is an expeditionary base, access to some commercial goods and military supplies is limited, so please send your loved one needed items.

There is an AAFES Ex-change here where Soldiers can purchase the necessities, but they may need your help for limited items.

First, I would like to highlight one of my favorite des-tinations, the gym. Located at Kandahar Airfield are two very nice exercise facilities that have equipment available ranging from treadmills to free weights.

To recoup some of the en-

ergy expended during their work-out, your Soldiers have the option of eating at seven dining facilities that serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and at some, midnight meals. And if the dining facilities get old, there are several restaurants to include Kentucky Fried Chicken, TGI-Fridays, and Mamma Mia’s Pizza, that they can pick up food.

For your Soldier’s spiritual needs Kandahar Airfield has sev-eral Chaplains and Chapel servic-es available. Times and locations for Chapel services are posted around post and there are a vast variety available.

And last, but not least, Kandahar Airfield has various in-ternet and phone options available so that you can stay connected with your Soldiers.

In their rooms, Soldiers have the option of purchasing internet connectivity from sev-eral vendors who offer a variety of plans to accommodate those interested.

For those wanting to go

another route, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation offices here have computers and phones available for use at no cost to the Soldier.

While there are many recreation and leisure options available to your Soldiers while deployed, I do want to inform you that they are working really hard.

I am proud to serve as their senior enlisted advisor and am proud to be a member of such a great and professional team.

I would like to thank our friends, Families and Fort Knox communities for your support as we embark on our mission as we form the Joint Sustainment Com-mand –Afghanistan. We truly miss you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sustaining the Line! CSM Karl A. Roberts

Sustainer 7


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3d ESC Soldiers deploy to AfghanistanSgt. 1st Class Rob Strain

FORT KNOX, Ky. – More than 150 Soldiers from the 3d Sustainment Command (Expedi-tionary) departed Fort Knox April 15 for a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Opera-tion Enduring Freedom. The deployment marks the third for the 3d ESC since it relo-cated to Fort Knox in June 2007. The command deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Free-dom in May 2008 and to Haiti in January 2010 in support of Opera-tion Unified Response.

While deployed, the 3d ESC will ensure all United States and selected Coalition and Afghan Military Forces are supported and sustained throughout the country and to assist in the responsible drawdown of U.S. Forces. Given its joint mission, the commands name will be converted from an ESC to a Joint Sustainment Com-mand – Afghanistan.

“The Soldiers are ready to execute the mission in Afghani-stan, and I’m confident they’ll do a

Spc. Nestor Reyes, a supply specialist with the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), takes some time alone to talk to family on the phone before his deployment to Afghanistan April 15. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain)

bang up job,” Col. Kristin French, the 3d ESC commander, said.

“I really feel that the team has come together,” French added. “We’ve got an opportunity now to show off our talents.”

For Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Giles, the 3d ESC air op-erations technician, being a part of the team makes this deploy-ment that much better than his first tour to Afghanistan.

Giles, a Horseheads, N.Y., native, explained that during his first deployment, he joined the unit 30 days before they deployed and didn’t have time to get to know anyone else.

“I didn’t know anybody,” Giles said.

In addition to not know-ing anyone else in the unit, Giles said he ended up doing a job he wasn’t familiar with, but that isn’t the case this deployment – he has been assigned to the 3d ESC for nearly two years, training for this deployment.

“I’ll be doing what I know how to do,” Giles said, adding that he already knows his counterparts and what he is getting into.That doesn’t mean the deployment will be easy; Giles said the most challenging part will be getting used to the environment and the quality of life – as well as leaving his wife and kids.

“It’s hard leaving family,” Giles said.

“The Families are ready; the Soldiers are ready, [and] the Fort Knox community is ready to send us off,” French said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Roberts, the 3d ESC senior enlist-ed advisor, indicated his readiness in four simple words.

“Fall in; let’s go,” Roberts said, referring to the military com-mand to gather troops.

Staff Sgt. Mike Chreene, a finance noncom-missioned officer with the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), talks to his son Caleb, 4, before deploying to Afghanistan April 15. Chreene was one of more than 150 3d ESC Soldiers who left on a nine-month deployment April 15. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rob Strain)


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Sustainers take charge in Afghanistan

and I’m confident that you are up to the task.”

With the transfer, the Sustainers are now the senior logisticians in county and are responsible for all logistics operations within the Afghanistan the-ater. As the commanding element of JSC-A, the 3d ESC will oversee more than 40,000 logistics Soldiers, civilians and contractors providing support to United States forces, Coalition partners and Afghan forces in theater.

While the 3d ESC’s mission will be similar to that of the 4th ESC, Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, commanding general of the 3d ESC, said that she was confident in her Sustainer’s abilities to take charge.

“The 3d ESC is ready to conduct our two critical missions, to support and sustain all U.S. and selected Coalition Forces throughout the country, as well as to assist in the responsible return of equip-ment and personnel,” said French. “I am confident we will succeed in both tasks.”

With its main mission being sustainment and logistics operations, the 3d ESC’s support opera-tions section will play a major role in the deployment.

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) officially took command of the Joint Sustainment Command – Afghanistan (JSC-A) during a Transfer of Authority at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, on May 7.

The 3d ESC, based out of Fort Knox, Ky., took over operations from the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), who is headquartered at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and commanded by Brig. Gen. Les J. Carroll.

Reviewing the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Wil-liam E. Rapp, the deputy commander-support for United States Forces – Afghanistan, who thanked the 4th ESC for their hard work and diligence during their tour and expressed confidence in the 3d ESC’s ability to carry on the mission.

“As the 4th ESC reflects over their past 12 months they can take great pride in their numerous accomplishments and find solace in the fact that as simple as it may sound, they made a difference and they made everything count,” said Rapp. “To the Soldiers of the 3d ESC, the theater of operations is a constantly evolving one. I know that each one of you are multifunctional and there are no one-trick ponies

Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin

Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, the commanding general of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Command Sgt. Maj. Karl A. Roberts Sr., the 3d ESC’s senior enlisted leader, uncase the command’s colors during a transfer of authority at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan May 7. During the ceremony, the 3d ESC took command of Joint Sustainment Command – Afghanistan from the 4th ESC and became the senior logisticians in county and are responsible for all logistics operations within the Afghanistan theater. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Andrew Valles)

See TOA, next page


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Col. Gregory Koller, the 3d ESC’s support operations officer in charge, said that his section is ready and willing to fulfill the command’s mission.

“The transfer of authority means we’re ready, that we’re large and in charge,” said Koller. “It now falls on us to continue the challenging logistics mis-sion we face here in Afghanistan.”

This deployment for the 3d ESC marks the third since the command moved to Fort Knox from Wiesbaden, Germany in 2007. Before deploying to Afghanistan in April, the 3d ESC deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response.

Command Sgt. Maj. Karl A. Roberts Sr., the 3d ESC’s senior enlisted leader said that the transfer of authority is important to the command and the Soldiers to which it supports.

TOA, from previous “The ceremony is the culmination of all our pre-deployment training, relief in place and our com-mitment to the mission in accordance with the com-mander’s guidance,” Roberts said.

French said that she looked forward to lead-ing the JSC-A, and thanked the 4th ESC for setting a high standard during their time in theater. She promised to improve operations even more during her time in command.

For the 4th ESC, the ceremony marked the end of a successful campaign in which Brig. Gen. Les J. Carroll, the commanding general of the 4th ESC, said that he appreciated everything that his Soldiers accomplished during their deployment.

Fully trained and ready to assume the mis-sion, the 3d ESC and its Soldiers are ready to as-sume the mission of JSC-A.

On this day, 237 years ago, our Nation’s leaders established the Continental Army to protect op-

pressed colonists yearning for freedom – beginning our Army’s rich heritage of defending our country and her citizens. Today, we celebrate the generations of Soldiers who embraced this calling and have served this great Nation with honor, loyalty and bravery in peace and war for more than two centuries.

Change has always been an enduring theme of our Army’s experience. After our long war for independence, we adapted to meet the needs of an expanding Nation – securing frontiers, building roads and canals, and mapping new territories. In the twentieth century, we fought two World Wars to defeat tyranny and spread the cause of freedom – emerging as the stabilizing global force. From Korea to Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, we answered our Nation’s ever call to preserve peace and stability. And, following the attacks of September 11, 2001, our Army made the decisive contribution to the global struggle against violent extremism. Today, more than a decade later, as we reflect on our accomplishments in Iraq, continue to serve our Nation’s in-terests in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and protect the American people at home, we remain vigilant as we prepare for the challenges of an uncertain future.

Despite all this, some things have never changed. Our Army has always remained true to our enduring professional values: we value the dignity and respect of all our Soldiers, Families and civilians; we honor the sacred trust our Nation places with us; and, we remain our Nation’s loyal servants – defending the principles upon which our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were established. For 237 years, America’s Army has always answered the Nation’s call, and we always will.

On the Army’s Birthday, we thank every Soldier, civilian and Family member who has ever served in our ranks for your dedication to duty and the selfless service that have made us all Army Strong. Happy Birth-day!


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US Navy customs supports Army retrogradeJacquelene Van Pool

401st Army Field Support Brigade

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - “When the Army called, we answered,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Trini Castro.

Castro, along with ap-proximately 20 members of a U.S. Navy customs team from Kuwait, are now assisting the 401st Army Field Support Brigade in their retrograde mission. The sailors who serve as customs agents help ensure that the vehicles are ready for shipment back to the United States.

“Our mission is to stay here as long as the Army needs us,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer John Matuza, who is attached to the Army Field Support Battalion-Kandahar. “We basically make sure everything is good to go back to the United States.”

The team ensures that

vehicles that have been in theater for years are free of contaminates such as biological hazards, am-munition, bird nests, moths and larvae. They also provide train-ing to the workers who clean the vehicles showing them the places most often missed.

The process to clear ve-hicles for shipment back to the States starts long before it gets custom’s cleared. First, the unit who had the vehicle cleans it and ensures that it is free of any bio-logical material and ammunition. After determining there is no lon-ger a use for the vehicle in theater, it is turned into a redistribution property assistance team yard. At the RPAT yard, it is thoroughly cleaned and processed.

During the final stages, the vehicles are inspected by the Navy customs agents to ensure the ve-hicles are totally clean before they are shipped back to the States.

“We are the last stop,” said Matuza. “When it departs Afghani-stan, it’s completely clear of any-thing that might harm the United States.”

To meet President Obama’s goal of bringing home combat forces from Afghanistan by 2014, the Army has already begun to remove excess equipment from the country.

“The Navy customs team has been an invaluable resource and has helped to ensure that the battalion met its retrograde goals during the past two months,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Acree, support operations officer for the AFSBn-Kandahar. “We have learned a lot from them and as a result, we are better prepared to meet the de-manding future requirements of retrograde.”

Before coming to theater, the sailors went through a five

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffery Ziegler, from San Antonio, Texas, performs an inspection on a fuel tanker being prepared for shipment back to the United States. He is part of a Navy customs team assigned to the Army Field Support Battalion-Kandahar, 401st Army Field Support Brigade. The team is help-ing to expedite the shipping of excess equipment back to the U.S. in preparation for the reduction of U.S. forces in the coming year. (U.S. Army photo by Jacquelene Van Pool)

See NAVY, next page


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week training course back in the States. Additional training was provided in Kuwait.

For many on the team, this is the first experience doing a joint mission.

“At first it was [challeng-

NAVY, from previous ing], learning their lingo [and] how they do business,” said Castro.

“It’s nice to interact with another branch of service,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Yo-shikawa. “A lot of people don’t get that opportunity, to interact with another branch of service in their career.”

Many of the sailors were also glad to be helping another service.

“Coming back here was a priority,” said Matuza, “to do something to help [the Army] because they are doing multiple missions, going outside the wire all the time.”

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - While much of the interest for Joint Sustainment Com-mand-Afghanistan units based at Kandahar Airfield was focused on maintaining sustainment activi-ties for units based in Afghanistan, approximately 500 Soldiers, civilians and contractors were able to take time out of their busy schedules to focus on the Asian American Pacific Islander Observance held during the twilight hours of May 18.

The theme for this year’s observance was “Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion.”

The theme was chosen to focus on the Ex-ecutive Order on Diversity and Inclusion signed by President Barack Obama on August 18, 2011.

“Generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have helped develop and defend the United States, often in the face of tremendous racial and cultural prejudice. Despite these difficulties, AAPI men and women struggled, sacrificed, and per-

Kandahar celebrates Asian American, Pacific Islander heritageMaster Sgt. Adam Eckstein Equal Opportunity Advisor

severed to build a better life for their children and all Americans,” Obama wrote in his declaration.

A joint event hosted by units falling under both the 82d Airborne Division and Joint Sustain-ment Command-Afghanistan, the observance was not overshadowed by the neon lights, fast food res-taurants or runners on the track even though it was situated amidst the sometimes hectic pedestrian traf-fic of the airfield’s famously nicknamed “boardwalk”.

For one 3d ESC Soldier the same held true.

Spc. Frank Eldridge, a light vehicle mechanic and native of Louisville, Ky., observed that Asian American Pacific Islanders “were proud of their his-tory and knowledge and willing to show their tradi-tions with their fellow service members”.

For those passersby on the boardwalk who might have been unaware of the observance, few walked away without a greater understanding of the culture of the Asian American Pacific Islander.

Sustainers receive combat patchStaff Sgt. Michael Behlin

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- After 30 days in country, Soldiers of the 3d Sus-tainment Command (Expedition-ary) marked their deployment to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, May 17 by receiving their combat patch during a ceremony here.

Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, the 3d ESC’s command-ing general, presented the Soldiers with their patches as they offi-cially became a part of command’s history. French said that she was Specialist Brandon Johnson, a visual information equipment operator with the 3d Sustainment

Command (Expeditionary), receives his combat patch signifying past or active participation in wartime service, from Brig. Gen. Kristin K. French, the 3d ESC’s commanding general, during a cer-emony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan on May 17. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin)See PATCH, next page


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proud and excited to present the Soldiers of the 3d ESC with their combat patches.

The shoulder sleeve insig-nia - former wartime service, com-monly known as the combat patch, has a rich history and different meanings to those authorized to wear them. But something similar to those authorized to wear them, is the sense of pride and accom-plishment they bring.

“There’s a lot of his-tory dealing with the awarding of combat patches to those serving in combat zones,” said 1st Sgt. Keevin Fields, the 3d ESC’s Head-quarters and Headquarters Com-pany senior noncommissioned of-ficer. “To all of us who have served, the combat patch has many differ-ent meanings, but it’s always re-warding to award a young Soldier his/her combat patch.”

The history of the combat patch dates back to the Civil War and has since become a histori-cal Army tradition. The wearing of patches in general was important and began out of a necessity for

PATCH, from previous leaders and Soldiers to identify their troops.

Because of this, Soldiers devised a system that each corps would wear a distinctive patch on top of their hats. When identifica-tion became an issue because of injuries or lost hats, the system was revised to include the patches on the uniform.

Over the years, this sys-tem evolved and eventually led to patches being worn on the left and right shoulders of the uniform, allowing proud veterans to display their unit patches as symbols of prior campaigns and battles.

Worn on the right should of the U.S. Army uniform, the com-bat patch symbolizes a Soldiers past or active participation in war-time service.

“Receiving a combat patch is a big accomplishment for me because everyone can’t be in the military, and everyone can’t deploy and withstand the things that you have to go through in order to get a patch,” said Pvt. 1st Class Stephan Humes, an execu-tive administrative assistant and

Kinston, N.C., native. “I feel that it represents something I could always tell my children about and wear even after I retire.”

The 3d ESC’s shoulder insignia represents a long history for the command which includes participation in every Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation since 2003 and in Afghanistan as part of sev-eral rotations of Operation Endur-ing Freedom. Campaigns to Korea, France, Germany and the Balkans are represented in the command’s proud history.

Comprised of three blue arrows pointing outwards, repre-senting the command’s numeri-cal designation and mission to provide combat support wherever it’s needed. The arrows and arrow-heads are symbols frequently used in U.S. Army insignia designs because they represent items used in warfare and defense.

The red circle outlining the 3d ESC patch signifies the never ending valor and courage of its Soldiers. The white field represents purity and dedication.

3d ESC Soldiers tour water bottling facility

Soldiers from the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) receive a briefing on the water bottling process during a tour to the NATO Mainte-nance and Supply Agency water bottling facility at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan on May 15. The Sustainers visited the water bottling facility to get an assessment on the plant’s production and distribution. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin)


KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Sol-diers from the 3d Sustainment Command (Expedi-tionary) toured the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency water bottling facility at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan on May 15.

The Sustainers visited the water bottling facil-ity to get an assessment on the plant’s production and distribution.

The water bottling facility, which started pro-duction in March 2012, will soon become the main supplier of bottled water soon at KAF.

“All of the technology here is very, very mod-ern,” said Larry Downes, the technical officer for the water bottling facility. “There’s a microbiological lab that’s able to conduct water testing on-site and the quality control is excellent.”

See WATER, next page


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WATER, from previous

Downes explained to the Soldiers that the facility is capable of producing 16,000 bottles when operating at 100% capability. But as they continue to train and work towards becoming the main bottled water supplier to KAF, the facility is currently run-ning at 90 % capability, producing 14,400 bottles per hour.

According to Downes, the facility’s capability can be expanded and production increased as it was built with the intent for future expansion.

To produce bottled water, the plant utilizes 2 wells which alternated between daily usage. Because the water is brought up from freshly dug wells, purifi-cation is minimal.

One of the more interesting exhibits during

the tour involves the formation of the facility’s water bottles.

Starting with what looks similar to a test tube, the bottles are heated, then blasted with air to form the shape we know. This design of the bottles was deliberate as developers sought to produce some-thing easy to hold, store and dispose of. This way, Soldiers could easily hold and store them.

Those in attendance during the tour said that the facility was very advanced in its operation as they were amazed at the total bottling process.

“It was very interesting to see the water bot-tling process from start to finish,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mison Pak, the 3d ESC’s surgeon cell noncommis-sioned officer in charge. “This was a very informative tour and I feel that I have a better understanding of the process as a result.”

Transporters tackle new mission in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN – If there’s one thing Soldiers of the 233rd Trans-portation Company know, they definitely know how to get heavy equipment from one point to an-other in austere environments.

Whether it involved Sol-diers being out on missions rang-ing anywhere from days to weeks, the 233rd’s Soldiers took on the retrograde mission of moving Soldiers and equipment out of Iraq when it deployed to Kuwait in July of 2011.

That is until a few months ago, when they received a change of mission - the heavy equipment transport company took on a ret-rograde mission of a different sort earlier this year.

Spread throughout sev-eral combat posts in Afghanistan, members of the 233rd Trans. Co. have moved from the driver’s seat to more of a management role as they work in the various redistri-bution property assistance team, or RPAT, yards.

With the Iraq war draw-down completed and the Afghani-stan drawdown closely approach-


ing, the 233rd’s assistance in the mission will be important to the successful completion of the presi-dent’s surge recovery.

“In the RPAT yard, we’re responsible for theater retrograde of the Army’s equipment, essen-tially getting it from here in coun-try to repair and redistribution centers in Kuwait or the U.S. for repair and redistribution,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Schwartz, an opera-tions officer with the 233rd Trans. Co. currently working at the RPAT yard at Kandahar Air Field.

Schwartz said the RPAT process is important because it allows the Army to replenish old, used and battle damaged equip-ment from both the Iraq and Af-ghanistan wars.

“The importance of the RPAT mission is that it allows us to get equipment out of theater and to Soldiers who can use it,” said Schwartz.

The retrograde mission involves many processes, several of which are spearheaded by Sol-diers of the 233rd Trans. Co. The company has Soldiers who ensure equipment is properly accounted for, cleaned and free of hazardous materials and munitions. After these processes are completed, the equipment is then shipped to its various destinations.

Though the 233rd’s new mission doesn’t necessarily mir-ror what it normally entails, its Soldiers have adjusted well. While many have admitted they would much rather be out on the roads moving equipment, they under-stand their role and its impor-tance.

“The adjustment here has been tough, having to learn a new job in a new environment,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Jackson, an operations noncommissioned of-ficer with the company. “It’s been difficult at times not doing what you’re used to, but we’ve made the most of it.”

Sgt. Joshua Brown, of the 233rd Transportation Company, explains the equipment issuing pro-cess to 1st Lt. Brandon Schwartz, an operations officer with the 233rd. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin)


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Changes Coming as the Army Expands Use of Early Discharge Authority of Regular Army Enlisted Members

JSC-A Rentention Office

Congress recently amended legislation that expands the services’ authority to separate Regu-lar Army enlisted members from three months to one year prior to their scheduled date of separation, referred to as Expiration Term of Service (ETS). The Army announced today that it plans to begin using this authority in June 2012 in a very targeted man-ner to address readiness in deploying formations by stabilizing enlisted soldiers at least six months prior to deployment.

The Army’s Enlisted Involuntary Early Sepa-ration Program is directed towards the small per-centage of Soldiers in deploying units who remain in the unit’s rear detachment due to insufficient time remaining before ETS to complete the deployment. The Army will not immediately increase the period of early separation to one year, rather it will implement this change in a phased manner based on scheduled unit deployment dates.

Soldiers assigned to deploying units whose scheduled separation date precludes them from de-ploying with their unit will be given the opportunity to reenlist or extend. Soldiers with more than three years of active service, but less than six years of total service that elect not to reenlist or extend will be subject to involuntary early separation. Additionally, commanders have the discretion to retain a soldier for operational necessity or compassionate reasons.

The Army has incorporated measures to en-sure soldiers who elect not to reenlist or extend their period of enlistment complete all transition require-ments prior to separation including taking advantage of the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) and other transition programs. Commanders will afford Soldiers sufficient time, but not less than 90 days, to focus on transition activities to ensure Soldiers and their families are prepared for the transition from ac-tive service.

For more information, Soldiers should contact their unit career counselor.

Female, Muslim medic spends career mending preconceptionsSgt. Ken Scar

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Muna Nur, a native of St. Paul, Minn., a medic with the 10th Sustainment Bri-gade, Task Force Muleskinner, loads her equipment into a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle belonging to the Louisiana National Guard’s 1086th Transportation Company before embarking on a 5-day, 400-mile convoy, May 20, 2012. The convoy went from Bagram Air Field to Forward Operating Base Warrior and back on Afghanistan’s notorious Highway 1. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ken Scar)

PARWAN PROVINCE, Af-ghanistan – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Muna Nur is striking for many reasons. Born in Somalia, she has the warm complexion and elegant

features of women, like the fa-mous model Iman, who are native to that region. Her feisty attitude belies her ethereal appearance, however, and is more a testament to her six-year military career that includes two tough deployments

to Iraq and a third, current one to Afghanistan, where she is the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the Troop Medical Clinic, 10th Sustainment Brigade, Task Force Muleskinner.

“I was born in Somalia, so I’m a child of war, I guess,” she said. “When I was two months old, because of the war, my mom moved us to Kenya until I was five, and then to America – where we finally settled in Minnesota. I consider myself an American even though I wasn’t born there.”

On a typical shift in the walk-in clinic on Bagram Air Field that she manages when she’s not on missions outside the wire, she can be seen ribbing her medics good-naturally like a stern mother while brandishing her “Soldier Adjustment Tool”, an organic club fashioned from a tree limb with a ball-like gourd on one end, sharp-ened to a point on the other, and decorated all over with African-style etchings.

She gestures dramatically See NUR, next page


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and threatens to use it to get her soldiers in line, but it says some-thing about her leadership that it was, in fact, her soldiers that gifted it to her.

“I run a tight ship,” she says, furrowing her brow toward everyone in the waiting area to light-hearted laughter.

Nur has worked her way to a position that suits her well, but things have not always run so smoothly for her.

Another of her striking aspects is the fact that she is a proud Muslim, a trait that has cre-ated difficulties for her in the past – especially after 9/11.

“9/11 created such an awk-ward position for my family,” she said. “My mom is not totally reli-gious, but she wears the scarves over her head, and she is very fair-skinned so she looks Arab. I just remember all the comments ... ” she trails off, hesitant to get too specific and dredge up old wounds.

“I said to myself, do I want people to think my family is full of terrorists? Do I want people to view my religion like we’re all ter-rorists? I wanted to fight back, so that’s one of the main reasons I joined [the Army].”

The decision to become a medic was a simpler one: “I want-ed to help people.”

Being female and a Mus-lim could have been a double-whammy joining the Army, whose population is historically com-prised mostly of men and sol-diers that believe in some form of Christianity – but surprisingly, the discrimination she experienced in the civilian world was much worse than what she’s experienced as a soldier.

She credits the Army’s emphasis on cultural training for that.

“I think the majority of soldiers are trained to differentiate between terrorists and what Islam is,” she said.

That’s not to say she has never heard inconsiderate com-ments, but as a medic who is often the only female out on a mission, she knows how to brush off the harsh words and posturing of some her less sensitive colleagues.

“My first tour of Iraq was very difficult for me,” she said. “Treating soldiers who just got hit, I heard the backlash, but now I don’t take it as an attack against Muslims in general or me, I take is as an attack against terrorists.”

Dealing with traditional Afghan prejudices is another thing she has learned to deal with gracefully.

“Most Afghanis are il-literate,” she explained. “They don’t read the Quran, it’s taught to them. So for me, as a Muslim woman who reads the Quran and has my own interpretation - it can be a battle.”

“You have to have a thick skin,” she added, smiling. “You have to know what right looks like, and be tolerant. You can’t go around telling people their religion is wrong or they believe in false prophets. How would you feel if I condemned you to hell because you’re not a Muslim? I don’t be-lieve in that.”

“More than anything, she educates us,” explained Air Force Senior Airman Natasha Whitten, one of Nur’s medics. “Like when the Qurans were burned [in Feb-ruary], she let us know why people were so upset and what the proper way to do it would have been.”

As far as being a female in a war zone, Nur marvels at the fact there is any debate at all that she or any of her female comrades belong in combat.

Every medic in her unit rotates from working in the clinic to rolling with combat logisti-

cal patrols that travel to smaller combat outposts and bases all over Regional Command-East on the most dangerous roadways in theater. Out of the 42 medics she is responsible for, 10 of them are female.

“If we took all our females off the road, the missions wouldn’t happen,” she stated matter-of-fac-tually.

She personally does an av-erage of three missions per month, so she will rack up nearly 50 missions outside the wire on this deployment.

“She is dedicated to what she does,” said Sgt. Maj. Janice Glaze, the Operations sergeant major for Task Force Muleskin-ner. “She really has concern for soldiers, and I would speak to her courage. As a medic, she treats the soldiers that encounter improvised explosive devices. She sees the wounds, so she knows what can happen when you go outside that wire – and yet she is never hesi-tant to go on those missions.”

“Once you’re outside the wire, anything can happen,” said Nur. “I want the world to know that my medics go out there and have to be combat soldiers, wheth-er they’re male or female.”

“When you go out [on the convoys] there’s no separation. We all sleep in the same tents, or the same trucks,” she said, adding with a laugh, “Once you can pee outside or in the truck with the guys, the awkwardness leaves.”

“We are already in combat,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Anahi Pelayo, also one of Nur’s medics, referring to the debate over wheth-er women should be in combat positions. “We [female medics] are not necessarily behind the weap-ons, but we take care of everyone else that is.”

“I love the action, and I love being out. But I always say that I like to stay unemployed on mis-sions,” said Nur.

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Retro-Sort Yard consolidates equipmentSgt. Chris Huddleston

45th Sustainment Brigade public affairs

Spc. Orlando Peyton logs in a new shipment of items at his work station at the Kandahar Airfield Retro-Sort Yard. The Retro-Sort Yard provides a central-ized location for units in RC-South, RC-Southwest, and RC-West to turn in items and equipment that is no longer needed that other units in the area can then put to use. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Chris Huddleson)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Sol-diers with the 45th Quartermaster (Provisional) Company, 45th Sustainment Brigade, provide a place for units in southern Afghanistan to turn in service-able items they no longer need which can in turn be issued to units who need them at the Kandahar Airfield Retro-Sort Yard.

The goal of the Retro-Sort Yard is to reduce waste within the Army supply system and get un-needed supplies to units who can use them.

“The Retro-Sort Yard provides a one-stop shop for Army units to turn in excess and non-mission essential equipment that has accumulated over the past ten years,” said Capt. Andrew Thomas, com-mander 45th QM (P) Co. “We then redistribute these supplies to units that require them locally or return them to the Army supply system, negating the need for the Army to purchase more stocks and saving tax-payer money.”

Units located in RC-South, Southwest and West can bring items to the yard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“The Retro-Sort Yard will take all classes of supply except Class VII (real property), Class V (Ammo) and scrap metal or trash,” said 1st Sgt. Rob-ert Garo, senior non-commissioned officer, 45th QM (P) Co.

“The items come from all over the Regional Command, RC-South/Southwest/West, with most items coming from closing forward operating bases.”

The yard’s free issue warehouse is open Mon-day, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1000-1800 and has a wide assortment of items for issue.

“There is no documentation required to pick up any serviceable items,” said Garo. “We have expendable/durable free issue, an updated itemize listing is published weekly for anyone to see what’s available to pick up in support of their mission.

For example; paper cups, plates, large trash, motor oil, safety cones, wall lockers, copy paper and more.”

The KAF Retro-Sort Yard is located in the Deep South Area.


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C CA H P C

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, your federal medical school, Bethesda, Maryland • www. usuhs.mil

Continued on reverse side

Helping Children Cope During Deployment

This fact sheet contains useful information for you — parents and family caregivers — to help children cope during a parents’ deployment. Experts in military medicine and family trauma who understand the impact of deployment on families have written this fact sheet. It is in the form of commonly asked questions followed by their responses. It is important to remember that while deployments are stressful, they also provide

opportunities for families to grow closer and stronger. The best way to help children cope is to 1) reassure them that the deployed parent is trained to do his/her job; 2) explain to children that they, too, have a job as part of the family at home who supports our troops and our nation; and, 3) communicate in ways that children can understand according to their age (see sidebar on page 2: Communicating with Children during Deployment).

Commonly Asked Questions from Parents About Deployment

Q. What is the best way to prepare children for deployment?A. Parents must be honest, and focus on their children’s safety, security and continuity of routine. If deployment will change the child’s lifestyle such as moving, living with grandparents, or changing childcare, school or community activities, the child needs to hear of these things in advance.

Q. How else can we reassure our children about a deployment?A. First, parents should digest the information before they communicate it to children so they can deliver it in a calm and reassuring manner. Second, children worry about the safety of the deployed parent. It is important to let children know that the deployed parent is trained to do their job. Third, it is important to communicate in a way that your child will understand based on their age.

Q. How do children signal their distress?A. Stress affects children like it does adults. Children may complain of headaches, stomach distress and sleep disturbances. They may display moodiness, irritability, low energy, and have more dramatic reactions to minor situations such as stubbing a toe. It can be difficult sometimes to sort out normal distress and more serious problems. If in doubt, seek medical advice.

Q. Are there ways to reduce stress on children during the separation?

A. Yes, one very positive way is emphasize to your children that they have a job that is as REAL as that of the deployed parent. Stress is often the result of feeling helpless or unsure or unclear about a new role or situation. It is important to reinforce that doing well in school, helping out at home and being cooperative is a skill set that is part of their job, one that is valued and unique to their being a military child. When children do their job they help support their parent’s mission.

Q. How should school problems be handled? A. If there is concern about a child’s behavior at home, parents should notify the school. Many parents may be reluctant to call attention to their child by warning school officials, but it is important for the school to be alert to any unusual symptoms. If a child has had psychiatric issues before the deployment they are more likely to have problems as a result of the deployment. It is important to talk to your child about any acting out, and get them to discuss their feelings and issues. Your child’s school or your primary care doctor can arrange for counseling services.

General Tips for Communicating with Children of All Ages

■ Be careful about sharing your emotions with children. Some parents share too much (losing control in front of kids) or share too little (no emotion or giving the

Master Resiliency TrainerBouncing Back Joint Sustainment Command - Afghanistan


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Life around Kandahar: Photos from FacebookPhotos by Staff Sgt. Michael Behlin


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News & Politics

Sustainer - June 2012