The Sustainer vol 2 issue 2

THESUSTAINERSUSTAINMENT WARRIORS SUSTAIN THE FIGHT

VICTORY!371 SB Wins Commanders Cup

PatriotismBy Command Sgt. Maj. Rebecca J. Herzog

RaiderHopeBoats ExerciseHumanitarian Aide

Good to theLast DropArifjan Fill Stand Closes

July 31, 2013 Vol. 2 Issue 2

CombatPatch371 get Right

Shoulder SleeveInsignia

Good to the last drop:Camp Arifjan’s Truck Fill Standcloses

By Staff Sgt. Kimberly S. Hill

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (July 11,2013) – Camp Arifjan’s Truck FillStand, which provided fuel formilitary installations throughoutKuwait, officially ceased operationson June 30, 2013 at Camp Arifjan,Kuwait.

This closure leaves Camp Buehringas the U.S. military’s only operatingfill stand left in country, reducingour footprint in the area, said ChiefWarrant Officer 3 Terry A. Pinto, theresponsible officer of fuel operationsfor the 371st Sustainment Brigade.

“The closure will save thegovernment over $1.9 million each

year,” said Maj. ChristopherJohnson, Operational ContractSupport officer with the 135thSustainment Command(Expeditionary).

The fill stand opened in 2001 andhas been operated by KBRcontractors since 2002. It has servedin providing and processing fuelreceived from local refineries to U.S.military installations in Iraq andKuwait, said Capt. William R.Nichols, the project manager of fueloperations with the 371st Sus. Bde.

“At the peak of operations in Iraq,the fill stand was pushing outroughly 1.5 million gallons of fuel aday,” he said.

The need for fuel, however, hasdecreased substantially in the areasince U.S. military operations have

ceased in Iraq, said Nichols.

The 371st Sus. Bde. was tasked withcoordinating the fill stand’s closurein cooperation with KBR employeesand Area Support Group Kuwaitupon their theater arrival in supportof Operation Enduring Freedom inJune.

“We pretty much hit the groundrunning,” Nichols said.

The closure will streamline fueloperations, save military resourcesand will not have any impact on themission of troops currently deployedto the area, said Pinto.

Since fuel operations have ceased,the 371st Sus. Bde. is currentlyworking with KBR employees toensure the area is properly cleanedand environmentally safe.

Capt. William R. Nichols, the project manager for fuel operationswith the 371st Sustainment Brigade and a Chesapeake, Ohionative, walks through the truck fill stand where soldiers from the4th Infantry Division, 4th Brigade Support Battalion removesandbags and petroleum bladders at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on July9, 2013. The truck fill stand at Camp Arifjan ceased operations onJune 30, 2013. Photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill

Combat PatchBy Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill

Soldiers of the 371st SustainmentBrigade received their combat patchduring a ceremony on July 1, 2013 atCamp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The former war time serviceshoulder sleeve insignia, or combatpatch, denotes a soldier’s unitaffiliation when he or she deploys toa combat zone, said Command Sgt.

Maj. Scott M. Barga, commandsergeant major of the 371st Sus. Bde.

“It helps create a feeling of unitcohesion and esprit de corps,” hesaid.

The origin of the combat patch canbe traced to the Revolutionary war,when under general GeorgeWashington, soldiers who had servedin a combat zone placed their unitpatches on their right shoulders tosignify their participation.

“I feel a sense of accomplishment,like I earned it,” said Sgt AllisonKay Dingus, a human resourcespecialist with the 371st Sus. Bde.

The 371st Sus. Bde. has deployed insupport of WWI, WWII andOperation Iraqi Freedom, and theircurrent deployment in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom toKuwait marks the brigade’s thirddeployment in 10 years.

Sgt. Maj. Joseph E. Miracle, the support operationssergeant major for the 371st Sustainment Brigade and aMechanicsburg, Ohio native places the 371st Sus. Bde.combat patch on Spc. Alexandra K. Turowski, apetroleum supply specialist with the 371st Sus. Bde.and a Louisville, Ohio native during a ceremony onJuly 1, 2013 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Photo By StaffSgt. Kimberly Hill

To The VictorsGo The Spoils

371st Sus. Bde. Wins Camp Arifjan'sCommanders Cup

Story by Staff Sgt. Kimberly HillPhotos by Capt. Scott Detling

A mixture of sunscreen and sweatburns their eyes as they pull with alltheir might, their muscles aching andburning.

They ignore the pain, and keeppulling with every muscle they have,their bodies contorted in impossibleangles, knowing that victory is onlymoments away.

Finally their muscles feel relief asthe other team loosens their grip andtumbles toward them, the rope goingslack, then falling to the ground.

The team erupts in cheers, echoingthe audience watching them.

They congratulate each other, smileson their faces, knowing that theyhave not only won the tug of warevent, but they have won theCommander’s Cup for their brigade.

Soldiers of the 371st SustainmentBrigade celebrated theirIndependence Day by winning theCommander’s Cup on July 4, 2013 at

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The Commander’s Cup pitted 11units against each other in gamingand sports events over a three dayperiod, beginning with a basketballtournament and concluding with thetug of war competition.

The basketball team was led by Sgt1st Class Steven Barnes, thecommunication’s security custodianwith the 371st Sus. Bde. Althoughthey failed to make it further than thefirst round, their hard work anddedication was evident, saidCommand Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga,command sergeant major of the371st Sus. Bde.

The following day consisted of ahorseshoe contest and a spadestournament.

The 371st fell short against theirhigher, the 135th TheaterSustainment Command in thehorseshoe event, but the teamcaptain, Chief Warrant Officer 4

Jack L. Reppart , the safety officerfor the 371st Sus. Bde., was stillproud of his team.

“We had our best 371strepresentatives, it was a good game,”said Reppart.

Although the 371st Sus. Bde. mayhave lost the horseshoe andbasketball tournament, the spadesevent began to turn the tide in theirfavor.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rebecca J.Herzog, the command sergeantmajor of the 371st Special TroopsBattalion, 371st Sus. Bde. and Sgt.1st Class Manuel S. Perez, a humanresources sergeant with the 371stSTB, 371st Sus. Bde., won handafter hand and dominated thecompetition.

Still riding high from their sweepingvictory in spades, the winning streakcontinued on the 4th of July, with the371st taking second place indodgeball, led by 1st Lt. Kelly K.

Col. Gregory W. Robinette, commander of the 371st Sus. Bde.,hoists Camp Arifjan's Commanders Cup after his brigade won thetrophy on July 4th, 2013 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

Spisak, an intelligence officer withthe 371st Sus. Bde.

Later that day, the 371st Sus Bde.was represented by an 11 personswim team in a 1000 meter relay, ledby team captain Staff Sgt. Joel M.Gottke, a public affairs sergeant withthe 371st Sus. Bde.

“I was very proud of our team, wehad a great showing,” said Gottke

The swim team’s loss didn’tdiscourage the Soldiers or shake

their confidence. It seemed to fanthe competitive fires instead, sincethe prize of the Commander’s Cupfell on the results of the last twoevents; the volleyball tournament,and the tug of war.

“It was an honor to represent the371st Sus. Bde. and contribute to thewinning of the Commander’s Cup,”said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Albrecht, avolleyball team member and a motortransport operator with the 371st Sus.Bde.

The final two competitions sealedthe victory for the Soldiers of the371st Sus. Bde., with the competingteams taking first place in asweeping victory.

“Congratulations to all the Soldiersin the 371st, great job,” said Col.Gregory W. Robinette, commanderof the 371st Sus. Bde.

Left: Pfc. Zackaree Forro, an information technology specialist with the 371st Sus. Bde., demonstrates "the five D's ofdodge ball" on July 4th, 2013 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Center: Master Sgt. James Hawke, a wheeled vehiclemechanic with the 371st Special Troops Battalion, proudly sports his unit shirt on July 4th, 2013 at Camp ArifjanKuwait. Right: Command Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga, Command Sgt. Maj. of the 371st Sus. Bde., and Staff Sgt. JoelGottke, public affairs broadcast specialist with the 371st Sus. Bde., time their teams swimming relay on July 4th, 2013at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Above: Maj. Brandon Tackett, deputy of support operations for the 371st Sustainment Brigade, swims his leg of a1,000 meter relay on July 4th, 2013 at Camp Arifjan Kuwait.

Below: Soldiers at Camp Arifjan compete with their higher commands for the base's Commander's Cup. Thiscompetition is a collection of events where each place is worth a designated amount of points. The command with themost points at the end of the day wins. This year's winner is the 371st Sustainment Brigade on July 4th, 2013.

PatriotismBy Command Sgt. Maj. Rebecca J.HerzogCommand Sgt. Maj. 371st SpecialTroops Battalion

The Webster’s Dictionary definitionof PATRIOTISM is: "love ordevotion for one’s country." Whilethe definition seems short or small,the reality of the kind of devotion apatriot has is far from short or small.I grew up in tight knit communitythat adores the 4th of July. Familieschoose to come home to UpperArlington for the 4th of July insteadof the usual holidays likeThanksgiving or Christmas becausethe community transforms to a large

block party for the day. Acelebratory day that begins with aloud speaker truck traveling the citystreets to awaken everyone for amorning parade and ends with awonderful fireworks display that Ican watch from the carport/patio ofmy home. My community is likemany others. The people share acommon bond of being devoted totheir (our) country and want tocelebrate a profound independencethat most countries can’t begin tounderstand. The United States ofAmerica is built on devotion to one’scountry and to the diverse men andwomen that live within its shores.

As we live and embrace the ArmyValues which embody patriotismthrough the sheer act of volunteeringto serve a great country, I realizehow deep the devotion for one’scountry can go within a soul. As afuneral honors and ceremonial honorguard leader, I’ve spent hourshonoring our Nation's Veterans attheir final resting places. Themilitary burial service becomes amemory of the sacrifice of theVeteran as well as a memory of thevalues each service memberundoubtedly embraces as they marchthrough their military career, nomatter the length of time one serves.

Men and women serve our countrybecause they feel called to serve.They serve because they somehowbelieve in something bigger than lifeso they’re willing to put their liveson the line to defend those beliefs.Patriotism cannot be ignored whenit’s a part of your soul.

As the 371st Sustainment Brigadecelebrated the 4th of July withactivities of fun and resiliency, Ienjoyed seeing service members,civilians and contractors wearingtheir patriotism through their red,white and blue clothing as well asthe activities they participated in.People were laughing, enjoying the

company of their battle buddies bygoing to a movie, by competing towin a sporting event, a card game orin the case of the 371st, the covetedCommanders Cup. Others observedthe essence of the 4th of July bygathering to share in the glory of ourU.S. Colors and the independenceshe represents as well embracing thedifferent faith systems we embody inour formations. No matter theactivity, the 4th of July screamed ofpatriotism on Camp Arifjan just aswe know, our communities at homewere waving banners that remind uswe are a blessed, free, independentsociety. An independence given

through vision, insight, bloodshedand the determination of ourfounding fathers so many years ago.

I ask that you reflect on this: Ourservice allows patriotism to continueinto the history books of our country.We are devoted to our countrywhether we serve at home or abroad;but this 4th of July season, we aremore aware of the value of thedevotion we have. We are theessence of the United States ofAmerica. Land of the free, home ofthe brave. We are PATRIOTS,devoted to one’s country.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rebecca J. Herzog, Command Sgt. Maj. of the 371st Special Troops Battalion, demonstratesfuneral honors at a patriotic observance on July 4th, 2013 at Camp Arifjan Kuwait. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Gottke

Where the land meetsthe sea:Training Exercise brings ArmyWatercraft and 4th BSB together todeliver humanitarian hope

by Staff Sgt. Kimberly S. Hill

The ground guide waves the driverof a dust covered vehicle backwardsimpatiently; beads of sweat roll offhis face in the 125 degree weather.

Despite the heat, soldiers crowdaround the ramp. The sight of avehicle backing unto the ramp isn’twhat’s holding their attention. It’sthe blue-green waters of the PersianGulf beneath the dock that arefascinating them.

The driver leans out the window,looks behind his vehicle, and presseson the gas. The vehicle rolls backand forth for a few moments beforelurching backwards, tires rollingover the wooden beams on the rampand easing uphill toward the deck ofthe watercraft, sending a few woodensplinters into the waves of the waterbelow.

After the last vehicle is safely parkedon the deck the drivers walkcarefully off the slippery ramp andwatch as the loading ramp is drawnup and the watercraft vessel beginsto pull away from the shore.

The drivers rest and wait for thesecond vessel to pull up to the beachso they can begin loading again,making it only the second time thesoldiers have driven their vehiclesonto the deck of the boat and the firsttime most of the soldiers have beenon an Army watercraft vessel.

Soldiers from the 4th BrigadeSupport Battalion, 4th InfantryDivision and the Army WatercraftCompany (provisional) participatedin a training exercise with supportfrom the 371st Sustainment Brigadeand the 135th Expeditionary SupportCommand on July 15, 2013 atKuwait Naval Base, Kuwait.

The training exercise gave thesoldiers practice in logisticalcoordination and loading andunloading cargo, including over 35Army vehicles and humanitarian aidonto army watercraft vessels.

The 4th BSB, 4th ID participated inthe training event to practice quicklydeploying their equipment andsoldiers to set up a humanitarian siteproviding resources and aid to thosein need, said Capt. Tim C. Sechrist,the battalion operations officer forthe 4th BSB, 4th ID, based out ofFort Carson, Colo.

“We are the foot in the door for theU.S. for humanitarian assistance,”Sechrist said.

Many of the soldiers driving thevehicles on and off the ramps aremotor transport operators by trade,and while backing onto a boat mightbe different than driving through themountains around Fort Carson,Sechrist said he was confident in theexpertise of his soldiers.

“It’s a little different, but they canmake it over the mountains of FortCarson in a heavy equipmenttransporter hauling engineerequipment,” Sechrist said.

After the cargo and vehicles wereloaded on Logistical Support

Vessel-6, James Louxe thewatercraft cruised along the coastand the crew went to work manningthe vessel and practicing their firedrills, including an abandon shipdrill.

The abandon ship drill is one of themany drills that the crews of thewatercraft vessel practice, to ensurethey are proficient in reacting to anyemergency while at sea, said Sgt. 1stClass Martin Peerson, the seniorenlisted mariner on the deck of theLSV-6.

“We want to make sure we have ourfood, our blankets, our flashlightsand our medical kits, everythingthat’s pertinent for us to get into ourlife rafts and keep everyone alive andstable during that time afloat,” saidChief Warrant Officer 2 John A.Grabowski, the navigation,operations and communicationsofficer for the LSV-6.

The crews of Logistical SupportVessel-5 MG Charles P. Grove andLSV-6 not only got to hone theirskills and sharpen their fire drills,they were also able to give thesoldiers of the 4th BSB experienceloading and unloading cargo untoboats - something many soldiersaren’t even aware the U.S. Armyhas, said Grabowski,

“We’re opening up our vessel as atraining platform for familiarity, soin the event that something didhappen, we could do it in an efficientmanner,” he said.

The exercise also gave the 371st Sus.Bde. and the 135th ESC anopportunity to provide logistical andoperational support to the training

exercise, ensuring it would gosmoothly.

As dusk approaches, LSV-6 pullsalong the dock and parks.

The day and exercise nearly over,soldiers begin ground guiding thedrivers off the deck; the wavesgently splash the tires as they pullonto the land and into the parking lot

nearby.

The training exercise gave soldiersimportant practice in quicklydeploying their resources to deliverhumanitarian relief and also a chanceto see the capabilities andimportance of Army watercraftvessels, said Staff Sgt. JenniferAlbrecht, the sea mobility sergeantfor the 371st Sus. Bde.

“This exercise was a greatopportunity to train and familiarizetroops with vessel movements andimprove time frames for loading andunloading”, said Albrecht. “It was agood mission to show thecapabilities and importance of theArmy Watercraft Company(provisional).”

The view of the deck of the USAV LSV-6 James Louxe, loaded with vehicles and cargo from the 4th BrigadeSupport Battalion, 4th Infantry Division on July 15, 2013 at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. The soldiers participatedin a training exercise loading and unloading humanitarian aid and cargo. Photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill

Left: Spc. Brian Soucie, an intelligence analyst with the 371stSus. Bde., proudly displays his gold medal after winning theWounded Warrior Project Ruck Relay on July 5th, 2013 atCamp Arifjan, Kuwait. This event was one of many in aweekend long celebration of Independence Day. Photo by StaffSgt. Joel Gottke

Bellow: Sailors and soldiers gather together on July 4th 2013to honor the veterans who have served before them at apatriotic observance held by the 371st Sus. Bde. at CampArifjan Kuwait. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joel Gottke

Right. Sgt. 1st Class Brian Nagy, an information technologySpecialist, playfully finishes the Peach Tree 10k shadow run atCamp Arifjan, Kuwait on July 4th, 2013.

INDEPEND

DENCE DAY

Va. Governor VisitsTroops

By Sgt. Georgina Felix53rd Movement Control Battalion

Bob McDonnell, the Virginia StateGovernor, visited with US Armydeployed troops in Camp Buehring,Kuwait on 23 July 2013.McDonnell, a former Lt. Col. withthe US Army Medical ServicesCorps, gave a speech to a largecollection of soldiers and then brokeoff the session to meet constituentSoldiers of the state of Virginia.

1st Lt. Ray Cruz, a transportationofficer with the 679th Movement

Control Team, said “I wanted tomeet my Governor because he is theface of my state and someone whowill help improve Virginia'seconomy and infrastructure.”

Cruz had the opportunity to ask thegovernor about his specific livingarea of Hampton Roads. “I like thathe was well-informed and had aformulated plan. It was a pleasure tomeet my governor and get answers,whether I like them or not, and havesome sense of reasoning by some ofthe recent developments in my areaof residence,” said Cruz.

1st Lt. Kristopher Gustafson, atransportation officer with the 679th

MCT, also enjoyed the question andanswer session sitting with thegovernor. "Governor McDonnell'svisit was an excellent and rareopportunity to personally meet themost influential public official in ourstate. The occasion allowed me toask the Governor his thoughts onissues that impact the Soldiers of the679th Movement Control Team,”Gustafson said.

The governor spoke to soldiers forover an hour and had the opportunityto tour the camp, meeting withsoldiers before he traveled to otherinstallations in Kuwait.

1st Lt. Ray Cruz of Hampton Roads Va., a transportation officer with the 679th MovementControl Team, meets with governor Robert McDonnell at Camp Buehring, Kuwait on July 23rd,2013.