EVENT: 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Commander’s promotion to Brigadier General

DATE: March 24, 2017 at 1 PM

WHAT: Promotion of Col. Douglas McBride Jr., Commander of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, to Brigadier General

WHERE: Fort Hood Events Center Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTACT: CPT William Brink, 13th ESC PAO cell (254) 466-3468 email [email protected], SFC Michael, 13th ESC PAO NCOIC cell (314) 609-0029 email [email protected]

MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS: Media will meet at the Fort Hood Welcome Center on March 14, 2017 at 12 PM to be escorted to the event.

Col. McBride has a bit of history with Fort Hood and Central Texas. He was born on Fort Hood in 1968 while his father was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, and his Army career began here as an Electrical Maintenance Platoon Leader for Charley Company 27th Main Support Battalion, Division Support Command, First Cavalry Division, in November of 1989.  Additionally, his son, Tre McBride, was born in the old Carl R. Darnell Hospital in 1992 and his wife, Pamela, began her career working for the Central Texas Council of Governments as a job training specialist for at-risk youth at Ellison High School. McBride took command of the 13th ESC on June 3, 2017.

EVENT: 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Commander’s promotion to Brigadier General

DATE: March 24, 2017 at 1 PM

WHAT: Promotion of Col. Douglas McBride Jr., Commander of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, to Brigadier General

WHERE: Fort Hood Events Center Fort Hood, Texas.

CONTACT: CPT William Brink, 13th ESC PAO cell (254) 466-3468 email [email protected], SFC Michael, 13th ESC PAO NCOIC cell (314) 609-0029 email [email protected]

MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS: Media will meet at the Fort Hood Welcome Center on March 14, 2017 at 12 PM to be escorted to the event.

Col. McBride has a bit of history with Fort Hood and Central Texas. He was born on Fort Hood in 1968 while his father was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division, and his Army career began here as an Electrical Maintenance Platoon Leader for Charley Company 27th Main Support Battalion, Division Support Command, First Cavalry Division, in November of 1989.  Additionally, his son, Tre McBride, was born in the old Carl R. Darnell Hospital in 1992 and his wife, Pamela, began her career working for the Central Texas Council of Governments as a job training specialist for at-risk youth at Ellison High School. McBride took command of the 13th ESC on June 3, 2017.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command will welcome its newest commander during a change of command ceremony on Hildner Field here June 3 at 10 a.m.

Brig. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg, will relinquish command to Col. Douglas McArthur McBride Jr. during the ceremony.

McBride, a career ordnance officer, is returning to Fort Hood, Texas. He is coming to the 13th ESC after most recently serving as the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) G3/5/7 at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Fogg took command of the 13th ESC in July 2014. He deployed the 13th ESC to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in December 2014 to assume the role as the Operational Command Post for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, with the mission to provide Theater Sustainment Mission Command to Army, Joint, and Multinational Forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. He will leave Fort Hood to assume the position as the commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, Virginia.

For media interested in attending the ceremony, please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jill People, 13th ESC Public Affairs Office, at [email protected] or at (254) 288-7342, no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 2.

Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area by 9:15 a.m. Friday.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 49th Transportation Battalion, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command will host a building dedication ceremony in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Daniel M. Ferguson 10 a.m. Friday, April 15 at Hildner field adjacent to the 13th ESC headquarters building.

 

Ferguson was mortally wounded during the April 2, 2014 Fort Hood shooting while barricading a conference room door, sacrificing his own life to protect his fellow Soldiers from harm. His final act of valor saved the lives of 14 Soldiers and one civilian.

 

Media interested in attending the ceremony should RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jill People, 13th ESC Public Affairs, at [email protected], no later than Thursday April 14, at 2 p.m.

Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area by 9:10 a.m. Friday.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13^th Expeditionary Sustainment Command will host a Change of Responsibility ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Terry D. Burton to Command Sgt. Maj. Marco Torres on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. February 19^th at Hildner field.  

Media interested in attending the ceremony should RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jill People, 13^th ESC Public Affairs, at [email protected], no later than Thursday February 18, at 1 p.m.

Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area on Friday by 9:00 a.m.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host an Activation ceremony for 61^st Quartermaster Battalion on Friday, at 10:00 a.m. January 22 at Hildner field.

Media interested in attending the ceremony should RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jill People, 13^th ESC Public Affairs, at [email protected], no later than Thursday, January 21, at 1 p.m.

Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area on Friday by 9:00 a.m.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host a Transfer of Authority ceremony with the 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from Indianapolis, Indiana, Friday, October 16 at Hildner Field.

The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will signify a transition of authority between the two commands as the 13^th ESC recently returned from a nine-month deployment to Kuwait.

During the past year, the 310^th ESC served as the senior logistics command for III Corps and Fort Hood while the 13^th ESC served as the forward deployed headquarters for the 1^st Sustainment Command (Theater) and the primary logistics hub for U.S. Army Central and Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherit Resolve.

Media interested in attending the ceremony should RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13^th ESC Public Affairs, at [email protected], no later than Thursday, October 15, at 1 p.m. Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area on Friday by 8:30 a.m.

         

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13^th SC(E) Public Affairs

The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) unfurled its colors during an uncasing ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 17, marking the assumption of their mission supporting the 1^st Sustainment Command (Theater) in the U.S. Central Command area.

The 13th SC(E) from Fort Hood, Texas, led by Brig. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg and Command Sgt. Maj. Terry D. Burton, is providing operational support for the 1^st TSC-Operational Command Post, the forward command headquarters of the senior logistics command for the Central Command’s area of responsibility.

The 1st TSC-OCP executes operational sustainment support, conducts Coalition/Joint Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement, redeployment, retrograde, and re-posture of forces, materiel, and sustainment infrastructure in order to support ongoing operations throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.

During the deployment, the 13th SC(E) will augment organic 1st TSC Soldiers, making up an estimated 25 percent of the man-power for the forward deployed command.

“This team, along with our strategic partners in the region, is very critical to the mission at hand with providing logistical and sustainment support to the entire CENTCOM Theater,” said Fogg. “We have been training and working together with our 1^st TSC counterparts for months, and I am excited for the mission at hand. It is an honor to serve here in Kuwait, the center of gravity for logistics in the region.

“I’m proud to say that our team is trained and ready to execute this mission.”

Maj. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, the commanding general of the 1^st TSC out of Fort Bragg, N.C., spoke at the ceremony and applauded the outgoing 1^st TSC team, commanded by Brig. Gen. Dan Mitchell, 1^st TSC deputy commanding general, and augmented by the 3^rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) from Fort Knox, Ky., for their accomplishments during the deployment.

Williams said that under Mitchell’s leadership, the “1^st TSC Operational Command Post provided single sustainment mission command for over 11,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Contractors and DoD Civilians, integrating and synchronizing strategic transportation and distribution, supply, maintenance, finance, human resources, material retrograde, disposal, contracting and customs functions, always delivering before the 11^th hour.”

When the White Team arrived, the mission was fairly stable, Williams continued. The OCP, a team comprised of 1^st TSC and 3^rd ESC Soldiers, was busy resetting the theater and preparing for the hand off of Operation Resolute Support from Afghanistan.

“Then things became a bit more exciting,” said Williams. Iraq became a major focus and the team reacted by assisting with building the initial logistics footprint on the ground in Iraq, assisting with building a coalition, and assisting with the delivery of multiple humanitarian assistance air-drop missions, feeding tens of thousands of displaced citizens, he said.

During their time, Williams said the White team oversaw the movement of more than 10,000 service members and more than 73,000 short tons of cargo throughout the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility.

“Be proud of what you have accomplished,” he continued. “Share your stories. Tell your families what you helped do here in this historic time. Incorporate them into the fabric of what happened, so they understand their sacrifices were worthwhile.”

After sharing his gratitude for the outgoing team, Williams welcomed the 13^th SC(E) staff and the new team.

“Speaking of great teams, Brig. Gen. (Rodney) Fogg and Command Sgt. Maj. (Terry) Burton, and the great 13^th ESC team from Fort Hood assumes an extremely important mission,” he said. “They will serve as the forward deployed headquarters for the 1^st Sustainment Command (Theater), which is responsible for logistical support in the Central Command area of operations, an area that covers 20 countries in the Middle East.”

“This is not a rookie squad,” he continued. This great team comes with a proven track record of success. The Army clearly got it right, and we have the right unit, with the right leadership, at the right time, leading the charge. We are indeed very fortunate to have a unit such as the 13^th ESC spearheading this next critical phase of operations.”

The 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) provides single sustainment mission command to Army, Joint, and Multinational Forces in support of CENTCOM Unified Land Operations in order to enable the Combatant Commander’s ability to prevent, shape, and win our nation’s wars.

    

13^th SC(E) cases colors, transfers Fort Hood mission to 310^th ESC

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13^th SC(E) PAO

The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a colors casing ceremony Nov. 7 at Hildner Field in Fort Hood, Texas, as they prepare to deploy to Kuwait in December to support the 1^st Sustainment Command (Theater)’s mission of supporting sustainment operations in the Central Command area of responsibility in the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

“Today is the culmination of many months of preparation; it is the beginning of a journey together where we will take on a unique and critical mission in support of Army forces across the USCENTCOM area of responsibility,” said Brig. Gen. Rodney Fogg, the commanding general of the 13^th SC(E).

While deployed to Kuwait, the 13th SC(E) will augment organic 1st TSC Soldiers for the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater)-Operational Command Post; executing operational sustainment support, conducting Coalition/Joint Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement, redeployment, retrograde, and re-posture of forces, materiel, and sustainment infrastructure in order to support ongoing operations throughout the CENTCOM area.

In addition to casing their colors, the 13^th SC(E) transferred authority of their Fort Hood mission to the 310th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), a U.S. Army Reserve unit based out of Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Although today marks the transition to our new mission, the daily tasks of coordinating sustainment support across the III Corps area of responsibility must endure,” said Fogg. “I cannot think of a better organization than the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command to take on the challenge.”

“For as long as we have been preparing for our next chapter, Brig. Gen. Michael Dillard, Command Sgt. Maj. Levi Maynard, and their team have been preparing for theirs,” continued Fogg.

 The 310th ESC will remain at Fort Hood, providing senior level logistics support to all III Corps units across five stateside bases – Fort Hood; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Fort Carson, Colorado.

The practice of reserve component units activating to augment deploying active duty units is not common, but due to the scope of the 13^th SC(E)’s mission at Fort Hood, it is important to maintain a seamless transition to ensure that all Soldiers across the III Corps footprint are able to execute their mission.

“Today, we begin a new journey to support the logistical operations for III Corps,” said Dillard. “We understand the importance of this mission and sense of competence and character that is required to support such a powerful higher command and we are ready for the challenge.”

“Our mission has been defined, our soldiers are well trained and qualified, our leaders are prepared, and we are here to serve the III Corps and this wonderful nation,” Dillard concluded.

B-Roll footage from the ceremony is available at http://www.dvidshub.net/video/372990/13th-sce-cases-colors-transfers-fort-hood-mission-310th-esc

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host a Transfer of Authority ceremony with the 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command from Indianapolis, Indiana, Friday November 7 at Hildner Field.

The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and will signify a transition of authority between the two commands as the 13^th SC(E) prepares for a nine-month deployment to Kuwait.

Media interested in attending the ceremony should RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13^th SC(E) Public Affairs, at [email protected], no later than Thursday, November 6, at 1 p.m. Media representatives should arrive at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center media parking area on Friday by 2:15 p.m.

  

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13th SC(E) PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s command staff completed their final training exercise, Unified Endeavor ’15, in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kuwait in December.

The 10-day exercise, which concluded Oct. 24, consisted of several simulated scenarios that challenged the staff’s ability to work through different situations that they may encounter during their upcoming deployment. 

The 13th SC(E) is providing operational support for the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater)-Operational Command Post, the forward command headquarters of the senior logistics command for the Central Command’s area of responsibility.

The 1st TSC-OCP executes operational sustainment support, conducts Coalition/Joint Reception, Staging, and Onward Movement, redeployment, retrograde, and re-posture of forces, materiel, and sustainment infrastructure in order to support ongoing operations throughout the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.

During the deployment, the 13th SC(E) will augment organic 1st TSC Soldiers, making up an estimated 25 percent of the man-power for the forward deployed command.

During the exercise, several Soldiers from 1st TSC traveled to Fort Hood from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to participate in the training event alongside their future counterparts.

“This exercise proved a valuable opportunity for our Soldiers from both 1st TSC and 13th SC(E) to work together and generate a bond that will benefit us once we arrive in Kuwait,” said Col. James Hooper, the distribution management chief for 1st TSC who will serve as the 1st TSC-OCP chief of staff in Kuwait. “It will benefit the whole staff to integrate together in a garrison environment prior to our Soldiers arriving in theater.”

Lt. Col. James Morgan, the officer in charge of the 13th SC(E)’s personnel management section, said that it has been a great experience with integrating the 1st TSC personnel into his section.

“This is our future team,” said Morgan. “We were able to blend together flawlessly and learn each other’s traits and personalities, which will enable us to hit the ground running in Kuwait, avoiding much of the initial team building process while we’re learning our new roles in the 1st TSC.”

Hooper said he looks forward to the deployment and working together with the combined team.

“I think we all gelled together well,” said Hooper. “It will be an exciting mission integrating all the pieces together and creating one cohesive team between the 13th SC(E) and the 1st TSC, both in Kuwait and back in Fort Bragg.”

The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is scheduled to host a Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony at Hildner Field at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, as part of the unit’s 49th Birthday Week celebration.

Media is invited to the Wreath Laying Ceremony with the option of participating in a follow on cake cutting reception.

Media members interested in attending the ceremony please RSVP no later than 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13th SC(E) Public Affairs, at 254-618-8916 or [email protected]. Gate time for the ceremony will be 9:15 on Friday at the Marvin Leath Visitor’s Center designated media parking lot.

The 13th SC(E) is celebrating the unit's 49th birthday during the week of Sept. 25-27.

The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) was activated at Ford Hood as the 13th Support Brigade in September 1965. As the nation's involvement in Vietnam was increasing, this brigade was formed and tasked with training technical services units to assume combat service support missions in Southeast Asia.

The command continued to evolve due to increased missions and changing roles, and, along with similar units, was redesignated as the 13th Support Command (Corps) in 1980, then as the 13th Corps Support Command (COSCOM) in March 1989. As part of Army Transformation, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) was reflagged in its current configuration on Feb. 16, 2006.

The command’s primary missions are to provide command and control of assigned, attached and operational control (OPCON) units, and to plan for and provide sustainment (supply, maintenance, and field services), distribution, and health service support for full spectrum operations.

      

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By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13th SC(E) PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a promotion ceremony in honor of their commander Sept. 18 at the command's Hildner Field.

During the ceremony, Col. Rodney Fogg was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. His wife, Janie, daughters, Rachal, Katie and Erin, and father, Ray, were on hand to instill Fogg’s new rank on his uniform.

“It was an honor to promote Rodney,” said Ray Fogg, who previously served as a noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps. “I’ve always told Rodney that he could accomplish anything if he set out to do so.”

Brig. Gen. Fogg said that he is always honored to have his family present for these special moments and was quick to credit his family for his success.

“My parents had a strong influence in my success, as a result of their mentorship and the strong upbringing I had as a child,” said the newly promoted Fogg. “My wife, Janie, and my daughters, they’ve been the greatest in helping support me in my career through the years, and I could not have made it this far without them.”

Brig. Gen. Fogg is a native of Castlewood, Virginia. He received his bachelor's degree from King College in Bristol, Tennessee, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps from East Tennessee State University in 1987.

During his 27 years in the Army, Brig. Gen. Fogg has served as a platoon leader and battalion personnel officer with the 19th Maintenance Battalion, Giessen, West Germany; company commander of the 102nd Quartermaster Company (POL), 561st Corps Support Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky; logistics officer for the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia.

Additionally, he’s served as the materiel readiness officer at 101st Airborne Division Support Command, followed by the support operations and executive officer of the 526th Forward Support Battalion, Fort Campbell. Following his time At Fort Campbell, Brig. Gen. Fogg served as the international logistics officer, executive assistant, and chief of logistics plans for U.S. Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii.

He has held several positions of command including 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Fort Richardson, Alaska; 49th Quartermaster Group (POL) at Fort Lee, Virginia; and now the 13^th SC(E).

Brig. Gen. Fogg has deployed to Somalia in support of Operation Provide Hope, Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, and twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Currently, Fogg is leading the 13^th SC(E) as the unit prepares for its next mission to serve as the logistics hub for the Central Command area of operations when they deploy to Kuwait later this year.

He said that he hopes to instill some of his leadership philosophy into his command as they prepare for their upcoming deployment. “When we get ready to go out the door, I want to make sure that my Soldiers are disciplined and trained, ready for any task that comes our way,” said Fogg. “When you’re not disciplined, you start to get complacent, start making mistakes, and that’s when you start getting hurt and are unable to perform your mission.”

Video highlights are available at the 13th SC(E) DVIDS page at http://www.dvidshub.net/video/361661/13th-esc-commander-promoted-brig-general 

     

4th Sust. Bde. ‘Wrangler’ Soldiers deploy to Afghanistan

Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Burkhart

4th Sust. Bde. PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – Approximately 150 Soldiers from 4th Sustainment Brigade’s Headquarters and the 4th Special Troops Battalion gathered at the brigade’s headquarters building Sept. 9 to bid farewell to their Families and friends as they cased the unit’s colors and departed for a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan.

The brigade will spend their time in Afghanistan providing retrograde and sustainment support operations for Soldiers and Coalition Partners in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Family members and friends of the deploying Soldiers as well as Soldiers from the brigade’s rear detachment arrived early in the morning to show their support at a meaningful deployment ceremony.

Col. Timothy Luedecking, commander of the 4th Sus. Bde., took to the podium during the ceremony to speak about the unit’s departure.

“I don’t want you to worry. These soldiers that stand before you are the best trained because they’re in the best unit in the United States Army,” said Luedecking, as he addressed the crowd. “We will take care of your Soldiers just like they’re our Family.”

The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthem and a brief prayer given by the brigade chaplain. Following a recap of the organization’s history, commanders and senior noncommissioned officers stood before the formation to case the unit’s colors, a traditional display that symbolizes the unit’s departure from Fort Hood.

“Your brother, your mother, your sister, cousin, uncles, sons and daughters, we will do our very best to make sure we return them in the same shape as you see them in this morning and hopefully, in better shape,” said Luedecking, during the conclusion of his heartfelt speech. “Godspeed to all of you. We will see you in a short nine months back here on Fort Hood, and we will bring your loved ones back to you”.

The ceremony concluded with last minute goodbyes to Family and friends before the Soldiers loaded a caravan of buses to depart for the airport.

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host a retirement ceremony in honor of Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry at the command's Hildner Field on Friday, Aug. 15 at 9 a.m.

Terry is a former commanding general of 13th Corps Support Command, later redesignated as the 13th SC(E), where he deployed to New Orleans and Southwest Louisiana in support of humanitarian relief efforts after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and then to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom Rotation 06-08.

Terry's most recent assignment was as the commanding general for U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command headquartered in Warren, Mi., responsible for unifying all of the organizations that focus on the development, procurement and sustainment of Soldier and Ground Systems for the Army.

For media interested in attending the ceremony, please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13th SC(E) PAO, [email protected], no later than noon on Aug. 13. Gate time for the event will be on Friday at 8:15 a.m.

 

 

Courtesy 407^th AFSB

FORT HOOD – The 407^th Army Field Support Brigade welcomed its newest commander during a Change of Command Ceremony on Hildner Field on July 24.

Col.  Steven L. Allen, relinquished command to Col. Steven S. DeBusk during the ceremony.

DeBusk, a career logistics officer, is arriving for his first tour of duty on Fort Hood. He comes to the 407^th AFSB after most recently serving as the deputy chief, Depots and Arsenals Division, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.  

Allen took command of the 407^th AFSB in July 2012, while the unit was undergoing major restructuring to include gaining mission command of eight assigned Directorate of Logistics which grew to 11 DOL’s in 2013. In October, the DOL “name” was changed to the Logistics Readiness Center (LRC) per direction from the Army Materiel Command.   Allen leaves Fort Hood to serve as the J4 for the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Additionally, Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Richardson relinquished responsibility as the senior enlisted leader of the command to Command Sgt. Maj. Jackson L. Jackson.

Richardson is set to retire from the military after proudly serving our country for over 30yrs.  

Tracy L. Jackson will also assume responsibilities as the new Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the 407^th ASFB. Jackson, and his wife Carla, are on their first tour of duty on Fort Hood as well. Jackson joins the 407^th AFSB after most recently serving as the 6^th Ordnance Battalion’s command sergeant major at Camp Carroll, Korea.

13^th SC(E) hosts Change of Command Ceremony

Unit bids farewell to Maj. Gen. LeMasters, welcome Col. Fogg

    

The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a change of command ceremony on Hildner Field July 23 to bid adieu to one senior leader, and welcome another.

Maj. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., relinquished his position as the commanding general to Col. Rodney D. Fogg during the ceremony.

“Clark LeMasters is the epitome of a selfless team player,” said Lt. Gen. Mark. A. Milley, the commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood. “He is a humble and loyal subordinate, and he is extraordinarily compassionate and places the interests of his Soldiers, their families, and the unit constantly ahead of himself. He’s mastered that balance, which very few others have.”

LeMasters will move onto his next assignment at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., as the deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations for Army Materiel Command where Fogg was most recently serving as the executive officer to the commanding general for AMC. 

FORT HOOD – The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will welcome its newest commanding general during a change of command ceremony on Hildner Field here July 23 at 9 a.m. Maj. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr., will relinquish command to Col. (P) Rodney D. Fogg during the ceremony. Fogg, a career quartermaster officer, is arriving for his first tour of duty on Fort Hood. He is coming to the 13th SC(E) after most recently serving as the executive officer to the commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. LeMasters took command of the 13th SC(E) in March 2012 while the unit was deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and spent the first seven months conducting logistics training and mentoring of Afghan partners as the Deputy Command of Support Operations, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan. LeMasters leaves Fort Hood to serve as deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations for the U.S. Army Materiel Command. For media interested in attending the ceremony, please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13th SC(E) Public Affairs Office, [email protected] or at (254) 288-7342, no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22.

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a promotion ceremony in honor of Maj. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the commanding general of 13th SC(E), at the unit's Hildner Field July 11.

LeMasters was promoted from the rank of brigadier general as he prepares to move onto his next assignment at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., as the deputy chief of staff for logistics and operations for Army Materiel Command.

"The unit has done amazing things, it has shaped my thinking as an officer in the time that I've spent here, the unique challenges that I've had, the most important thing," said LeMasters. "Particularly, as I move onto my next job, it's refocused me, on something our boss has told us; the most important thing we can focus on as a Corps, that's combat readiness. The Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers, who have taken us under their wings, who have trained us, we stand on their shoulders. The awards and the accolades we get are due to their hard sweat, their hard work."

A B-Roll video package from the ceremony is available online at http://www.dvidshub.net/video/348984/13th-sce-commanding-general-promoted-maj-gen.

New 13th SC(E) commander announced

13th SC(E) Public Affairs Office

The Chief of Staff of the Army announced today the assignment of Col. (P) Rodney D. Fogg as the incoming commander for the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

“Colonel (Promotable) Rodney D. Fogg, Executive Officer to the Commanding General, United States Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama to Commander, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Fort Hood, Texas.”

The 13th SC(E) is scheduled to host a change of command ceremony between Brig. Gen. (P) Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the outgoing commander of 13th SC(E), and Fogg on July 23 at Hildner Field.

Media interested in attending the ceremony, please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13th SC(E) Public Affairs Office, [email protected], no later than noon on July 18.

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host a promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the commanding general of 13th SC(E), at 9 a.m. July 11 at the command's Hildner Field.

LeMasters assumed command of the 13th SC(E) in March 2012 while the unit was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For media interested in attending the ceremony, please RSVP with Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13th SC(E) Public Affairs Office, [email protected], no later than 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 10.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 1^st Medical Brigade will host a change of command ceremony on Friday, June 27 at 1 p.m. at Sadowski Field. During the ceremony, the commander of the 1^st Med. Bde., Col. Bertram Providence, will transfer his command to Col. Allan Darden, Sr.

The 1st Medical Brigade provides command and control to more than 3,000 soldiers located throughout four installations; Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Polk, La. This deployable brigade supports the Soldiers assigned to III Corps, Fort Hood, Texas.

Media interested in attending the event should RSVP to Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson at [email protected] not later than noon on June 26 and meet the public affairs escorts at the Marvin Leath visitor’s center designated media parking area, outside of the Bernie Back Gate at noon on June 27.

Wrangler Food Service Specialists to compete in Army-level food service competition

Food Service Specialists from the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), will represent the U.S. Army Forces Command in the Department of the Army-level 46th Annual Philip A. Connelly Award for Food Service Excellence competition, in the company-level field team category, using the Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) or Containerized Kitchen (CK) and preparing a breakfast and lunch meal in the field.

The event will take place on Feb. 13. During this advanced phase of the competition, our Soldiers compete against Soldiers representing other major Army commands (MACOMS). Inspectors will travel to each winning MACOM location and inspect their respective teams. Teams will be inspected on standards in the areas of food preparation and serving, site setup, field sanitation, maintenance, training and administration.

The overall goal of the program is to promote and improve professionalism in the Army Food Service, encourage and recognize excellence in the food service profession and reward individuals for stellar management practices.

Winners of the DA-level competition will receive a trophy from the Department of the Army G4 and coins and certificates from the Quartermaster General and Joint Culinary Center of Excellence (JCCoE) located at Fort Lee, Va. The food operations sergeant of the team will receive a Connelly Ring (similar to a super bowl ring), and two Soldiers of the team will receive attendance to a residential or virtual culinary institute to further their civilian education and certification.

Media will have the opportunity to visit the site around lunch time, and observe the preparations and the serving of a lunch meal and will have a chance to interview participants. Media interested in covering the story should RSVP by noon on 12 Feb. Gate time for the event is 10:15 a.m. on 13 Feb. Media will be transported to and from the field site via military vans, since privately owned vehicles are not allowed in our training areas. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate satellite trucks for this event.

For more information and RSVPs contact Sgt. 1^st Class Jason Kucera at [email protected] or 254-288-6410/7342.

 

FORT HOOD, Texas- The Headquarters company, 1st Support Battalion will case its colors in preparation to deploy about 60 Soldiers to the Sinai Peninsula to assume duties part of the Multinational Force and Observer mission. The majority of the Soldiers departing for the mission are assigned to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

The ceremony will be at the Soldier Ministry Center across from the 13th SC (E) HQ's.

Gate time for media will be outside the Bernie Beck Gate, by the Marvin Leath Visitor's Center media lot on Jan. 16 at 8:30 a.m. Any media outlet desiring to bring a satellite truck must confirm ahead of time to ensure access.

Contact Sgt. 1st Class Jason Kucera for questions and to confirm media coverage at 254-288-7342 or [email protected] or Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson at [email protected].

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For more information on the mission refer to the previously released media advisory dated Jan. 14.

FORT HOOD, Texas- III Corps announced today that a company sized task force from the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will deploy about 60 Soldiers to the Sinai Peninsula to assume duties as the Headquarters Company for the U.S. 1^st Support Battalion as part of the Multinational Force and Observer mission.

 

They will replace members from the North Carolina and Puerto Rico National Guard during their nine month deployment.

 

The Headquarters Company provides command, control, administration, and logistics support to the battalion as well as many services to the entire Force. Such services include a chaplain, U.S. military postal services, mortuary affairs services, and ammunition and explosive storage.

 

The U.S. 1^st Support BN provides direct logistical support to the twelve partnered nations that comprise the MFO contingent; Australia, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of the Fiji Islands, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Uruguay.

 

The MFO is an independent international organization, with peacekeeping responsibilities in the Sinai.  The origins of the MFO lie in Annex I to the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.  In 1981, the Treaty of Parties negotiated a Protocol that established the MFO and defined its mission.

 

The mission of the MFO is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violations of its terms.

FORT HOOD, Texas – III Corps announced today that a company sized task force from the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will deploy about 60 Soldiers to the Sinai Peninsula to assume duties as the Headquarters Company for the U.S. 1^st Support Battalion as part of the Multinational Force and Observer mission.

 

They will replace members from the North Carolina and Puerto Rico National Guard during their nine month deployment.

 

The Headquarters Company provides command, control, administration, and logistics support to the battalion as well as many services to the entire Force. Such services include a chaplain, U.S. military postal services, mortuary affairs services, and ammunition and explosive storage.

 

The U.S. 1^st Support BN provides direct logistical support to the twelve partnered nations that comprise the MFO contingent; Australia, Canada, Colombia, the Czech Republic, the Republic of the Fiji Islands, France, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, and Uruguay.

 

The MFO is an independent international organization, with peacekeeping responsibilities in the Sinai.  The origins of the MFO lie in Annex I to the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.  In 1981, the Treaty of Parties negotiated a Protocol that established the MFO and defined its mission.

 

The mission of the MFO is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace and employ best efforts to prevent any violations of its terms.

 

For more information concerning Multinational Force and Observers-Sinai, visit their webpage at http://mfo.org/. For more information on the 13^th SC(E), contact 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)  Public Affairs Office at (254) 287-7342.

 

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Learn more about the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/13ESC

 

 

13^th SC(E) implements Virtual Logistics Predeployment Site Survey for NTC/JRTC units

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13^th SC(E) PAO

The Support Operations section of 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is spearheading a Virtual Logistics Predeployment Site Survey initiative which links leaders from the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., and the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., with leaders from units who are planning for, or recently completed, training cycles at NTC or JRTC so that all parties could discuss logistics conditions and expectations during a unit’s training cycle.

The intent of the VLPDSS is to familiarize the incoming leaders with their areas of operation and any issues, challenges, and opportunities that will affect their missions. The incoming unit will use the information gained during the VLPDSS to modify and enhance the predeployment planning and training of their team members.

The initiative was developed with the mindset of saving the Army and units money without compromising the preparation required to achieve a successful training event.

“The VLPDSS initiative involves a collaborative effort that will focus on logistics preparation for NTC (or JRTC) rotations,” said Col. John McCoy, the officer in charge of the Support Operations section of the 13^th SC(E). “The intent is to link, without the resources required of (temporary duty) travel, incoming and outgoing (Combat Training Center) sustainment participants and discuss pros and cons, lessons learned, best practices, and ideas in order to better prepare units for their future CTC training rotations and increase overall sustainment readiness.”

The VLPDSS is another extension of the Leveraging Expeditionary Sustainment Commands-West initiative aimed at leveraging expeditionary sustainment assets amongst sustainment units from across the western United States.

“We’re able to link units together via (video teleconference) to discuss mission requirements and lessons learned from previous NTC rotations so the following unit would be better prepared for what to expect prior to their own rotation,” said Capt. Robert Lewis, the action officer in charge of organizing the VLPDSS sessions. “The PDSS has been part of our rotational calendar for years, but previously, unit leadership would travel to the site, receive a walkthrough of the area and return to their home station to brief the remainder of their unit on the expectations. With the VLPDSS, the units are able to receive the same information without all the expenses associated with traveling to the field site.”

The most recent VLPDSS was held in December to provide assistance to the 1^st Brigade, 1^st Cavalry Division, which is scheduled for a rotation to NTC in early February. Attending that meeting included senior logisticians from 13^th SC(E) and the 4^th Sustainment Brigade as well as representatives from NTC and the 1^st Bde., 1^st Cav. Div.

“What it does for us is better helps to understand the linkage that comes from the support outside of the brigade,” said Lt. Col. J. Bradley Swift, commander of the 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. “This meeting is a way to coordinate all the logistics and sustainment shareholder actions in support of the brigade’s training objectives.”

Swift also said that the meeting was an excellent opportunity for him to inquire about additional particulars that would assist his unit in their preparation.

“The closer you get to your rotation, the quality of your questions get better – more specific and more detailed,” said Swift. “For me this is a perfect zoom level to make sure that I understand the big picture as well as all the fine details. This type of engagement certainly adds value to the sustainment planning efforts.”

Although the purpose behind the individual meetings is to help prepare the unit that is training up for their CTC rotation, Lewis added that the information shared inside the meeting could also be beneficial to other units elsewhere.

“We attempt to share our notes with the entire sustainment community,” said Lewis. “If there is something that we’ve seen from the sustainment units that can help train other units before their training objective, we want to make sure they have that information to set them up for success the best we can. We’re always trying to share information as part of being good stewards for the sustainment community.”

         

13^th SC(E) hosts change of responsibility ceremony

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13^th SC(E) PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 10 at Hildner Field here to mark the change of senior enlisted leadership at the command.

During the ceremony, Soldiers, Families and community partners welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Terry D. Burton as the newest member of the 13^th SC(E) team and bid farewell to outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham, Sr.

“I’ll look back and remember the passionate leadership within the command,” said Parham reflecting on his time with the 13^th SC(E). “There’s no mission that cannot be accomplished when you have competent and passionate leadership like here. We have a strong foundation of Soldiers and leaders; the unit is getting a great sergeant major alongside (Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the commanding general of 13^th SC(E)); this unit is capable of great things going forward.”

Parham will depart to Fort Lee, Va., where he will assume the position as command sergeant major for the Combined Arms Support Command.

Burton joins the 13^th SC(E) after a tour serving as the senior enlisted leader of the 404th Army Field Support Brigade at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

“As I assume responsibility today, here are the six Army leadership principles I promise to give this command, your Families, the Fort Hood sustainment team, and the cities of Belton and Temple during my tenure.” These are: character, presence, intellect, leading, developing, and achieving, said Burton as he addressed the crowd during the ceremony.

Burton, originally from Roanoke, Va., joined the military Nov. 9, 1989, as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic and has held positions ranging from senior maintenance supervisor to first sergeant and from battle staff facilitator for United States Army Sergeants Major Academy to command sergeant major with 172nd Support Battalion and the 404^th AFSB. Burton has previous overseas tours in Germany, Korea, Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

FORT HOOD, Texas –The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will host a change of responsibility ceremony here on Jan. 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Hildner Field.  During the ceremony, the senior noncommissioned officer advisor of the 13^th SC(E), Command Sgt. Maj. Terry E. Parham, will transfer his responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Terry D. Burton.  Parham has been with the unit since 2011, accompanying select Soldiers from the unit to their year-long deployment to Afghanistan from Dec. 2011-Dec. 2012.

Media interested in covering the event should RSVP to SSG Jason D. Thompson at [email protected]  not later than Jan. 9, 1:00 p.m., and  meet the public affairs escorts at the Marvin Leath visitor’s center designated media parking area, outside of the Bernie Back Gate at 09:15 a.m. on Jan. 10.  

   

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13th SC(E) PAO

Senior maintenance warrant officers from across several units on Fort Hood attended Caterpillar maintenance training Dec. 16 to 20 at the Regional Training Site – Maintenance here.

Jimmy Lundy, the senior technical instructor for Holt/Caterpillar, based out of San Antonio, said the training week started with classroom discussions about the Maintenance Support Device and Electronic Training Manuals followed by several days of hands-on practical exercises diagnosing mechanical issues in several different vehicles.

Lundy said the training was important for the maintenance technicians who had little to no previous experience with the Caterpillar engine systems to have an opportunity to really dig into the systems and gain some firsthand familiarity working on the engine.

The training was coordinated through the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s Support Operations section by working with the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Regiment’s Chief Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Terry Hetrick, and Rich Gardner of Caterpillar, according to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Douglas Evans, maintenance chief with the 13th SC(E) SPO’s Materiel Readiness Branch.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Thomas, the squadron maintenance technician for Fires “Steel” Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, said the training was beneficial for him to be able to gain a wider knowledge of the equipment capabilities.

“We’ve had this equipment in our motor pools, but now we can have a better understanding of how it works and what it can do for us,” said Thomas. “I can take back this knowledge and share it with my motor sergeants and Soldiers and improve our individual motor pool operations.”

“This equipment (Maintenance Support Device) will certainly save us both time and money,” Thomas continued. “We can plug in the computer and, through reviewing the codes, we can determine where a fault is located in the engine and repair that part. The alternative would be to dig through the engine in hopes of finding a small issue and if not being able to find that problem having to replace the entire engine. It is simple math; being able to replace a $10 part, versus an entire engine is going to save a lot of money and will save the mechanic a lot of time trying to repair a vehicle. In turn we can get the vehicle back into the fight quicker so the Soldiers can accomplish their missions.”

Evans said coordinating this training for Fort Hood will be valuable for those warrant officers and well worth the time away from their units.

“Taking this many warrant officers away from their units is challenging with all of the competing requirements of gunneries, field training and daily operations,” said Evans, however also adding that the training provided will be beneficial for those warrant officers in attendance and their units. “I believe this training will help us diagnose these engines and save the Army money. If we avoid replacing one engine by repairing it, then the training has paid for itself. All of this will increase readiness as we diagnose faster with better accuracy. Bringing this type of training to our Soldiers will help us cut contractor cost and build confidence in their abilities.”

The 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) would like to invite you to a Redeployment Ceremony for the Soldiers of the 418th Transportation Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 at the West Fort Hood Physical Fitness Center.

Gate time for media members interested in attending the ceremony will be Sunday, Dec. 22 at 8:30 a.m. at the Marvin Leath Visitor Center.

All interested media members please RSVP with Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or 443-924-0404 no later than Saturday, Dec. 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Please arrive at the gate promptly so we have adequate time to proceed to the ceremony.

   

 

 

By Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson

4th Sust. Bde. Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Wrangler Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), joined forces with other Fort Hood units, middle school students, local volunteers, and the Killeen Food Care Center for the 24th annual Food for Families drive at the Special Events Center, Killeen, Nov. 22, 2013.

            Killeen Food Care Center co-director Gerald Farris said that they hoped to collect approximately 125,000 pounds of non-perishable food items this year to exceed last year’s total.

            “The first couple of years we did this we collected about 70,000 pounds,” said Farris. “This year our goal is 125,000 pounds. We went over 100,000 pounds last year but the weather is not helping us much this year.”

              With temperatures dipping down close to freezing, Farris said that they would not let that deter them from doing everything possible to reach their goal and knew that with the help of the Wrangler Soldiers anything was possible.

            “It is an extra blessing to have the Soldiers out here helping,” he said. “We have some groups here that brought some equipment with them from Fort Hood. They have trucks from the 4th Sustainment (Brigade) here helping collect the food.”

            The main goal of the food drive is to collect as many non-perishable food items as possible to restock the five local area food pantries ready for the upcoming holiday season. The food pantries help out the less fortunate during the busy holiday season by distributing these items, items that Farris says are getting harder to come by because the local stores and community are feeling the economic crunch, too.

            As the day went on, Soldiers from the 4th Sustainment Brigade drove along five different pre-planned routes collecting food from six local schools and stores such as HEB, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and IGA Foodliner.

            “Today we have been hauling pallets of food and boxes of food from different stores in Harker Heights,” said Sgt. Jacob Krpan, a native of Wilton, Calif., assigned to the 96th Transportation Company, 49th Transportation Battalion. “This food is for the shelters around here to help out in the Killeen area,” he added.

            Krpan said that it’s always a good thing for Soldiers to help out the local community, and although it’s his first time volunteering in Texas, he has volunteered before in California.

            Spc. Damarcus Williams, a native of Clayton, N.C. volunteered to drive one of the six M-1078, Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) used by the 96th Trans Co. to collect all the donations.

            “It feels good to help people that need it in the community,” said Williams. “In high school I was in the Community Service Club, so around Thanksgiving we would go and help out at the soup kitchens handing out food. This is a little different, because you’re not actually handing out the food, but I’m still collecting it and making a difference,” he added.

            Despite the plummeting temperatures, Williams and the rest of the volunteers from the Wrangler Brigade continued to drive-on well into the early evening, collecting the generous donations from the local communities, all wanting to make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season. 

  

 

By Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson

4th Sust. Bde. Public Affairs

 FORT HOOD, Texas– In the early hours of Nov. 20, 2013, Soldiers from the 154th Transportation Company, 49th Transportation Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade waited in the company motorpool for their convoy brief before setting off on a 300 mile round trip along Central Texas roads to earn their driver’s license and qualify on the M-1075, or Palletized Loading System (PLS).

            “Operation Rising Star is designed to get your trucks out on the road, get your new guys some experience, and get them licensed up,” said Staff Sgt. Ralph C. Williams Jr., the Truck Master for the 154th TC, and a native of Beaumont, Texas.

            For the past couple of weeks, the men and women of the 154th TC were put through their paces at the Drivers Training Academy (DTA) learning how to competently handle various tactical vehicles before moving on to the PLS training.

            “It’s (DTA) a 2-week course. They learn the Texas laws and they get familiar with the pieces of equipment that they are going to be going to. They also get licensed on the 1078 LMTV (Light Mobility Tactical Vehicle) and the Humvee coming straight out of DTA they get those licenses there,” added Williams.

            Over the past few days, Williams and his Senior Driving Instructors (SDI) have made the trip to Rising Star multiple times and as a result they decided that this convoy and convoy brief will be run by the junior Noncommissioned Officers such as Cpl. James Schultz, a native of Chicago, and the convoy commander for this trip to Rising Star.

            “We will be traveling in the dark for the majority of the route, so make sure you keep an eye out for animals that will be a hazard on the route,” said Schultz, as he conducted his convoy brief. “We encountered 3 black cows in the middle of the road the other night,” he added.

            As soon as the convoy brief was over, the Soldiers headed out to their vehicles and conducted their final checks before heading out on the open road. The drivers and truck commanders check safety equipment, lights and hoses, and ensure that the trailers are connected properly before giving the convoy commander the “thumbs up.”

            At the very back of the convoy is the Bobtail truck, or recovery vehicle, normally manned by experienced drivers and designated to move forward if needed to tow any disabled vehicle back to the motorpool.

            “I will be in the Bobtail and we will be making sure that if anyone breaks down we can recover the vehicle and pick up the Soldiers,” said Spc. Esmeralda Ramirez, a native of Kerrville, Texas and a Motor Transport Operator with the 154th TC. “I have been driving vehicles in the Army for three years now.”

            Ramirez recently transferred to the 154th TC from the 96th TC where she gained vital experience during a tour in Afghanistan and hopes that she can pass this experience on to the new Soldiers in her current unit.

            With no major problems throughout the month’s training and ten newly licensed PLS drivers contributing to the success of Operation Rising Star, the men and women of the 154th Transportation Company are confident and ready to take on any task that the 4th Sustainment Brigade may be asked to carry out in defense of this great nation.  

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Defense Military Pay Office will modify operating hours in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 27 - 29.

 

Customer Service Sections

 

*           Wednesday, Nov. 27

 

All Fort Hood DMPO locations will be open but operate with reduced personnel. Expect a longer than usual wait to see a Customer Service Specialist.  

 

 

*          Thursday, Nov. 28 - Thanksgiving Day

 

All DMPO Locations will be closed.  This affects the main DMPO at Building 2805, The In/Out Processing Center at the Copeland Center, as well as MOB/DEMOB operations at the SRP Site in Building 18000.

 

 

*          Friday, Nov. 29

 

All DMPO Locations will be closed due to Training Holiday.

 

 

*          Friday, Dec. 13

 

All Fort Hood DMPO locations will be open but operate with reduced personnel. Expect a longer than usual wait to see a Customer Service Specialist.  

 

 

*           Monday, 23 Dec. 13 – Friday, 3 Jan. 14

 

All Fort Hood DMPO Locations will close at 12:00 p.m. (noon) in accordance with III Corps OPERATION ORDER PW 13-10-0873 (HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 2013).  Customers may experience longer the usual wait times to see a Customer Service Specialist.  All DMPO Locations will be closed 24 and 31 December for Training Holidays.

 

 

For more information contact:

Fort Hood Defense Military Pay Office

(254) 287-8819

Lt. Col. Ralph M. Crum

Fort Hood, TX 76544

[email protected]

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13th SC(E) PAO

Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hosted a group of business and community leaders from the city of Temple for a tour of Fort Hood Nov 12.

The group of 14 community leaders from the Leadership Temple class, began their day at the 13th SC(E) headquarters building for an informational briefing of the sustainment and support operations on Fort Hood.

Following that, the tour proceeded to test their marksmanship skills at the Electronic Skills Trainer before lunch at the Freeman Cafe Dining Facility.

After lunch the class received a tour and demonstration of the 226th Military Working Dog Detachment, 178th Military Police Detachment, 89th Military Police Brigade's, as well as a guided tour of the 1st Cavalry Division Museum.

The day concluded with a question and answer session with Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the commanding general of 13th SC(E), in the motorpool of 49th Movement Control Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade.

Leadership Temple is a program designed for Temple Chamber of Commerce members to obtain an in-depth knowledge about their community while also learning to become future leaders within the City of Temple.

“Fort Hood is a major component and partner for our community,” said H.B. Macey, an account executive at Perry Office Plus in Temple and the lead organizer of the tour for the class. “The city of Temple is fortunate to have a neighboring Army base with so many Soldiers and their Families living and working within our town.”

The main purpose of the class visiting Fort Hood was to get a personal knowledge of what the Soldiers of Fort Hood experience day-to-day.

“It's very easy to read in the newspaper or listen to the media about what is happening on Fort Hood but nothing compares to seeing the organization and structure first hand,” said Macey. “The class really enjoyed getting to speak with individual Soldiers from all ranks and hearing what their day to day life is like.”

The 13^th SC(E) has had a long-standing community partnership with the city of Temple, and events like this not only help to increase the knowledge of what is going on at Fort Hood for the upcoming leaders of Temple, but also help to build on the joint venture between the two communities.

“The relationship with the Temple community has grown strong through the years because of great support of past leaders at Fort Hood,” said LeMasters. “It is our job to continue to foster those interactions with our partners and maintain the positive relationship that has already been established.”

LeMasters continued by saying that he believes the reason Fort Hood is known as the Great Place is because of the strong community involvement with the Soldiers.

“The people of Central Texas are the best in the country at supporting our Soldiers. You can sense there is a strong, honest desire of the community to want to be a part of the Fort Hood Soldier’s lives and to support them in any way that they can.”

    

  

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson

13^th SC(E) PAO

With the holiday season just around the corner, the senior leadership with 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) helped jumpstart the joyous season during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Fort Hood Santa’s Workshop Nov. 7.

Santa’s Workshop is a nonprofit organization that originally began as a 13^th Corps Support Command initiative in the 1990’s and, with its popularity, grew to an installation-wide program in 1998, serving Fort Hood Soldiers and their Families.

Last year, more than 1,600 families were supported – providing toys, games and books to more than 3,500 children. This year, families will be given appointments beginning Dec. 4 to shop Santa’s Workshop and have the opportunity to pick the two toys and book that their children would appreciate. Each family also picks out one board game per family which helps to promote family togetherness.

Santa’s Workshop is fully operated through volunteers donating their time to run the program’s operations and other outlets’ toy and funding donations.

“The success of Santa’s Workshop depends on the community; they’re the ones who help us do this program,” said Lisa West, president of Santa’s Workshop. “We’re just the administrators. Without the donations from the community and the Soldiers, we would not be able to do this.”

The program is open to all Soldiers and families of deployed servicemembers regardless of rank, based on financial hardship and command referral through the individual’s command financial specialists.

“Many of our Soldiers are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties, or even just making ends meet. Being able to shop here, and get the quality toys for their children, makes a world of difference for these families,” said West. “I helped one lady last year with her shopping and when she was finished she started crying and gave me a great big hug and said, ‘I never thought I could give my children a Christmas this year. Santa’s Workshop has made all the difference.’”

Although the program has grown larger than the 13^th SC(E) footprint, the “Provider” Soldiers still maintain a high level of involvement volunteering with the program leading up to the holiday seasons.

“I am exceptionally proud of 13^th SC(E)’s involvement in this program,” said Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters, Jr., the commanding general for 13^th SC(E). “Who wouldn’t want to be associated with an organization whose mission statement reads, ‘Contribute to the advancement and improvement of the quality of life on the installation, and to make toys accessible to needy kids of Fort Hood and our Families’?”

West echoed LeMasters’ comments while adding, “The support that we’ve received from the 13^th SC(E) Soldiers has been fantastic,” she said. “They’ve helped everywhere from assisting with the setup of Santa’s Workshop to helping haul five large pallets worth of toys off a delivery truck – and they’ve always shown up with a smile on their face and an eagerness to assist.”

LeMasters added a call to the leaders of Fort Hood, “If you’ve got a Soldier out there, and you know they’ve got needs, ask them. There’s still ways to get them into this so they can get in and get their kids something. That’s what this thing is all about.”

The application deadline for Families was Oct. 28; however, applications may still be accepted after the deadline on a case by case basis. Soldiers may contact their command financial specialists or www.swsforthood.com for additional information.

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Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th SC(E) PAO

Soldiers from the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and 4^th Sustainment Brigade spent Veterans Day with the veterans living at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home in Temple, Texas.

During the morning, the Soldiers assisted with a ceremony commemorating Veterans Day with a color guard, guest speaker and small equipment display; in the evening they participated in a ball.

Col. Matt G. Melvin, the chief of operations from the 13^th SC(E) was the guest speaker of the morning ceremony. He thanked the veterans for their service and charged them to pass on their experiences to others.

“Today for Veteran’s Day, I came out and gave a speech where I tried to recognize all the American veterans and the importance of their story,” said Melvin.  “It’s about asking them to share those stories and experiences with today’s Soldiers and youth. We, veterans like to be humble and don’t like to tell our stories and I was prodding them to share them.”

“Their history paved the way for guys like me,” Melvin continued. “I don’t want to read about them in history books.” He said it means the world to him to visit with veterans, listen to them and see their emotions reflect in their eyes. “It’s why I serve today, because of people like them.”

Wilson R. Easter, World War II veteran with the 3^rd Infantry Division, and resident of the home, was able to browse modern Army equipment, getting a close-up look at an Interceptor Body Armor and a ballistic Kevlar helmet. “I wish we had some of this gear 70 years ago when I was in. We didn’t have anything near as high quality as this,” Easter said.

“It means a lot to me that these young Soldiers come out here,” he continued. “It means a lot to know that they share our stories and experiences together.”

The Soldiers participating in the event made sure that they spent time with all veterans at the home, regardless of which part of the facility they were housed in. Blue Army Service Uniforms spotted the dining area and activity areas, sharing stories, dinner, cupcakes and smiles with the residents of the home.

“I think these veterans have a lot of wisdom – a lot of experience. To be able to listen and learn from them, regardless if they were a Soldier in World War II or a general in Vietnam, they have a lot of information and experiences that we can all learn from,” said Melvin.

Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th SC(E) PAO 

Soldiers and the command team from the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) participated in the Patriot Plaza rededication ceremony on Nov. 8 in Belton, and were in for a wonderful surprise upon completion of the event.

Members of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce presented the a giant flag, that has flown on the 80-foot flag pole in the center of the plaza for the past two years, since the original dedication on Nov. 9, 2011.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Soldiers assisted the members of the Belton Police Department to raise the new flag, replacing the one that was gifted.

As the Mayor of the City of Belton, Jim Covington and the Belton Chamber Military Relations Chairman, Jay Taggart explained, the story of Patriot Plaza goes back more than a decade. Belton really wanted to honor veterans, given the city’s close relationship to Fort Hood, so as part of their Central Avenue Street Project, they have built the Patriot Way Brick Walk and Patriot Plaza.

The latter was dedicated during Veterans Day weekend in 2011, by the 13^th SC(E)’s that time commander, the late Brig. Gen. Terrence J. Hildner, said Covington. In that ceremony, it was the color guard of the 13^th SC(E), who raised the giant U.S. flag.

Dedicating the plaza to veterans came natural for a city that has such close ties with service members at Fort Hood. “It is our way as a community to say that we know of your service, we thank you for your service, recognizing what you have done for both you and your family, and have given us the freedoms that we enjoy today as the greatest country in the world,” said Taggart. 

The SC(E) commander  commended Belton for being a wonderful partner city to his unit. “I am extremely proud of the great relationship we have with the City of Belton. It is more than just signs on schools, it is friendships and it is personal involvement and it is a relationship that we have established since this command has been at Fort Hood,” LeMasters said.

The commander also thanked Belton for showing such great appreciation for members of the military: “You could have chosen to look at the college, the fire department, the police department or others, but we greatly appreciate the fact that you looked at the military, and part of this is here to honor the military.”

He concluded his remarks by assuring his audience that no matter what hardships will come her way; the Army will keep marching along.  “For those of you who have served, thank you for the legacy you left for us, and thank you for establishing the way ahead for us to follow.”

The ceremony concluded with the surprise presentation of the giant U.S. flag to the command team of the 13^th SC(E), which unit will display in their headquarters building.

13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to conduct “active shooter” exercise

FORT HOOD, Texas -- The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) will conduct a series of  “active shooter” force protection exercises in their unit footprint in the vicinity of Support Avenue and 62^nd and 67^th Streets here at various times between 4-9 November, during regular military working hours (06:30 a.m to 5 p.m.).

The purpose of the exercise is to test members of the unit on what they have learned during past training sessions on how to react in case of an active shooter incident.

Once again, this will be an exercise only; please don’t be alarmed if you hear about certain buildings being on a brief shut-down. The exercise should not interfere with any Fort Hood traffic. The exact dates and times of the exercises are purposefully not disclosed at this time, so that Soldiers are truly tested on how to react in certain situations.

The event is not open to the media.

Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th SC(E) PAO

Members of the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Support Operations section hosted a Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) Drill on Global Combat Support System-Army procedures with fellow Fort Hoot Logisticians Oct. 17 at the Fort Hood Mission Command Training Center.

The goal of the ROC Drill was to provide familiarization for the detailed procedures and training requirements of ‘G-Army,’ as personnel already introduced to the system nicknamed it.

“The purpose of this is to fill a gap that we perceived in our training,” said Col. John McCoy, the support operations officer of the 13^th SC(E). “There is a lot of fielding training that goes on at the operator level, and at the supervisor level.  We saw that some of the higher level managers would not get that same level of training, yet they would still be responsible for operations of units when they go through the Wave One conversion.  This ROC Drill provides an overview of the maintenance, finance, SASMO-Sustainment Automation Support Management Office, and supply aspects of Wave One conversion that are going to affect select Fort Hood units. Higher-level managers otherwise may not learn of G-Army conversion challenges until after the conversion happens,” McCoy said.

The first 13 ROC Drill vignettes walked the over 100 participants through how orders are processed in the new, and soon to be fielded at Fort Hood, GCSS-Army system when an item is on hand or not on hand at the Supply Support Activity (SSA). Organizers also illustrated how the future equivalent of an “026” maintenance report will be generated and read once G-Army has been implemented at Fort Hood.

The new system once fully implemented across our Army will not only include automated supply orders and maintenance management, but it will also “integrate approximately 40,000 local supply and logistics databases into a single, enterprise-wide authoritative system,” as the GCSS-Army webpage states.

The new procedures are similar, yet different with G-Army, said Maj. Alicia R. Dease, the Logistics Automation Officer for 13^th SC(E), an FA 53 signal officer. “With the old system, you request it, you get the money. With the new system, you get the money, and then you request it,” Dease explained.

With G-Army comes a new vocabulary also. What you referred to as ‘ORILs’ (Overaged Repairable Items List) in the past, are now simply called ‘Repairables’ in G-Army, said Dease.

Both McCoy and Dease agreed that having legacy systems and the G-Army system run concurrently will pose challenges.  Lessons learned from Fort Bliss, Texas, where some units are already fully up and running on G-Army, showed that during major field training exercises, operators must be closely connected to funds mangers, otherwise the unit may not have the necessary funds behind the orders they place.  Additional training challenges arise when converted units go to the National Training Center in Calif., for example, they may have to sign for and start using the legacy systems again.  Soon, Soldiers newly graduating from Advanced Individual Training may only know the new system but they may get assigned to a unit still using the legacy systems. 

According to McCoy, the next big step at Fort Hood is called New Equipment Training (NET). It is designed to be the training for warehouse, finance, and material managers.  During this training, Soldiers are provided specific training on the new G-Army equipment and software. “NET is followed by a ‘brownout period’ where we slow down the systems, we align the financial and supply systems, and then a ‘blackout period’ which is a time when last minute adjustments to codes within the new systems are made.  We aim to go live with G-Army Wave 1 Conversion in mid-November.”

Personnel interested to learn more about GCSS-Army should consult the website at: http://gcss.army.mil/ .   For Fort Hood installation information, go to https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/41350594 and search for “Fort Hood Wave 1 GCSS-Army ROC Drill.”

The 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) is scheduled to host a Memorial Rededication Ceremony and Wreath Laying at Hildner Field at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, as part of the unit’s 48^th Birthday Week celebration.

Media is invited to the Memorial Rededication Ceremony with the option of participating in the follow on luncheon and cake cutting.

Media members interested in covering the ceremony and optional follow on events please RSVP no later than 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, with Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th SC(E) Public Affairs, at 254-288-6410 or [email protected]. Attending media should be at Marvin Leath Visitor Center’s designated media parking lot at 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 27.

The 13th SC(E) is celebrating the unit's 48^th birthday during the week of  Sept. 23-27.

Soldiers started off Monday with an esprit de corps run.

Thursday, interested Soldiers will participate in the Brig. Gen. Terry Hildner Memorial Golf Tournament and the 13th SC(E) Birthday Dinner both hosted by the 13th COSCOM Association.

On Friday, the unit and the association will also conduct the 13th SC(E) Memorial Rededication Ceremony at Hildner Field, followed by a luncheon and a cake cutting.

The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) was activated at Ford Hood as the 13th Support Brigade in September 1965. As the nation's involvement in Vietnam was increasing, this brigade was formed and tasked with training technical services units to assume combat service support missions in Southeast Asia.

The command continued to evolve due to increased missions and changing roles, and, along with similar units, was redesignated as the 13th Support Command (Corps) in 1980, then as the 13th Corps Support Command (COSCOM) in March 1989. As part of Army Transformation, the 13th Sustainment Command (expeditionary) was reflagged in its current configuration on 16 Feb 2006.

The command’s primary missions are to provide command and control of assigned, attached and operational control (OPCON) units, and to plan for and provide sustainment (supply, maintenance, and field services), distribution, and health service support for full spectrum operations.

Currently, the 13th SC(E) is Fort Hood's third largest unit with a local strength of over 3,500 Soldiers. The command is comprised of the 4th Sustainment Brigade and the 13th Financial Management Center.

 

 

Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th SC(E) PAO

            Over 150 Fort Hood Soldiers had a barbecue lunch as a courtesy of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Sept. 17 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas.

            The chamber’s Military Appreciation Luncheon takes place annually; the event also serves as the kick-off for the chamber’s military toy drive for the holidays.

            “I think you agree with me that we have the greatest military force on Earth, all volunteer,” said Jim Granfor, the chairman of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, in his opening remarks. Granfor complemented all services for their contributions, and made sure that the audience honored veterans and those who currently serve with several rounds of applause.

            There is a longstanding history and cooperation between the city of Temple and Soldiers from the 1^st MED Brigade and 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), said Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr., the commander of the 13^th SC(E) and the events keynote speaker. “The most important part of this event is to have the opportunity to talk with each other,” said LeMasters, and challenged participants to talk to the Soldiers in the audience and ask them a couple of questions about their background and the Army, if they haven’t already done so. “It’s all about getting to know you and getting to know us.”

            “These Soldiers here today represent not only the Army, but the future of our great nation…our all volunteer Army is an example for other Nations,” LeMasters added.  He then went into talking about budget cuts, the new Defense Strategy Guidance and force restructuring. “Let me assure you, that the senior leaders of our Army are looking at these challenges.” LeMasters expressed his confidence that leaders at high levels will make the best decisions for the future of the forces.

1^st Lt. Sherry Klander, an operations officer from the Texas Army National Guard’s 36^th Sustainment Brigade said her unit put out a memorandum to let the Soldiers know about the event. “It was great; it was an awesome experience to see community support.” In her civilian life she is a photographer in Temple, and owns her own business photographing “anything from babies to pets to weddings.” Klander said this was the first time she attended the military appreciation luncheon and thought it would be great to see other community events like a career fair for a meet and greet for Soldiers.

 

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113821/soldiers-honored-with-luncheon-temple-chamber

Story by Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13th SC(E) PAO Over 150 Fort Hood Soldiers, amongst them several Providers, had barbecue lunch as a courtesy of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Sept. 17 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas. The chamber’s Military Appreciation Luncheon takes place annually; the event also serves as the kick-off for the chamber’s military toy drive for the holidays. “I think you agree with me that we have the greatest military force on Earth, all volunteer,” said Jim Granfor, the chairman of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, in his opening remarks. Granfor complemented all services for their contributions, and made sure that the audience honored veterans and those who currently serve with several rounds of applause. There is a longstanding history and cooperation between the city of Temple and Soldiers from the 1st MED Brigade and 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), said Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr., the commander of the 13th SC(E) and the events keynote speaker. “The most important part of this event is to have the opportunity to talk with each other,” said LeMasters, and challenged participants to talk to the Soldiers in the audience and ask them a couple of questions about their background and the Army, if they haven’t already done so. “It’s all about getting to know you and getting to know us.” “These Soldiers here today represent not only the Army, but the future of our great nation…our all volunteer Army is an example for other Nations,” LeMasters added. He then went into talking about budget cuts, the new Defense Strategy Guidance and force restructuring. “Let me assure you, that the senior leaders of our Army are looking at these challenges.” LeMasters expressed his confidence that leaders at high levels will make the best decisions for the future of the forces. 1st Lt. Sherry Klander, an operations officer from the Texas Army National Guard’s 36th Sustainment Brigade said her unit put out a memorandum to let the Soldiers know about the event. “It was great; it was an awesome experience to see community support.” In her civilian life she is a photographer in Temple, and owns her own business photographing “anything from babies to pets to weddings.” Klander said this was the first time she attended the military appreciation luncheon and thought it would be great to see other community events like a career fair or a meet and greet for Soldiers. For high resolution photos of the event please visit: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113821/soldiers-honored-with-luncheon-temple-chamber

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13^th ESC PAO

As part of the United States Military Academy’s academic individual advancement development program, the 4^th Sustainment Brigade, 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), hosted West Point Cadets for a preview of the active duty military experience prior to their senior school year at the Academy June 2 through July 13.

The Wranglers sponsored two groups of four West Point Cadets who took the opportunity to learn the sustainment and support operations of the Wrangler Brigade before commissioning into the Army.

Each group spent three weeks living the Soldier life and shadowing an active duty officer.

Cadet Crystal Christian, a human geography student at West Point, was sponsored by 2^nd Lt. Ronnie Madayag, a platoon leader with the 154^th Transportation Company, 49^th Movement Control Battalion, 4^th Sust. Bde., during her active duty internship.

“She did a great job,” said Madayag. “She was very receptive of what was going on and contributed wherever there was an opportunity.”

Christian was given the chance to shadow 1^st Lt. Jonathan Watson, a material handling equipment platoon leader with 297^th Transportation Company, 49^th MCB, as his unit conducted an M249 machine gun range at Cow House Range July 11.

What may seem as usually a routine training event for many units, provided Christian with her most valuable lesson during her visit; flexibility.

“We had a few hiccups attempting to open the range,” she said, “but we were able to make adjustments and conduct the training without additional issues. It taught me that no matter how solid the planning and preparation is, unexpected things will still happen and it’s important to be flexible and ready to make adjustments and move out.”

Overall, Christian said she experienced a lot during her time with 154^th Trans. Co. and looked forward to graduating and earning her commission.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from the Soldiers and officers while I was here,” said Christian. “I was also able to take the lessons I’ve learned in school and apply those to the real life situations here, and will also take what I’ve learned here and apply that to my senior year and hopefully make me a better officer when I commission next year.”

Madayag said that he hopes she remembers her time spent interacting with the Soldiers. “The Soldiers are the most important asset for any officer. As she moves forward and is commissioned as a second lieutenant, it’s important to remember the number one goal of any officer is to take care of your Soldiers. If not for the Soldiers, we could not accomplish any mission.”

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13^th ESC PAO

Soldiers from the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) paused from their normal routines to sit down for a spiritually refreshing prayer breakfast at the Freeman Café dining facility here July 3.

The guest speaker for the breakfast was retired chaplain (Lt. Col.) Harlon Triplett who spoke to the Soldiers about the importance of why Soldiers need God.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Brian Crane, the 13^th ESC chaplain, organized the event for the Soldiers wanting to focus on strengthening the unit’s spiritual fitness.

“The goal is to focus on the spiritual aspects of our Soldiers,” said Crane. “We always focus on the physical, emotional and mental health of the force; today was an opportunity to talk about the spiritual. To build a healthy body, we must take in healthy food and work out with physical training. To build spiritual fitness, we must take in spiritual messages.”

Triplett referenced several anecdotes during his speech, including referencing life to a game of football.

“If you were to talk to someone in their 20s, 30s or 40s, to compare their life to a football game, and ask, ‘what quarter are you in?’ most would say the 2^nd or 3^rd quarter. If you ask a Soldier that same question, they might not know the answer,” said Triplett. “Soldiers are called upon to deploy into harm’s way and to risk their life in defense of the country. Soldiers may not always know when the final buzzer is going to sound and thus need to be prepared if the game ends earlier than planned for.”

Triplett also talked about the Soldiers being his heroes and said he always enjoys opportunities to return back to talk to the Soldiers. “They are the reason I served for 22 years and the reason I always enjoy returning back to talk to the Soldiers.”

Twenty five Soldiers from the 15th Financial Management Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), are scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan following a deployment ceremony scheduled for midnight on Wednesday, July 10 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center.

Gate time for media members interested in attending the ceremony will be Wednesday, July 10 at 10:15 pm at the Marvin Leath Visitor Center.

Interested media members please RSVP with Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson at [email protected] or 254-553-6869 no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9.

By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson, 13^th ESC PAO

Soldiers, Family members and community partners with the 553^rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4^th Sustainment Brigade, 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), participated in the battalion’s annual mud run and obstacle course at Fort Hood’s all-terrain vehicle track July 3.

Soldiers ran the three-mile off-road route featuring several mud pits, water crossings, low crawl obstacles and sand bag carries.

The quickest individual was Davis Jefferies, 18, stepson to Sgt. Dan Graves with the Killeen Army Recruiting Station, with a time of 26 minutes, 10 seconds, and the fastest team time for the day belonged to the 62^nd Quartermaster Company, 553^rd CSSB, with a time of 32:50.

“We motivated each other,” said Sgt. Garcia Mebrahte, a squad leader and runner with the winning team from 62^nd QM Co. “It was a challenge, but we all had each other’s backs. We had a lot of different experience between us, but the most important thing was we stuck together and finished together as a team.”

Lt. Col. Keith McVeigh, commander of the 553^rd CSSB, said this event was an excellent opportunity for his Soldiers to take a break from the normal grind of Soldiering.

“I’ve participated in similar events in the civilian sector,” said McVeigh. “I thought it would be a great event not only for our Soldiers to get away from the daily grind of supporting Fort Hood, but also to build esprit de corps, bond together and do what I call a Gunslinger gut check – a challenge to the Soldiers to see if they could push themselves to complete this challenge, both physically and mentally.”

“It’s been said before, ‘Fort Hood could not get out of bed in the morning without the services and support that the 13^th ESC, 4^th Sust. Bde., and subordinate battalions do for this installation,’” continued McVeigh. “It is important to step away from that very important mission and allow the Soldiers the opportunity to get out of that environment and get to know each other in a different manner to help build the team as a unit.”

Overall, the Soldiers said they enjoyed the event and the challenges inherent in the race.

“It was a lot of fun, a great experience and I would do it again,” said Sgt. Serpio Anthony, the command group driver for 553^rd CSSB.

553^rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Mud Run 

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 553^rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4^th Sustainment Brigade, 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) would like to invite members of the media to cover a mud run July 3 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Participants will have the choice between completing a one-mile and a three-mile track. Tracks are on rough terrain, with various obstacles incorporated throughout the course. The unit anticipates approximately 500 Soldiers and some brave family members to participate in the event.

Media desiring to cover the event should register with Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) PAO by 12:00 Noon July 2 by email at [email protected] or 254-288-7342. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate satellite trucks for this event. A Public Affairs representative will meet the media at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center south side parking lot at 8:00 a.m. July 3, to escort them on post.

48^th Chemical Brigade change of command ceremony

 

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 48^th Chemical Brigade will hold a Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony in honor of the outgoing command team, Col. Maria T. Zumwalt and Command Sgt. Maj.  Kenneth M. Graham and the incoming command team, Col. Sven C. Erichsen and Command Sgt. Maj. Kendall I. Owens II at 9 a.m. July 2 on the Division West Parade Field here.

The Change of Command Ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18^th century during the reign of King Frederick the Great of Prussia.  During this time, organizational flags were developed with colored arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit.  To this flag, as well as the commander, Soldiers of the unit would dedicate their loyalty and trust. 

When a Change of Command was to take place, the outgoing Commander would pass the flag to the incoming Commander.  This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new Commander assuming their dutiful position. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history and will be performed during the Change of Command Ceremony this morning.

Media desiring to cover the event should register with Capt. Monika Comeaux, 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) PAO by noon July 1 by email at [email protected] or 254-288-7342. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate satellite trucks for this event. A Public Affairs representative will meet the media at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center south side parking lot at 8:00 a.m. July 2, to escort them on post.

 

 

 

The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) would like to invite  members of the media for the redeployment ceremony of 21 Soldiers from the 502nd Human Resources Company, 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, on Thursday, June 20, at approximately noon.

The Soldiers will be returning from a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Media interested to cover the event should meet the 13th ESC PAO at the Bernie Beck Gate designated media parking lot at 10:30 a.m.

If you are interested in covering the event, please contact Capt. Monika Comeaux at [email protected] or 254-288-7342 no later than 9 a.m. on June 20.

CORRECTION - The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) would like to  invite media personnel to the redeployment ceremony for a group of 23 Soldiers (5th Platoon) from the 502nd Human Resources Company redeploying from KUWAIT on June 19.

Gate time for the event is 9 p.m., at the Bernie Beck Gate designated media parking lot.

Media interested in covering the event should contact CPT Monika Comeaux at [email protected] or 254-288-7342 no later than noon on June 19.

Families, Soldiers bid farewell as 418^th Trans. Co. deploys

Story by Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson
and Capt. Monika Comeaux,
13^th ESC PAO

FORT HOOD, Texas – Families and Soldiers of the 13^th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and the 4^th Sustainment Brigade bid farewell to 136 Soldiers with the 418^th Transportation Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4^th Sust. Bde., 13^th ESC, during a deployment ceremony at the West Fort Hood Physical Fitness Center June 10.

The 418^th Trans. Co. is deploying to Western Afghanistan to conduct line haul of bulk and containerized cargo via tactical convoy operations in order to sustain Coalition Forces operations throughout Regional Command-West.

“It is with great honor that I stand here to bid farewell to these great Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Keith McVeigh, commander, 553rd CSSB. “To Capt. (Mark) Canary, 1^st Sgt. (Carla) Glover, and the rest of the Road Knights, you have trained hard and you are well prepared to perform the super bowl of your profession. Stand tall, execute mightily, and return home the heroes that you already are.”

Since initially constituted April 13, 1944, the 418^th Trans. Co. has served in combat operations in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Although the unit has a long history of deployments, many of the Soldiers and Families may be experiencing an unfamiliar event. However, there are always seasoned spouses and friends around to assist and provide advice through the challenging times.

“Stay focused,” said Dora Middleton, whose spouse, Staff Sgt. Alfred Middleton, a truck master with 418^th Trans. Co., is heading out on his fourth deployment.  Middleton strongly believes that the deployed Soldiers lose focus if they are worried about their families, so the person staying home caring for the children has to provide a strong foundation for the family.

Middleton plans of filling the summer with fun activities such as going to the lake and visiting Sea World in San Antonio. Her and her family had a going away gathering for her husband, and they plan to have a welcome home gathering when he returns.

She plans on sending cards, care packages, exchanging emails and talking on Skype with her husband while he is away, she said.

McVeigh wished his Soldiers good luck for the deployment, and concluded the deployment ceremony with looking ahead to the redeployment ceremony nine months down the road.  

 “Everyone here will keep you in their thoughts and prayer as your mission takes you to the unknown, but rest assured, we will be right back here when you return, ready to welcome you home again.”