Vol. 7, Issue 5 June 2013143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)

June 2013Soldiers, family, and friends gathered together

at the 1st Lt. David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla., to wish farewell to more than 250 Soldiers of the Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), as they leave homes and loved ones to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

<< On the Front CoverVol. 7, Issue 5

June 2013

143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)

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

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CONTRIBUTORS:

Lt. Col. Brian Ray143d ESC Chaplain

1st Lt. Nicole Rossman143d ESC Public Affairs Executive Officer

Master Sgt. Daniel Lopez143d ESC Safety NCOIC

Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn143d ESC Public Affairs NCOIC

Staff Sgt. Ian B. Shay143d ESC Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Christina Dion319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg204th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Larry Dix143d ESC

Spc. Aaron Ellerman143d ESC Public Affairs

Saul MarreroArmy Child, Youth & School Services

ESC todayCommander

143d Sustainment Command(Expeditionary)

Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler

Command Executive Officer143d ESC

Mr. Fred Guzman

Command Sergeant Major143d ESC

Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. Jordan

Public Affairs Officer/Editor143d ESC

Maj. John Adams

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

ESC Today is the monthly command information magazine of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense, according to provisions in Army Regulation 360-1. The opinions and views expressed in ESC Today are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Defense Department, Department of the Army or the headquarters, 143d ESC. The editorial content

of this publication is the responsibility of the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs officer. This publication is written, edited and published by the public affairs office of the 143d ESC, 9500 Armed Forces Reserve Dr., Orlando, Fla. 32827. Submit comments to: patrick.s.compton.mil@mail.mil or call 800-221-9401 ext. 1132. Send editorial and photographic submissions to: patrick.s.compton..mil@mail.mil.

Inside This Issue >>

Messages from the top..........................................................3

General Discussion: Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.....................4

Army Reserve Family Programs............................................5

National Safety Month..........................................................8

Weapon of Choice: M249 Squad Automatic Weapon........9

Until we meet again............................................................10

Around the ESC..................................................................15

Soldier looks to leader for life focus.....................................19

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Brig. Gen. Bryan WamplerCommander

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

The Command PostAs we celebrate our Army’s birthday, we

are reminded of the Soldiers still serving across the globe and it is so important that we remember those who have served before us. Two-hundred and thirty-eight years ago, our Nation’s leaders established the Continental Army, beginning a rich heritage of successfully defending this great country. Today, we celebrate the continued honor, loyalty and bravery of Soldiers who have answered the noble calling of service. The Nation’s freedom rests in the hands of our Soldiers, families and civilian workforce. Their dedication makes us Army Strong. This year, our Army celebrates 238 years of defending freedom and

democracy around the world. The strength of the 143d Sustainment

Command (Expeditionary) is its Soldiers and the strength of the Soldier is their family. As our team departs for pre-mobilization training at Ft. Hood, Texas, we should all feel honored to as a member of this organization and its time honored legacy. Upon completion of our training, the 143d ESC will provide critical enabling capabilities. As a premiere command, the 143d ESC will bring professionalism and success to current retrograde and transition operations, while sustaining key operations, exercises and events .

Even now more than ever, we must continue

to support our Soldiers, families and civilians that comprise the 143d ESC. We are fortunate to have comprehensive programs, support networks and agencies dedicated to strengthen our formation. I encourage all of you to take advantage of these programs and engage our Family Readiness Group leaders for information.

For our valued teammates not deploying, we ask that you continue to train at the highest levels of readiness. The Rear Detachment is in place and doing a great job in providing day-to-day support.

There are five areas that we cannot accept risk consisting of 1) Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP), 2) Suicide Prevention, 3) Resiliency, 4) Safety, and 5) Risk Mitigation. Sexual Harassment or Assault are contrary to our Army Values and will not be tolerated. We are aggressively implementing and expanding the 143d ESC’s comprehensive SHARP Program. SHARP is a commander’s program, and I have engaged leaders at all levels to prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment. We must maximize the Battle Buddy program to keep all team members safe.

Be safe and thank you for all that you do and will do as a member of the United States Army Reserve.

Sustaining Victory! Army Strong!

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Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC

From left to right: 143d ESC Soldiers Lt. Col. Terence P. Murphy, Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler and Pfc. Duncan Hayward cut the first slice from a cake honoring the Army’s 238th birthday June 14 at the David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla. Traditionally, the unit commander stands side by side the oldest and youngest Soldier in the ranks when cutting the cake.

Hello to all the Soldiers, civilians and family members of the mighty 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). I want to express my gratitude for the commitment and sacrifice each of you contribute to the 143d team and the Army Reserve. It is a privilege to serve in the ranks with you as part of this proud formation.

Over the next few months, this forum will address topics that I feel needs the undivided attention from the NCO Corps. I encourage all officers, warrant officers and our Army Reserve civilians to give some time to this section as well.

The first topic in this three part series begins with the first paragraph of the NCO Creed:

“No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a

member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of the Army. I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.”

Our NCO Corps is rich in history and strong in tradition. At times, however, events or circumstances challenge our personal courage in the enforcement of standards and discipline. The NCO Corps must put these words to practice so that it may strengthen the character and competence in our ranks. I ask the NCO Corps to read and reflect on our creed, then ask yourself how you can improve or mentor others to improve on being stewards of the profession

and become the professional NCO that our Army needs us to be..

Finally, Happy 238th Birthday to the Army. We can all be very proud of our long history.

Sustaining Victory!

Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. JordanCommand Sergeant Major

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

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‘No one is more professional than I’

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. was born Sept. 13, 1887. He was born in Oyster Bay, New York as the eldest born to Edith Roosevelt and President Theodore Roosevelt. Like his father, Theodore Jr. attended Harvard University. After graduating in 1909,

he pursued a career in the steel and carpet business. The accumulation of wealth he earned would serve Theodore Jr. well as he began his involvement in politics after he served in WWI.

Just as his father had done, Theodore Jr. served as a New York State Assemblyman and as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy. After losing the run for governor in New York he would serve a term from 1929 to 1932 as Governor of Puerto

Rico. Then from 1932 to 1933 he would serve as Governor General of the Philippines. Eventually, Theodore Jr. would join the military and would become one of the two only father son pairs to have served in the military and to have both been awarded the Medal of Honor for their accomplishments. Theodore Jr. was passionate in his involvement in politics, business and the military; however, serving in the military is what drove and pushed him to excel in all that he did. When D-Day landings started on June 6th, 1944, Theodore Jr. was assigned to the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. As a result of injuries sustained in WWI, Theodore Jr. was a very frail and sick man. No

one in his condition would be able to withstand serving in another war, not to mention leading men. Despite his delicate condition, Theodore Jr. requested to lead the attack on Utah beach. His request was approved under the assumption that he would not live through the landings on the beach.

Shortly after his direct involvement in heavy fighting during and after the D-Day landings, Theodore, Jr. died of a heart attack July 12, 1944. He was buried at the Omaha Beach American Cemetery in Colleville Sur Mer, Normandy. His bravery and exceptional service to the military earned him posthumously the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.1887-1944

Years in service: 19017-1919, 1940-1944Highest rank: Brigadier General (1 star)Highest command: Command Staff, 4th Infantry DivisionWars fought: WWI, WWIIFamous quote: “We’ll start the war from right

here!”

GeneralDiscussion

Story by Spc. Larry Dix 143d ESC

THE ARMY NCO SWORD

The Model 1840 Noncommissioned Officers’ Sword was based on a German version of the infantry sword used by British troops during the Napoleonic Wars. It was worn and saw frontline service by American sergeants during such great conflicts as the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish American War.

A modern version of this sword with steel scabbard is currently permitted for wear by US Army platoon sergeants and first sergeants. It is used commonly during a regimental Command Sergeant Major change of command as a symbolic transfer of authority between CSMs.

http://www.facebook.com/143dESC

“Saturday-at-the-Sea” at Florida State UniversityThe Army Reserve Child, Youth and School Services has joined forces with Florida State University to host “Saturday at the Sea” this September at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory in St. Teresa, Fla. Featuring a “sea” of hands-on activities, this unique program introduces the Gulf of Mexico’s rich aquatic life to America’s military youth. Contact Saul Marrero, school services specialist, at saul.marrero.ctr@mail.mil for more information on how to register your child for this free event.

Florida Elks Youth CampThe Florida State Elks Association will host a free youth summer camp designed specifically for military dependents ages 9 to 16 years old July 28 to Aug. 3 in Umatilla, Fla. The camp’s professional staff help enrich the lives of children by providing a safe and fun experience that contributes to each camper’s mental, physical and social growth. Parents and guardians may complete their child’s application online and visit www.floridaelks.org for more information.

Free tutoring from Tutor.comTutor.com, a professional online tutoring resource that has hosted more than 9 million study sessions, offers free tutoring lessons for military families from all DOD branches and components. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade may work one-on-one with qualified tutors available online 24/7 who specialize in one of more than 20 subjects from English and social studies to chemistry and calculus. Visit www.tutor.com/military/ for eligibility, access, services, software and other pertinent information.

Command Chaplain143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

Lt. Col. Brian Ray

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Dear Soldiers and families of the 143d ESC,I hope that the summer has started well for

you and your loved ones. In a previous edition of “ESC Today,” I wrote about the Army Values and how they can serve as a solid anchor when we are confronted with difficult decisions in life. I’ve also written about the importance of character, particularly for us as Soldiers, our nation’s guardians of freedom. During the month of June as we celebrate the Army’s 238 birthday, I thought it would be fitting to reflect on a few lines of our creed . . . The Soldier’s Creed.

I WILL ALWAYS PLACE THE MISSION FIRST.

I WILL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT.I WILL NEVER QUIT.

I WILL NEVER LEAVE A FALLEN COMRADE.

Most of us understand what the phrase, “never accept defeat,” means. But like so many things in life, it is much easier said than done. Consider the words of General George S. Patton.

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired . . . morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired. When you were younger, the mind could make you dance all night and the body was never tired. You’ve always got to make the mind

take over and keep going.” Patton tells us that the mind of the soldier

is the key to victory in battle. But if you think about it in broader terms, Patton’s focus on the mind (i.e., our choices) makes all the difference in almost every area of our life. Our mind is the key to not giving up . . . not giving up on friends . . . not giving up on family . . . not giving up on ourselves. Even when we are weary, worn down, and bombarded with messages of negativity, it is the strength of our mind that CAN and WILL see us through. I have often shared the following quote with my children.

Life is 10 percent what happens to you . . . and 90 percent how you react to what happens to you.

Just think of how marvelously the Soldier’s Creed conditions and strengthens our mind to react effectively in difficult times. The creed provides us with words of motivation . . . words of resolve . . . and when all seems lost, the Soldier’s Creed provides us with words of hope. I am convinced that our great Army has been successful for 238 years because we have had

soldiers who have lived lives that honor those glorious words that make up the final lines of our creed.

“I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am the guardian of freedom and the American way of life.”

In closing, imagine for a moment if all soldiers lived the words of the Soldier’s Creed in their personal life. If these words shaped all of our actions, our Army would see fewer broken homes, far less substance abuse and fewer suicides.

Soldiers of the 143d ESC, I encourage you to keep the Soldier’s Creed handy and read it during difficult times. I promise you that the words of our creed will remind you of the powerful inner strength that you as a Soldier have deep inside your heart. It is this inner strength, the strength of the American Soldier, that will help you and your loved ones endure life’s many challenges.

Sustaining Victory . . . Army Strong! “Pro Deo et Patria . . . For God and Country!”

What it meansto never accept defeat

Reflections by the Chaplain

CONUS: Charity E. Albritton(800) 221-9401 charity.e.albritton.civ@mail.mil

Kuwait: Maj. Sandy Gosciniak(772) 519-8926sandra.l.gosciniak.mil@mail.mil

Afghanistan: Master Sgt. Christine Wilkens(808) 429-5690

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June is National Safety Month and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Leaders, Soldiers, Army civilians and family members are encouraged to use National Safety Month to evaluate their safety measures both on and off duty. It’s imperative that leaders continue to make safety a priority, and that Soldiers take seriously the actions that put themselves and others at risk.

Recent studies have shown that the Army has developed an effective campaign against unsafe behavior.

“We are winning the fight,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler. “Accidental fatalities have fallen to peacetime levels even as we continue combat operations overseas. But, we cannot yet declare victory.”

To help leaders, Soldiers and safety professionals enhance their personal risk management, the USACR/Safety Center launched a dedicated website at https://safety.army.mil/NSM. The site contains informational videos and feature articles addressing four core topics: civilian injury prevention, ground operations, aviation operations and driving safety.

Safety goes beyond man made hazards. Mother Nature also possesses a plethora of perils to include powerful storms that produce tornadoes, floods and fires.

Last year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association considered 2012 to be a mild hurricane season. Despite this classification, we saw the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

In 2004 members of the 143d family departing for theater endured two hurricanes prior to and one en-route to the mobilization site. Awaiting transportation home, 143d ESC Soldiers also sat in amazement as we witnessed on television the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina.

As we focus on the current or next mission, we must also consider our family members and loved ones. Do they have an emergency evacuation plan or checklist? How about an emergency supply kit? These are questions

we must answer. Remember it only takes one disaster to create havoc and destruction. That’s why the 143d ESC encourages everyone to:

1. CREATE AN EMERGENCY KITa. One large with three days’ suppliesb. Backpack in case you must evacuate c. One gallon of water per person per dayd. Canned and dried food e. First-Aid Kit and prescription medicinesf. All- Hazards Radio and batteries g. Emergency Contact List2. MAKE A PLAN a. Create family emergency planb. Discuss / practice what to doc. If phones down have two meeting places;

near home and outside neighborhood3. KEEP INFORMEDa. Learn about the different threats from severe

weather and natural disasters b. Monitor TV, radio or the Internetc. Stay calm and listen for instructions from

national, regional and local officials. Although America has designated June as

National Safety Month, the mission to keep every Warrior Citizen safe is a continuous, 24/7 operation. Remember, Army Safe is Army Strong!

For more information, contact Mark Daly, 143d ESC safety officer, at (800) 221-9401 ext. 1265 or mark.d.daly.civ@mail.mil.

DID YOU KNOW?The 2013 season of Blue Star Museums is off to a fantastic start with more than 2,000 art centers, museums and exhibits offering free entrance for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Blue Star Museums is a partnership among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Joining Forces, MetLife Foundation and museums across the country.Visit www.bluestarfam.org to find participating museums near you. And be sure and tell your military children about Blue Star’s annual Way Cool Creativity Contest.

BY MASTER SGT. DANIEL LOPEZ143d ESC Safety Office

The times they’re a changing; and for the U.S. military change often comes in the form of new weapons and technology. From spear and sling to rifles and rockets, Soldiers have been mastering new technologies on the battlefield to adapt to the advancements placed in front of them. One such advancement made in the 1980s was the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), which has been a staple of the U.S. military for 30 years.

HISTORYIn the 1950s the U.S. military retired the M1918

Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and left a subsequent void for Soldiers in the field. The change came slow and the M249 (first known as the XM249E1) did not fill the shoes of the BAR until the early 1980s. The BAR acted as a “base of fire” weapon, and upon its retirement from the field, the M15, M14A1, and M16A1 could not adequately fulfill the role of a “base of fire” weapon. In Vietnam the M16A1 performed inadequately as the BAR replacement, which caused the Army to employ more M60s (aka “the pig”) as the go to automatic rifle. However, the M60’s bulky size slowly persuaded the military to constrain its use for mounted vehicles.

The SAW project started in the early 1970s and multiple companies developed prototypes for testing. In the end, the Fabrique Nationale Minimi (XM249) was proven the most viable design. The XM249 was then modified with a new barrel to provide additional stabilization, which allowed the use of heavier ammunition, resulting in the birth of the XM249E1. In 1984 the XM249E1 was designated the M249, and to this day the SAW still performs reliably in combat operations throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

CAPABILITIES The M249 (SAW) is the rare combination of power,

accuracy and portability. The SAW is a fully automatic, gas powered, belt or magazine fed weapon. It is a portable weapon with a long effective range and high rate of fire. Some models made after 2010 have a collapsible butt stock, which allows for shoulder firing in extended and collapsed positions. When used with a bipod, Soldiers are awarded with a more reliable and accurate weapon.

The M249 is used primarily against infantry soldiers, crew-served weapons, antitank missile teams and unarmored vehicles. Rails can be attached to mount optics and illuminate targets. As a defensive weapon system, the M249 adds the firepower of 10-20 riflemen without needing additional firepower on the battlefield.

With more than 30 years of continuous use by both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, most M249s have been worn down beyond repair, and with the military looking toward the LSAT light machine gun, the SAWs future is uncertain. The weapon, which has been the standard for 30 years, might be headed toward retirement.

BY STAFF SGT. IAN B. SHAY143d ESC PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Photo Illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Soldiers, family, and friends gathered together at the 1st Lt. David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center to wish farewell to troops of the Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), as they leave to support Operation Enduring Freedom June 15.

After months of preparation, the leadership of the 143d ESC officially furled and cased the unit’s colors during the mid-morning farewell ceremony. The colors will be uncased once the ESC reaches its new destination overseas.

During the farewell event, focus was on the families, as leaders and keynote speakers recognized the sacrifices that spouses, children, and parents make.

“We are honored you’re here today,” said Brig. Gen.

Bryan Wampler, commanding general, 143d ESC. “You will be in our hearts and minds.”

After the ceremony, Soldiers and family members enjoyed food and beverages. Activities included an inflatable bounce house for the kids, dunk tank, and weapons simulator. Also, military vehicles and equipment were on hand for demonstrations.

Deploying for the first time, Spc. Alex Nieves, financial management technician, 143d ESC, looks forward to learning more about his job in a deployed environment.

“It’s hard to get trained when you’re coming in just once a month,” he said.

“I’m happy for him, because I know this is his life,” said Brenda, Nieves’s wife. “He likes the military, so I’m happy for him. Of course I’m sad that he’s going away, but we know he’ll be back soon.”

BY SGT. ELISEBET FREEBURG204th PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

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Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Julio Pagan, human resources technician, support operations, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), with his wife and children after a farewell ceremony. Pagan is deploying for the fourth time.

Slated to conduct command-level sustainment operations in the U.S. Army Central Command’s area of responsibility (AOR), the 143d ESC will be heading overseas this summer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The AOR comprises of over 20 countries and stretches from Kazakhstan down to Egypt.

“There’s a tremendous sense of impatience,” said Col. Kevin Sullivan, chief, support operations, 143d ESC, with two previous deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. “They’re ready to get over there. I’m excited; they’re excited.”

Sullivan believes that with young, new Soldiers, an outstanding noncommissioned officer corps, and seasoned senior leadership, the 143d ESC is bound for success.

In addition to annual training and monthly battle assemblies, troops of the 143d prepared for this deployment by attending a combat support training exercise (CSTX) and Soldier readiness processing (SRP). The 143d ESC will conduct final preparations for its deployment at Fort Hood, Texas.

Family members have also received pre-deployment training as they attended phase one of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. Separated into four

parts, YRRP introduces Soldiers and their dependents to resources and services available to them before, during, and after deployments.

“I’m always concerned about the family,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Julio Pagan, human resources technician, support operations, 143d ESC. “That’s always my number one concern, not to worry about myself.”

Pagan, heading on his fourth deployment, leaves behind a wife, daughter, and infant son.

“Draw upon each other,” said Maj. Gen. Peter Lennon, commanding general, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, during the farewell ceremony. “The strength of the Soldier is the family that loves him.”

More than 250 Soldiers will deploy with HHC, 143d ESC. The troops will mobilize in two groups. One element will deploy to Afghanistan and the other to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Soldiers will deploy during the time period when U.S. Armed Forces and its Allies are in retrograde operations in Afghanistan. When not deployed, the 143d ESC commands more than 100 Army Reserve units in the Southeast, totaling approximately 10,000 Soldiers.

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Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD

Deploying for the first time, Spc. Alex Nieves, financial management technician, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), with his wife and children after a farewell ceremony at the 1st Lt. David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center.

Orlando, Fla.June 14, 15 & 17, 2013

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

Orlando, Fla.June 14, 15 & 17, 2013

Courtesy Photo Orlando TSA

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

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

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DA PHOTO LAB

Where we’relocated

Scheduling and other info

NOW

OPEN

Dates & hours of operation

9500 Armed ForcesReserve Dr. (TAFT Bldg)

Orlando, FL 32827

July 11-13Aug. 1-3Sept. 5-7Oct. 3-5

Thurs. & Sat.0730 - 1530

Fri.1000 - 1900

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

Army National Guard onlyCall 757-878-4831 for more

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

AROUNDTHE ESC

Col. James C. Bagley, chief of staff for the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), addresses an audience of hundreds of Soldiers and their families during the 143d ESC’s Yellow Ribbon event June 1 at the Florida Hotel in Orlando, Fla. The event included interactive presentations and information booths covering the plethora of opportunities and programs that help Soldiers, veterans and family members meet their personal, professional, financial and educational goals while their loved ones are deployed overseas.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC

Two Soldiers from the 143d ESC set up a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon June 8 at the Orange County Sheriff shooting range in Orlando, Fla. The M249 – more commonly referred as the SAW – is a hand held machine gun capable of firing up to 750 5.56 millimeter rounds per minute at a maximum effective range of 1,000 meters.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC

The uncle of Sgt. 1st Class Collier attaches sergeant first class insignia onto his nephew’s Army Combat Uniform during a promotion ceremony held April 27 at the Army Reserve center in Anniston, Ala. Collier currently serves with the 145th Transportation Theater Opening Element.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric E. Wade 145th TTOE

Many Soldiers and families from the 143d ESC participated in several somber events during the Memorial Day weekend. Here, a member of the 143d ESC’s color guard holds the Army’s official flag during a Memorial Day Service at the Corporal Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum May 26 in Orlando, Fla.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

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AROUNDTHE ESC

Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. Jordan, command sergeant major for the 143d ESC, holds the NCO Sword during a Change of Responsibility ceremony May 4 at the David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla. Jordan’s predecessor, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey E. Uhlig, retired from the Army mere hours after handing the sword to Jordan.

Staff Sgt. Eric Cintron, an information systems operations analyst for the 143d ESC, provides a period of instruction on a computer for a Battle Staff Exercise held June 7 in Orlando, Fla. Cintron’s team was instrumental in ensuring the digital Network for the exercise was maintained.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

Sgt. Eduard Cantu, a public affairs specialist with the 204th Public Affairs Detachment, helps a living historian troubleshoot an M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun in preparation for a World War II reenactment held during the Orlando Scottish Rite’s “Road to Victory” military history event April 5-7 in Winter Park, Fla.

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Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 143d ESC

AROUNDTHE ESC

UNIT PHOTOS WANTEDThe “ESC Today” wants to show

off photos of Soldiers from your unit performing operational duties and basic soldiering skills. Include a caption with

names, ranks, place, date and a short description of what is happening in each

photo, then send your images to:john.j.adams7.mil@mail.mil

A student from Sunrise Elementary School smiles at his classmate as she and 1st Lt. Nicole Rossman, public affairs officer for the 143d ESC, help him don an Improved Outer Tactical Vest May 9 in Kissimmee, Fla. The school’s staff hosted a “Support the Troops” day that included a parade followed by presentations and displays featuring service members and equipment from every branch in the U.S. military.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Rauel Tirado 204th PAD

Col. Terri C. Duenas (left), the incoming commander of the 518th Sustainment Brigade, accepts the 518th’s colors from Brig. Gen. Bryan W. Wampler, commander of the 143d ESC, during a change of command ceremony May 5 in Knightdale Reserve Center in Knightdale, N.C.

Courtesy Photo 319th MPAD

Brig. Gen. Bryan Wampler, commanding general, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Command Sgt. Maj. Don B. Jordan, command sergeant major, 143d ESC, furl and case their unit’s colors during a farewell ceremony. The 143d ESC is deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD

Soldiers of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), color guard marches during a farewell ceremony June 5 at the 1st Lt. David R. Wilson Armed Forces Reserve Center in Orlando, Fla.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

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FORT JACKSON, S.C. – Many Soldiers look up to their squad leaders as role models in the military, but there are some that look to these leaders for guidance in life as well. Spc. Frederick Mann wasn’t sure where his life was going when he enlisted, but now he says he has clear focus and goals, thanks to his recruiter.

The 22-year-old father of two daughters and a unit supply specialist with the 598th Transportation Company, 812th Transportation Battalion, 518th Sustainment Brigade, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) based in Savannah, Ga., said “at first it was for college, but after my first and second year, I thought I could make this a career.”

During battle assembly and unit functions, the four-year veteran is responsible for making sure everything is accounted for, he said. He likes his job so much that when he is promoted to sergeant, he wants to apply to be a supply warrant officer.

According to Mann, it all started when he was in 11th grade and the recruiter spoke to his class

about the Army. Not only did his recruiter talk to him about joining the Army, but he also guided him to making the choice that was best for him. “He talked to me about what I wanted to do in my career,” said Mann. “He really helped me out. He talked to me for two months straight before I made a decision.”

Once Mann enlisted and attended training, he quickly realized he enjoyed the military.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I saw my NCOs and I want to be in their place. I like talking about the Army to others. The Army gets a bad rap because of what they see on TV, but at the end of the day, we risk our lives to make sure everyone is safe. That takes heart, time and dedication.”

Mann doesn’t just say what Soldiers should do; he embodies these values according to Spc. James Wilburn, a fellow truck driver with Mann at the 598th Trans. Co. “He’s been a good Soldier. He handles responsibility and does what’s expected.”

Although Mann said he misses some parts of his daughters’ lives, he said, “I know it’s for a good

reason.” He’s raising two daughters, one 8 years old and one 8-months old with his long-time girlfriend.

Mann has used what he’s learned in the military to help him in his civilian profession as well. He was accepted into the Insulation Specialist Apprenticeship Program run by a union in Pooler, Ga. This 4-year program will teach him how to work with dangerous hazards such as asbestos. He said he sees the similarities to what he does for the Army and this career path.

“They have the same Army values, safety is important and you represent yourself and them with pride,” Mann said.

Although Mann has focus on his career both as a civilian and a Soldier, Mann’s ultimate goal is to own his own shoe store. “I’ve always loved shoes. I’m not sure why, but I do and I’ve always wanted to have my own shoe store.”

Mann has no doubt that he’ll accomplish that goal as well, he said. But for now, he’ll continue working on his skills as a Soldier and insulation specialist.

DID YOU KNOW?The Army Family Action Plan has pushed scores of initiatives aimed to improve recruitment, retention and work-life satisfaction. From advocating unlimited commissary privileges for Reserve component service members and their families to granting full access to the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, the AFAP has been the Army’s primary communication tool for Soldiers, retirees, family members and civilians to communicate their issues to key military and civil leaders. Any member of the Army family may submit an issue that affects readiness and quality of life to the AFAP. Simply obtain an AFAP issue form from your local AFAP Program Specialist or contact Fort Family Support & Outreach Center at (866) 345-8248.

Soldier looks to leaders for life focus

PHOTO AND STORY BY SGT. CHRISTINA DION319TH MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

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