TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

Vol. 7, Issue 8 November 2013143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)

ESC TODAY

TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

Vol. 7, Issue 8

November 2013

143D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (EXPEDITIONARY)

ESC TODAY

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

Financing the future...............................................................8

143d ESC youth and family programs.....................................9

143d ESC turns in excess vehicles.......................................10

Taking the reins....................................................................11

General Discussion: George S. Patton..................................13

Service under the surface......................................................15

Around the ESC...................................................................16

Safety: It’s your choice...........................................................20

“I.A.M. Strong:” Taking action...............................................22

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CONTRIBUTORS:

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

Lt. Col. Brian Ray143d ESC Chaplain

Maj. Mark L. Carpenter143d ESC Command Inspector General

Maj. Sandra L. Gosciniak143d ESC SHARP Officer

1st Lt. Nicole Rossman143d ESC Public Affairs Executive Officer

Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn1st Theater Sustainment Command

Staff Sgt. James Burroughs135th ESC Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Joel M. Gottke371st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill371st Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Ian B. Shay143d ESC Public Affairs NCO

Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg204th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Aaron Ellerman143d ESC Public Affairs Specialist

Mark Daly143d ESC Safety Director

Marta FelicianoArmy Child, Youth & School Services

ESC todayCommander

143d Sustainment Command(Expeditionary)

Col. Christopher P. Govekar

Command Executive Officer143d ESC

Mr. Fred Guzman

Command Sergeant Major143d ESC

Command Sgt. Maj. Ferdinand Collazo, Jr.

Public Affairs Officer/Editor143d ESC

Maj. John Adams

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

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay, 143d ESC

A color guard comprising Soldiers from the 135th ESC and 143d ESC stand at attention during a Transfer of Authority ceremony held Oct. 24 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The ceremony signifies the final phase of the 135th ESC’s deployment within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility and the beginning of the 143d ESC’s mission command within the region.

<< On the Front Cover

11

November 2013

Col. Christopher P. GovekarCommander

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Greetings from Kuwait! I’d like

to take a moment to express my personal thanks to all of you

serving with the ESC for your professionalism and commitment. Whether you’re serving in Afghanistan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Orlando, or continuing to train in your formations across the ESC, you represent the best the nation has to offer. Because of you and your efforts, we are recognized as a professional, honorable and dedicated part of the total Army. Wherever we serve, in whatever capacity, the 143d ESC is the premier logistics formation in the Army Reserve.

As we move into the future, I know the 143d ESC team will not falter nor will it bend. We are a professional organization, rich with history and a record of success. Each of you are empowered to maintain that status through your personal efforts and example for all around you. Thank you for what you do!

In November, we recognize the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States during Native American Heritage Month. We encourage all within the formation to take time during November to celebrate the significant contributions of our Native American comrades.

There is much uncertainty facing our Army in the immediate and

not too distant future. Regardless of this

u n c e r t a i n t y , the American people expectand demand the same thing of their Army as they ever have – the ability to fight

and win our nation’s wars.

Accomplishing this

goal requires Soldiers, leaders and units to deploy and accomplish their mission anywhere in the world. As an Army Reserve organization, our Soldiers couple essential military capabilities with equally critical civilian acquired skills, allowing us to bring a diversity and flexibility to military operations needed to solve the most difficult problems. Maintaining Soldier readiness at the physical, administrative and training level is the foundation of all we do, and we must not allow that readiness to falter in the face of high operational tempo or difficult financial circumstances. Leaders ensure and empower Soldiers to meet our missions head-on and with vigor. Families empower Soldiers to focus on the task at hand, and Soldiers and units empower Families to be resilient in the face of deployment or separation. The 143d ESC total Army family is the foundation for all we do and our success depends on it. Take time to nurture your families and the families within your organization.

As always, stay safe out there, wherever you are. I look forward to seeing you across the 143d ESC’s vast battlespace. Ensure you foster a professional environment, focus on the mission and have fun! As serious as our mission is, there must always be time for fun as we support one another. Again – thank you for all you do. I am humbled and grateful to be among you.

Sustaining Victory! Army Strong!

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Photo by Staff Sgt. James Burroughs 135th ESC

The Command Post

Attention NCOs: The 143d ESC needs your help.

I have been the 143d ESC’s command sergeant major for less than a month. Although I have much to learn, it only took me a few days to realize that no one can do this job alone.

My ability to the meet the high standards of this position depends on the 143d’s success in its missions both at home and abroad; and that success is ultimately defined by its first line leaders. That’s why I look to you, the world’s most professional noncommissioned officer corps, for advice, guidance and inspiration.

I intend to use this column as an forum to express my expectations for this command and, more importantly, understand the expectations you have of me. But first, I owe you some background information:

I have worn an Army uniform for more than 33 years. Of those, 18 have been with the 143d ESC. In 2002, I served as the first sergeant for the 143d’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company. I continued to train and lead Soldiers as the unit’s equal opportunity advisor in 2005, and then as the G1 sergeant major in 2006. One year later, my experience in the Signal Corps would lead me to fulfilling the responsibilities of the G6’s sergeant major.

During those two decades, I witnessed firsthand the 143d’s evolution from a quiet Transportation Command centralized in the southeast to an intrepid Expeditionary Command sustaining victory throughout the world. This transformation

would have never happened without the 143d’s commanding officers earning the trust and respect of their NCOs and junior enlisted Soldiers.

Some of you may believe that we lost some of that trust and respect in recent months. Although I will not refute such statements, I will argue that communication and self-evaluation offer solutions to the challenges the 143d faces now or might face in the future.

Several years ago I took the Army’s Multi-Source Assessment and Feedback (MSAF360) tool. MSAF360 is an online survey designed to identify a Soldier’s leadership potential by encouraging input from his or her superiors, peers and subordinates. Rather than sharing this survey with associates that genuinely liked me, I sought out Soldiers who would offer their honest opinion. Some of the feedback was unsettling, if not downright upsetting. However, those candid comments produced the best evaluation I’ve ever received in my military career.

I share this story to remind us of the importance of integrity among the ranks. As NCOs, we must be honest with not only our Soldiers but also ourselves. Facilitate an environment where your section or unit may freely (but respectfully) communicate their concerns by seeking feedback at every level of command. Reward your Soldiers’ strengths and acknowledge their weaknesses, then take steps to use the resources at your disposal to enhance your skills and those of your future leaders.

One of the greatest gifts the Army Reserve gives to the military comes from its people who have a plethora of experience in the civilian sector. Our

Soldiers’ field of expertise is not limited to their MOS. Don’t be surprised that an 88M is a project manager for a Fortune 500 company, or a 42A is a college professor at an Ivy League university. We as NCOs must embrace these diverse occupations and incorporate them into our training, missions and operations.

The Army has stood the test of time by honoring the standards established by our comrades and forefathers who fought for the very freedoms we have sworn to defend. I am proud to have the opportunity to uphold these standards by exemplifying the Army Values in every facet of my personal and professional life. If you share this passion, then I hope you will join us in the 143d ESC’s quest to become the Army Reserve’s premiere organization of professional Soldiers and outstanding leaders.

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Command Sgt. Maj. Ferdinand Collazo, Jr.Command Sergeant Major

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

“Commute to the Compound”

Illustration by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 1st TSC

THE BOTTOM LINE

Chaplain Assistant143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

Master Sgt. Ward Gros

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The other day as I sat listening to Chaplain Tom McCort’s sermon in Qatar, something he said struck a significant

chord. He said, “It’s the small things that choke out the Gospel.” That simple sentence has stuck with me as a common chord throughout my deployment. I must admit that I continuously compare the experience I had in Afghanistan in 2009 with my current experience in Kuwait. In Afghanistan, we couldn’t keep enough Bibles on hand to satisfy our Soldiers’ need for scripture. Church services were full, and we confronted life and death on a daily basis. I counted attendance at various worship services averaging at a hundred for most of the services. The Gospel service at Kandahar grew so numerous that we moved it from Fraise Chapel to the Morale Welfare and Recreation tent.

Today Chaplain (Capt.) Juan Ford and his assistant, Sgt. Ron Mohone, with the 207th Regional Support Group continue to find the rewards of deep ministry at Kandahar Army Airfield. Soldiers in Afghanistan rely on faith as if their lives depended on it. Earning their hazardous duty pay where bad guys are a daily concern gives them reason for staring mortality in the face. Chaplain (Maj.) Hank McCaskill and Sgt. David George are involved with numerous Bible studies and worship at the New Kabul Compound. They also travel regularly from Kabul to Bagram to Kandahar, reaching out to chaplains and assistants. You might think that they are worn out and tired and frustrated with this challenge, but the opposite holds true. Every time I talk with them, they seem invigorated by their journey, “Bringing God to Soldiers, and Soldiers to God”.

Afghanistan has a way of weeding out the distractions. I remember life

there as being crystal clear when it came to what I did as a chaplain assistant. Soldiers turned to God regularly in moments of need as well as moments of praise; faith in Afghanistan seems as essential as bread and water.

In Kuwait, we have plenty of entertainment, plenty of sports activities, great Wi-Fi and downtime. Our MWR staff at Camp Arifjan does an excellent job of keeping the Soldiers busy after hours. Our Crossfit team, running mafia, spinning class and abs class help keep us physically fit. There’s a movie every night of the week, and big screen televisions keeping us connected to our favorite football teams. And while all of this is great, across the board these

activities often take the place of where our spiritual fitness used to be.

When MWR or sleeping in or working out takes away from our focus on faith, then Chaplain McCort’s statement, “It’s the small things that choke

out the Gospel,” holds true. I would encourage you,

our Soldiers,

family and friends, to reconnect with your faith no matter what you believe. A recent visit to Kuwait

by Chaplain (Capt.) Thomas Dyer, the Army’s first Buddhist Chaplain, helped more than a

few of our Soldiers here deepen their faith. Buddhists and non-Buddhists participated in a deep meditation led by Chaplain Dyer who had travelled from Afghanistan to

connect with Soldiers in Kuwait. Whether Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jew

or whatever your faith perspective might be, I encourage each and every one of you to ask yourself where you stand in faith today. How important is your faith to you today, and where do you see your faith taking you tomorrow? My faith increases when I see God’s hand in the details of my life, no matter how routine my daily events may seem. Mother Theresa said, “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Her statement brings a change in perspective because instead of letting the small things distract us from getting closer to God, it encourages us to see God in our daily encounters.

Whether we find ourselves in Afghanistan, Kuwait, at home, or wherever we may be, let us always remember Paul’s words in the Second Letter to Timothy, when he writes, “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” These are key words for any endeavor we find ourselves in no matter where we may find ourselves. Let us focus on our goals at hand; let us go the distance, and always let us keep the faith.

Photo by Master Sgt. Christine Wilson 1st TSC

Chaplains and chaplain assistants from the 1st Theater Sustainment Command take a moment from their spiritual duties to pose for a group photo Oct. 15 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. From left to right: Sgt. Ron Mohone, Chaplain (Capt.) Juan Ford, Chaplain (Capt.) Hank McCaskill and Sgt. David George.

KEEPING THE FAITH

Staff Judge Advocate143d Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary)

Lt. Col. Terence P. Murphy

This past week saw the 143d ESC accept mission command within Central Command’s Area of Responsibility

from our new friends at the 135th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), an Alabama National Guard sustainment command headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

During the transition period, the leaders and Soldiers of the 135th provided outstanding assistance to the 143d as we transition into our mission. They were ready, willing and able to offer their expertise and share their lessons learned with us as the 143d ESC prepared to take over new responsibilities. The efforts of our outgoing counterparts ensured a seamless “passing of the baton” and put the 143d ESC in position to share in the exceptional success that the 135th ESC enjoyed. We are now trained and

prepared to go live with mission execution. The sustainment “ship” is on course, and

we must now hold it steady as we take charge of the mission to provide quality and timely sustainment services to our customers. The Soldiers of the 143d ESC will be successful through hard work, discipline and sharing that common goal.

There will be some days that are long, frustrating and tiresome. There will be some days when it feels like nothing happens, and there will be days that we won’t be able to take a breath until the day is done. Whatever the type of day, we must end it with an honest assessment; did we do all we could, in the best way we could to aid and enhance mission success? If we answer, “yes,” to that question, individually and collectively, on a daily basis, there will be no other possible result

to report than, “mission success.”How can we approach each day with the

mindset of doing our best in every way, everyday? We need to ensure that each of us develop an outlet to release the stresses of each day. This can be done by having a list of books to read and keeping count of how many we’ve read, by creating a workout routine to build your body and designing a better diet to follow, by learning to play the guitar or speak another language, or in any other way that your imagination can think of.

The 135th ESC goes home now with honor for a job well done. The expectation is nothing less for the 143d ESC. By consistently demonstrating loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage both on and off duty, we will make the deployment go faster, and you will feel better in your work and in ourselvesf. As Soldiers and individuals, a firm belief in and strict adherence to the Army Values will keep us trained and ready to successfully execute the mission that has been entrusted to us.

143d, let’s go to work!

DID YOU KNOW?Proper nutrition and sleep has the potential to optimize performance, mental and physical health. Your health directly impacts overall unit readiness and the resilience of the total force, as well as families and Army civilian teammates. The Army Performance Triad Program embraces these studies to motivate individuals and units to reach peak performance, readiness and health. The program’s guidebook includes tips, tactics and strategies to revitalize your workouts, revamp your diet and replenish your energy. For more information, visit http://www.armymedicine.army.mil/PerformanceTriad/.

ARMY PERFORMANCE TRIAD PROGRAM

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143d ESC

The 135th ESC, an Alabama National Guard unit based in Birmingham, Ala., took command of logistical misisons under Central Command’s area of responsibility in March. The unit linked up with its counterparts from the 143d ESC in August to ensure a smooth transition of command. Above, officers from the 143d ESC and 135th ESC gather for a transfer of authority ceremony held Oct. 24 in Camp

The Legal Corner

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PHOTO AND STORY BY SPC AARON ELLERMANPublic Affairs Specialist, 143d ESC

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Roger Londono

Senior Ordnance Ground Maintenance Warrant Officer

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“During resiliency periods I enjoy working out. I am currently taking online classes to finish my degree while deployed.”

Maj. Alicia RackstonSecretary General Staff

Headland, Ala.

Staff Sgt. Akil ListenbeeHuman Resources Specialist

Orlando, Fla.

Spc. Brianna FalzoneParalegal Specialist

Cederville, N.J.

“When I have free time I enjoy reading socially and professionally. I want to start a degree program while I’m here, [and] I look forward to continue doing Crossfit.”

“During my down time I take online college classes and work on online military courses. I also encourage my Soldiers to work on doing things that will help themselves after this deployment.”

“In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, running and playing soccer. I also try and volunteer when I can.”

143d ESC Soldiers deployed to Kuwait were asked:

on the street

“What do you do during your resiliency time while deployed?”

“Our job is to ensure our policies and the guidance we provide is being implemented among our subordinate units,” said Capt. Marsha Mcneil, chief of internal control, 336th Financial Management Support Center.

“We do operation and courtesy reviews for our units and give them feedback based on our findings,” said Mcneil.

“The biggest challenge we face is the need for experience. Soldiers may not have experienced operations at the command level and may need additional training with the Army systems; putting the right people in the right spots is critical,” said Mcneil

One of the goals of the 336th is to help reduce the financial management footprint and become more efficient.

“A big challenge for us is the reverse flow during the retrograde, managing the contracts and deterring waste, fraud, and abuse of funds on the battlefield,” said Sgt. First Class Chrysanthia Davis, a financial management technician and noncommissioned officer in charge of accounting.

The 336th recently established a centralized commercial pay cell for an incoming financial unit at Doha, Qatar. The pay cell manages contracts in support of the theater draw down. After the 336th transfers operations over to the incoming unit it will continue to provide oversight of the operation.

“Making sure our contractors get paid is very important,” said Davis.At home and abroad it is imperative that the 336th continues to ensure

the units under its supervision continue to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollar.

“It’s our mission to make sure we are spending the taxpayers’ money the way we should,” said Mcneil.

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - With stringent budgets and financial instability plaguing economies worldwide, it is imperative the Army remains financially efficient, the 336th Financial Management Support Center, out of Lake Charles, La., is helping do just that during their deployment overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The 336th provides financial oversight at the command level and is responsible for overseeing disbursing, accounting and contracting procedures for its units spread throughout the Middle East.

The 336th works closely with its subordinate units monitoring their financial operations and providing support when needed.

FINANCING THE FUTURE

Playsmart’s Brains and BrawnBring your brains and brawn to tackle our KIDS adventure course Nov. 10 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, Fla.! This course will feature challenge games and obstacles such as climbing walls, mud runs, slime tunnels, tire rolls, low crawl spaces, sprint races,\ and other elements throughout the park. All obstacles are age appropriate and event staff will help participants as needed. Participants will receive tattoos, warrior paint and snacks. Medals are awarded to all who complete the course!Kids can take the course on solo or grab their friends and take the team challenge! Teams are encouraged to create and wear their own t-shirts and gear to compete! Prizes awarded for the best team name and gear!

For event information, contact Darlene at 1-813-288-8258 or darlene@playsmart.org.

So you want to be a babysitter?Join fellow aspirng babysitters at the Tyndall Air Force Youth Center Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for an interactive, hands-on program offered by the Tyndall YP Babysitting Program. Learn techniques that will allow you to become a confident babysitter and help assist other military families and their children. Youth ages 12 to 17 learn about the ages and stages of child growth and development, safety, food and nutrition, how to handle emergencies, appropriate activities to implement with children, and the business of babysitting. The registration cost is $30. For more information, contact the Tyndall Youth Programs at 1-850-283-4366.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Army divestiture

program is a crucial means of

increasing readiness while equipping

units efficiently. This program balances the

quantity and quality of military equipment and

vehicles, ultimately keeping costs down while

sustaining force capabilities.

During the months of August and September,

dozens of Soldiers from units under the 143rd

Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) worked to

move about 50 vehicles marked for divestiture in

convoys across the command’s area of operations to

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. This was

in addition to nearly 40 vehicles already shipped

commercially to Army Support Activity Dix.

“This is a great example of how our Army Reserve

Soldier, given relatively short notice, steps up to the

plate to meet a key function associated with U.S.

Army strategic objectives,” said Foster Hudson,

the 143rd’s ESC supervisory logistics management

specialist.

The 143rd Sustainment Command

(Expeditionary) commands and controls more

than 10,000 Army Reserve troops throughout

the Southeast, including Florida, Alabama,

South Carolina, and Mississippi. Formerly a

transportation command, the 143rd ESC conducts

sustainment and retrograde missions during

overseas operations. Here in the States, the 143rd

ensures its soldiers remain ready.

“In order to stay relevant, the Army Reserve has

to go through the process, turn in vehicles, and get

ready to receive new ones down the

road,” said Lt. Col. Kevin F. Meisler,

the 143rd ESC’s deputy G3 (support

operations). “Divestiture assures

that the USAR remains a relevant

force in the future and that our

soldiers are ready to participate in any operation

deemed necessary.”

According to the latest Army Equipping Guidance,

the Army must reduce the costs associated with

maintaining and operating outdated equipment

and vehicles. Available funds will be used in

procuring and maintaining modern equipment

better suited to function and protect our troops on

an ever-changing battlefield.

“A lot of these trucks were really out of date,”

said Spc. Camille David, a 414th Transportation

Company motor transport operator, who drove one

of the divested vehicles to Army Support Activity

Dix. “I hadn’t even seen these trucks before.

Keeping the trucks running [during the mission]

was a little challenging, because they were so old.”

David has trained on and driven much newer

vehicles, both at her advanced individual training

and during her recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Although smaller items like clothing and office

supplies are also divested once obsolete, the 143rd

ESC’s focus has been upon vehicles due to the

logistics and transportation nature of its missions.

About eight soldiers from the 143rd ESC’s support

operations began planning this mission back in

August 2013.

“These items are periodically reviewed, usually

annually,” said Foster. “We didn’t do the selecting.

USARC [U.S. Army Reserve Command] was the

one that managed that aspect.”

There are several determining factors to consider

when selecting vehicles for divestiture, including

type of vehicle and the number the unit has.

After personnel from the Standard Army Retail

Supply System take possession of the vehicles at

Army Support Activity Dix, there are numerous

places they could end up.

“After they’re turned in, it’s up to the Army where

they go,” said Hudson. “They’re sold to various

agencies sometimes, like Homeland Security.”

However, according to Hudson, vehicles are

typically purchased by non-government agencies.

Some vehicles may be recycled into the inventory

to be used as training aids. Divested Army

equipment and vehicles can even

be sold as scrap metal and later re-

purposed to make new items, like

cars and toasters.

Subordinate units within the 143d

ESC involved in this mission include

the 518th Sustainment Brigade, 321st Sustainment

Brigade, 894 Quartermaster Company, 641st

Regional Support Group, 257th Transportation

Battalion, 414th Transportation Company, and

196th Transportation Company. The divestiture

mission is scheduled for completion by the end of

September.

The 143d ESC is part of the 377th Theater

Sustainment Command, headquartered in Belle

Chasse, La.

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PHOTO AND STORY BY SGT. ELISEBET FREEBURGPublic Affairs Specialist, 204th PAD

Spc. Camille David, 414th Transportation Company, drives a 5-ton Army truck from Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 10 on a vehicle divestiture mission to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

[ “In order to stay relevant, the Army Reserve has to go through the process, turn in vehicles, and get ready to receive new ones down the road.”

]

143d ESC turns in excess vehicles

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See “RIP/TOA,” pg. 12 >>>

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – From the humid air of Orlando to the heat of

the Texas Sun, Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) trained vigorously for their role in Operation Enduring Freedom. The training that took them from home station Orlando catapulted them through pre-mobilization at Fort Hood, ultimately landing them here, ready to take the reins.

BY STAFF SGT. IAN SHAY Public Affairs Specialist NCO, 143d ESC

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143dESC

TAKING THE REINS

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<<<“RIP/TOA,” CONTINUED“These are exciting times for the 143d

and I am privileged to be a part of it,” said Command Sgt. Major Ferdinand Collazo Jr., command sergeant major, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). “Our Soldiers have put their hearts and souls into this mission and have embraced

their responsibility. My excitement is beyond any description and I am proud to be a part of it.”

This past Saturday marked the end of the 143d ESC’s RIP/TOA, otherwise known as a Relief in-Place or Transfer of Authority with the 135th ESC from Birmingham, Ala, who arrived here in May 2013. The 143d ESC arrived in mid-August for an extended pre-RIP stay that helped create a much smoother transfer than most incoming/outgoing units are afforded.

“I believe that having the extended time was very helpful,” said Spc. Brittany N. Cavazos, petroleum supply specialist, 143d ESC. “I’ve had the pleasure of being able to conduct a lot of trial and errors, and I’ve been running reports alone for a little over a month, which has boosted my confidence.”

The incoming commander, Col. Christopher Govekar, 143d ESC also commented on the benefits of an extended RIP-TOA.

“The team had a unique opportunity to work together on an important planning project as well as spend more time than usual integrating into their sections in advance of the RIP-TOA,” said Govekar. “I’ve watched a group of individuals become a team through shared experience and challenge.”

Although this RIP/TOA has been unique, it is a familiar experience for the two ESCs. In December 2009 the 135th ESC replaced the 143d ESC in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“The 135th and the 143d have developed a tremendous working relationship. I think that for the most part we actually function as one unit and not two,” said Collazo.

During any RIP/TOA the importance of the outgoing unit cannot be understated as they help determine the transition and success for the Soldiers replacing them.

The outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Donald B. Tatum, commanding general, 135th ESC, honored his Soldiers for all their hard work during the

RIP/TOA ceremony here.“Thank you for being true professionals, for living up to the commitments

we made a year ago, and for everything you’ve done,” said Tatum. “I can honestly say, I have never been as proud to command an organization.”

135th Soldiers have made it easy for 143d Soldiers to take over the operation.“The 135th has been of great pleasure to work with from Class III to G6, said

Cavazos. “They were very helpful and always made sure I was squared away and have done nothing less but set me up for success.”

The relationship formed between the ESCs is not the only bond recently established, as the 143d continues relations with our Kuwaiti partners in the area, many who were in attendance during the RIP-TOA ceremony.

Govekar addressed the audience during the ceremony, encouraging the unit’s commitment to the mission at hand while praising our Kuwaiti partners.

“We’re also privileged to have our Kuwaiti partners in attendance to recognize your continued support that has made us so successful to date. Without your hospitality, our mission success could not be what it is today. Thank you so much for your professionalism, your expertise in what you bring to the ceremony and to our mission,” said Govekar.

As the 143d prepares to take over operations here, a new era begins in Camp Arifjan. Expectations are high and the excitement is palpable.

“The 143d has trained vigorously for months in order to take on this mission and I am confident that we will perform far beyond anybody’s expectation,” said Collazo.

Incoming commander Col. Christopher P. Govekar, commanding officer, 143d ESC, cuts the ceremonial cake with the outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Donald B. Tatum, commanding general, 135th ESC, an Alabama National Guard unit out of Birmingham, Ala. The 135th ESC officially transferred authority of logistical missions within U.S. Central Command’s area of operations to the 143d ESC Oct. 24 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Photo by Maj. John Adams 143dESC

Col. Christopher P. Govekar, commanding officer, 143d ESC, and Command Sgt. Major Ferdinand Collazo Jr., command sergeant major, 143d ESC, salute the colors during the RIP-TOA ceremony held Oct. 24 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ian Shay 143dESC

George Smith Patton, Jr. was born on his family’s ranch in San Gabriel, Calif., Nov. 11,

1885. Patton’s family was of Scots-Irish and English heritage with a long military lineage. Patton’s grandfather, George Smith Patton, commanded the 22nd Virginia Infantry during the Civil War and was killed during the Battle of Winchester in 1864 His great uncle, Waller Tazewell Patton, was killed in Pickett’s Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. Patton’s father graduated from Virginia Military Institute but instead gave up his commission to pursue a career in law. The stories of the heroic Pattons of old

had inspired George S. Patton to become a war hero. He often read military history, focusing on great warriors and strategists like Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc and Napoleon Bonaparte. Patton attended VMI from 1903-04. He had trouble reading and writing but excelled in uniform appearance and military drill. After continuous practice with letter

writing and an adequate entrance exam score, he was recommended for West Point in 1904.Struggles in mathematics struggles forced

Patton to repeat his first year, but he persisted studying during the summer break and upon returning in the fall showed great academic improvement. He would see continued success from then on at West Point, graduating 46th out of 103 cadets. Patton was commissioned as a second

lieutenant in 1909. Seven years later he would see combat for the first time under the command of General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing. Patton’s first experience in combat would also mark the first motorized attack in American military history. Patton led 10 Soldiers and two civilian guides under the 6th Infantry Regiment in three dodge touring cars, in search of Mexican general Pancho Villa whose forces had crossed into Columbus, N.M. March, 1916, killing 15 Americans. Patton’s Soldiers succeeded in killing Julio Cardenas, a captain of Pancho Villa, and two of his guards. Patton’s success would garner him the nickname of “bandit killer.” In 1917, Patton was promoted to Captain,

and left for the First World War . His new post under his protege Pershing left Patton bored and thirsting for more combat. While in the hospital for jaundice, Patton met Col. Fox Conner, who pushed him to work with tanks instead of infantry. Just two years after making first lieutenant

Patton was promoted to Major in 1918 thanks to his efforts in establishing the American Expeditionary Force Light Tank School. Later that year Patton was promoted to lieutenant colonel and lead his tanks at the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Patton led his troop of tanks through five miles of thick fog

into German lines, where he was seriously wounded by a machine gun in his upper left thigh. After the invasion of Poland in 1939, Patton

knew the seriousness of the Second World War and sought to build up the U.S. armored forces. Patton received the command of the newly formed 2nd Armored Brigade, 2nd Armored Division and was promoted to brigadier general in 1940. Less than a year later he would again be promoted to Major General, becoming the commander of the entire 2nd Armored Division. After America entry into World War II in 1941, Patton would lead Soldiers during multiple campaigns during in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, France and Germany. In December 1944, Patton’s Third Army engaged more than 250,000 German troops in the Battle of the Bulge. Patton’s leadership skills allowed him to command six divisions simultaneously in the middle of winter and successfully relieve Bastogne. He later remarked that the defense of Bastogne was his most outstanding achievement.Patton’s forces would take over half a dozen

cities, killing almost 100,000 and capturing more than 140,000 German soldiers. Patton’s career as a Soldier cannot be understated and following his untimely death in Dec. 8, 1945, after severe injuries in an automobile accident, his legacy still lives on as one of the greatest combat generals of all time.

General DiscussionBORN 1885, DIED 1945 SERVICE 1909-1945

Mexican Revolution, World War I, World War II

George S. Patton

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KUWAITI NAVAL BASE, Kuwait - The diver’s bright yellow helmet is visible

beneath the clear waters of the Persian Gulf as he swims up to the ramp where

his team members wait.

His hands break the surface of the water first, as he hoists his body on the ramp and his team circles around him to help pull him out of the

water and unto the vessel.They help him remove his helmet and take his air tank off his back as he begins unzipping his wet suit.

The Army diver collapses into a fold-out chair provided for him while his fellow divers remove his shoes and peel his wet suit off his legs, congratulating him on a job well done and asking him questions about his dive.

Although the diver is exhausted from hours spent below the surface patching equipment, he answers the questions with a slight smile on his face, knowing he has just passed his salvage diving qualification.Soldiers with the 86th Engineer Dive Team

and the crew of the Churubusco, Landing Craft Utility 2013 with the Army Watercraft Company,

371st Sustainment Brigade, conducted salvage dive operations in the Persian Gulf near Kuwait Naval Base,

Kuwait Sept. 24.“For us in the dive field, you need to have the salvage level

qualification within a year of being promoted to sergeant, [and]it’s something they need in order to progress in the dive field,”

said Capt. Matthew Schiller, a Germantown, N.Y. native and the commanding officer for the 86th Engineer Dive Team.

The divers who participated dove approximately 30 feet and, after assessing the situation, they were supplied with the equipment needed and

patched a vessel at the bottom of the Persian Gulf.“We put the diver in the water, they assess what they need, we make the patch on

deck and then they repair it,” said Schiller.To earn their qualifications, the divers must successfully assess and repair the

equipment without any aid and complete their task in only a couple of hours, said Staff Sgt. David Craig, a diving supervisor with the 86th Engineer Dive Team and a Honolulu, Hawaii native.

“I assessed the hole to see if it could actually have a patch put on. It couldn’t so I had to actually cut the metal first in order to put the patch on,” said Spc. Thomas P. Hunnicutt, an Army diver with the 86th Engineer Dive Team and a Macon, Ga., Native.

The exercise granted some of the newest members of the team an important qualification which ensures that all members of the team are certified to appropriate level in the dive field, said Craig.

“Rank goes with rate in our field, said Craig. “The salvage diver level is a diver where I’m fully confident that they can go down by themselves, map out the scene and do

all the work I need accomplished without direction from me.

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PHOTO AND STORY BY STAFF SGT. KIMBERLY HILLPublic Affiairs NCO, 371st Sustainment Brigade

SERVICE UNDER THE SURFACE86th Engineer Dive Team conducts salvage dive in the Persian Gulf

AROUNDTHE ESC

16 ESCTODAY• http://www.facebook.com/143dESC •www.flickr.com/143dESC

Spc. Colin Bucko, a paralegal specialist with the 143d ESC, dribbles the ball around his Kuwaiti opponent during an friendly international match between the Camp Arifjan Football Club and the Kuwait National Guard held Oct. 7 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Despite impressive defensive stands and offensive plays by Bucko and his comrades, the Kuwait National Guard secured its perfect, seven-game winning streak with a score of 6-3.

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

As the sun illuminates Old Glory draped over the United States Army Vessel Churubusco, Spc. Jason R. Mullis (right), a watercraft operator with the 824th Transportation Company, takes the oath of reenlistment in front of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael J. Byrne (left), vessel master of the USAV Churubusco. Mullis and four other Soldiers from various units reenlisted during separate ceremonies held Oct. 14 on the main decks of the Churubusco and its sister vessel, the USAV Five Forks, while anchored in Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait.

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

Soldiers of the 86th Engineer Dive Team pull a diver out of the Persian Gulf during salvage dive operations near Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait, Sept. 24. The diver, Spc. Thomas P. Hunnicutt, a Macon, Ga., native, participated in the exercise to become salvage diver qualified.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill 371st Sustainment Brigade

AROUNDTHE ESC

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Sporting signature blue vests from the Red Cross, Soldiers from the 143d ESC pose for a group photo during the “Akron Marathon Camp Arifjan Kuwait Shadow” marathon held Sept. 28 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The 371st Sustainment Brigade, an Army National Guard unit based out of Springfield, Ohio, organized the shadow run that featured a 5-kilometer run, a 12-mile relay, a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 26.2-mile marathon. From left to right: Master Sgt. Alejandro J. Arroyo, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joseph P. Phoebus, Staff Sgt. David C. Montalvo, Sgt. Louis A. Ramos, Jr., Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, Spc. Brittany Covazos and Spc. Joanna Prokop.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Joel M. Gottke 371st Sustainment Brigade

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joseph Claflin (left), a marine operations officer with the 143d ESC, gives a tour of the engine room on the United States Army Vessel Charles P. Gross Oct. 14 while anchored at Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait. The USAV Chales P. Gross, a Besson class logistics support vessel, can load up to 900 short tons of cargo and vehicles from its bow and stern ramps and transport them thousands of miles to nearly any port, harbor or beach.

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

Photo by 1st Lt. Nicole Rossman 143d ESC

Noncommissioned officers from the 143d ESC join their fellow NCOs assigned under the 1st Theater Sustainment Command for a three-mile run held Oct. 15 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The run was part of an NCO development session conducted by Command Sgt. Maj. Tobin, command sergeant major for the 1st TSC.

Soldiers from the 95th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Company conduct a CBRN casualty decontamination exercise Oct. 12 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 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

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

Photo by Sgt. Elisebet Freeburg 204th PAD

Specialists Camille David and Jerome Grimes of the 414th Transportation Company look over a schedule before departing Sept. 10 on a vehicle divestiture mission to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Major General Kurt Stein, commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, and Brig. Gen. Donald Tatum, commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, cut the ribbon during a grand opening ceremony held Oct. 1 at Kuwait’s Theater Gateway in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. They were joined by Col. Gregory Robinette, commander of the 371st Sustainment Brigade and Lt. Col. Christopher Pfaff, commander of the 138th Theater Gateway. The geateway was relocated in a move that saves the government more than $2 million per month.

Photo by Staff Sgt. James Burroughs 135th ESC

Wearing an authentic helmet, flame resistant suit and air tank, Spc. Brittany Cavazos, a petroleum supply specialist with the 143d ESC, flips a tire during the Army Support Group-Kuwait Firefighter Challenge held Oct. 6 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Cavazos won first place in the women’s division by completing a series of timed events that tested a firefighter’s strength, speed and endurance. Master Sgt. Johnny F. Allen with the 143d ESC’s Support Operations’ Distribution Integration Branch took first place in the men’s division.

Photo by 1st Lt. Nicole Rossman 143d ESC

AROUNDTHE ESC

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Soldiers from the 143d ESC show off the shirts they received for participating in the Army 10-Miler shadow run held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The Army 10-Miler is the second largest race of its kind in America and has inspired thousands of people to participate in shadow runs conducted at U.S. military installations around the world.

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC

Captain Thomas Dyer (left), Chaplain, 25th Signal Battalion, 160th Signal Brigade, leads a Zen meditation session Oct. 1 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Dyer became the Army’s first Buddhist chaplain in 2008.

Photo by Spc. Aaron Ellerman 143d ESC

Soldiers of the 86th Engineer Dive Team speak with a diver before he goes underwater during salvage dive operations near Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait, Sept. 24, 2013. The diver, Spc. Thomas P. Hunnicutt, a Macon, Ga., native, participated in the exercise to become salvage diver qualified.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill 371st Sustainment Brigade

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tim Lawn 1st TSC

Lieutenant Colonel Nelsa Agosto with the 1st theater Sustainment Command hugs a young Afghan girl at the Afghan Women’s Bazaar held Oct. 23 in New Kabul Compound, Afghanistan.

BY MARK DALYSafety Director, 143d ESC

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SAFETYIt’s your choice

We all make mistakes and bad choices, and we will continue to do so. Though some my fellow safety officers see mistakes as “job security,”

we’re supposed to learn from the mistake and not repeat it. This is one of the core functions of Safety. We investigate to find the root cause and pass this knowledge onto you so this accident is not duplicated.

The root cause is the reason for the accident. I listed three system inadequacies, readiness shortcomings and root causes as to why the error, failure or malfunction occurred:

1. Leader failure2. Training failure3. Individual failureI’m going to focus on

individual failure. Table B-5 of the “Department of the Army Pamphlet 385–40: Army Accident Investigations and Reporting” states that individual failure “occurs when the individual knows the standard and is trained to standard but elected not to follow the standard.”

The key phrase is “elected not to follow,” meaning professionally trained Soldiers choose to break the law (Many if not all safety rules are federal law, and the Department of Defense is not exempt from them). In doing so, they jeopardize their health, career, financial stability and the Army mission, just to name a few.

What qualifies as an individual failure? Distracted driving, no seat belt, no helmet, no insurance, muzzle sweep, not properly preparing for missions, not hydrating, stretching, or sleeping, and dependence on energy drinks or herbal supplements.

Energy drinks and herbal supplements? There are no laws prohibiting the use of these!

First red flag: these drinks and supplements are not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration, meaning you might test positive on the next urinalysis. The FDA is investigating deaths and heart attacks where energy drinks were cited as a cause.

Do not mistake individual failure with leadership failure. N o n c o m m i s s i o n e d officers and officers are managers, not parents. Do they really need to state the obvious?

In closing, mistake happen and will continue to happen. Just don’t make the same one twice. Do not confuse individual failure with leadership failure. Individual failure is a conscience choice with disturbing consequences. Remember, you are a highly trained Soldier, the best in the world.

You are held to a higher standard and expected to exceed it. However, you are not invincible. Know your limits.

We have lost very good Soldiers to poor decisions. It’s your choice.

ALWAYS

TEXTING

WEARING

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

Taking ACTION

How to help someone who is sexually assaulted

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Intervene, Act and Motivate (I. A.M.) Strong is the Army’s campaign to combat sexual assaults by engaging all Soldiers in preventing sexual assaults before they occur. This month we’ll look at ways we can “ACT” by preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault from occurring and helping someone who has been sexually assaulted.

Sexual assault can be prevented. As Soldiers, our core values demand that we act. There are no passive bystanders. We must protect our team members. When you see or sense the risk of sexual harassment or sexual assault, it is your duty to take ACTION and protect your fellow Soldiers.

‘1. Ensure that the victim is at a safe location away from the perpetrator.

If not, take the victim to a safe place.2. Support the victim — be there and listen.

a. Avoid being judgmental, keep from second-guessing and resist placing any blame on the victim.b. Be patient. Remember, it will take the victim some time to deal with the crime.c. Other than safety and health-related questions, try to refrain from asking for details about the incident. Show interest in what the victim says and ask what you can do to help the victim.

3. If there is an immediate threat to the victim’s safety, contact military law enforcement or local police immediately. Work with law enforcement and the victim to protect the victim from the perpetrator and others acting on the perpetrator’s behalf.

a. If the victim requires emergency medical care, call 911 (inside the U.S.) or your installation/base’s emergency medical care services. If the victim

requires medical attention but not emergency care, help the victim get to a medical provider as soon as possible.b. Offer to stay with the victim. Victims are often reluctant to be alone after enduring an attack. Accompany the victim to the hospital or other places if he or she so desires.

4. If the attack took place outside of military jurisdiction, assist the victim to report the sexual assault to law enforcement (call 911 inside the U.S.).

a. If someone you know has questions about reporting the crime and available options, getting information from Safe Helpline can help. Find help at www.safehelpline.org or call 1-877-995-5247. The phone number is the same inside the U.S. or via the DSN.b. Safe Helpline can also connect you with the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator on your installation/base, and other military and civilian resources in your area. To find this information you can search online or text your zip code or installation/base name to 55247 (inside the U.S.) or call 1-202-470-5546 (outside the U.S.).

5. Most military members have options about how to report the crime. Unrestricted Reports allow the victim to participate in the military criminal justice process.b. Restricted Reports are kept confidential, and military chain of command and law enforcement are not notified.c. Note: There may be some exceptions and limitations. For example, when the victim reports the crime to someone in the chain of command, a Restricted Report may no longer be an option. If you are in the individual’s chain of command, you may have to report the matter. To learn more about reporting options, visit www.MYDUTY.mil. Please see your SARC or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate for more guidance. Search the Safe Helpline Database to find the SARC nearest you.

6. Help to empower the victim. a. Rape and sexual assault are crimes that take away an individual’s power. It is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on the victim to do things that he or she is not ready to do yet.

BY MAJ. SANDY GOSCINIAKSexual Assault Response Coordinator, 143d ESC