1st coscom: the army’s only contingency support …spends a little quality time with his daughter...

Blackjack ProviderCommanding General.......Brig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine

Command Sergeant Major......Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen1st COSCOM Public Affairs Officer.......Capt. Sonise Lumbaca

Media Relations Officer....Capt. Craig ChristianMulti-media Graphic Illustrator...Spc. Zhi Wong

Photojournalist.......Pfc. Jerome Bishop

A newsletter printed quarterly by the 1st COSCOM Public Affairs Office. Print or visualsubmissions of general interest to the Blackjack Provider are invited. Email submissionsto [email protected] or call DSN 318-829-1234.

Contents of the Blackjack Provider are not necessarily the official views of orendorsed by the U.S. Government, the Dept. of Defense, the Dept. of the Army,Fort Bragg, or the 1st Corps Support Command. The Blackjack Provider is anunofficial publication authorized by AR 360-1. Editorial content is prepared, edited,and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 1st Corps Support Command.This newsletter follows the AP style guide.

ON THE COVER...1st COSCOM: The Army’s Only Contingency Support Command

2 Winter 2004

Soldiers committed to fighting the waron terrorism. Cover by Capt. SoniseLumbaca, 1st COSCOM PAO.COSCOM graphics by Pfc. Joseph Gre-gory, 507th Corps Support Group.

Command Team-The command team dis-cusses the command’s focus.

Chaplain’s Corner-1st COSCOM Chaplain pro-vides spiritual guidance.

COSCOM Soldiers givethanks away from home-Soldiers celebrate Thanksgiv-ing in Kuwait.

Transfer of Authority-1st COSCOM takes the reignsof LSA Anaconda from 13thCOSCOM.

507th CSG assumeshumanitarian assistancemission-Soldiers deliver toys to localIraqi children.

Equal Opportunity-Soldiers are advised on howEO advisors and representa-tives can provide assistance.

Schoomaker visits LSAAnaconda-Army Chief of Staff visits withtroops, up-armoring facilityand force protection assets.

1st Annual Jingle BellJog-The spirit of Christmas is cel-ebrated with a fun run.

Building a legacy-Jointly deployed military fam-ily members discuss theirlegacies.

USO Handshake Tour-Celebrity tour boosts Soldiers’morale.

And more...

And more...

Various photos taken by 1stCOSCOM PAO staff to includesome submissions from HHC,1st COSCOM and the 623rdQuartermaster Company.

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COSCOM conducts ad-vanced live-fire training-Soldiers conduct various live-fire exercises in Kuwait.

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The Provider The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM3

Letter from the command

Command Sgt. Maj.Joseph R. Allen1st COSCOM

Brig. Gen. Yves J. FontaineCommanding General

As commander of the1st Corps SupportCommand and LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda, Iextend my best wishesthat this new year and newmission will hold greatchallenges andaccomplishments for usall. It is certainly difficultin these times to be farfrom home, but thisabsence gives us theopportunity to reflect onthe blessings we have asAmericans and to realizethe importance of thosethings that we sometimestake for granted. Ourcountry is truly thegreatest the world has everknown, and we arefortunate to have theopportunity to help others

gain the freedoms weenjoy and the ability tocelebrate in peace.

Some of you are nearthe end of your tour in Iraqand should use the recentholidays as a springboardfor an emotional and welldeserved reunion withyour families. You haveworked hard this past yearwith superb results. Takepride in youraccomplishments andenjoy the time with yourloved ones.

For those units that arepreparing to join us, spendas much time as you canwith your family. It willbe some time before youare able to see them again.The mission here is a great

and important one thatwill be your utmost focus.

As for our unitsoperating in the rear, younot only have a heavymission to sustain insupporting the XVIIIAirborne Corps, but youare also the key for us toreach back to the rear toour family members. Wedepend on you and knowthat this mission willremain at the forefront.

For the rest of us, let’suse this time to begincreating relationships thatwill sustain us throughoutthe coming year. It isimportant for us to rely oneach other to be able tocount on each other whenneeded.

Take this time to reflecton your family and loved

ones that I am sure arethinking of you. Continueto Soldier with pride andaggressively perform yourmission. Maintain focuson your warrior skills.You are the best in theworld and should be proudof your service.

Remain vigilant, takecare of yourself and takecare of each other. Godbless our great nation.FIRST TEAM, ATW

The 1st COSCOM isready to ensure that themission is completed onthe front lines and back ingarrison. We are highlytrained as individuals andas a unit. Our missionsboth here and in the rear

are tough ones and withour current record ofmission accomplishment, Iknow that we are up for thechallenge.

During times like these,we must not lose focus ofthe little things, like propermilitary courtesies, takingcare of Soldier issues, andpaying attention to detail atall times. These are thethings that, if we fail tomonitor, will come backand bite us.

During holidaysthroughout the year,especially those that arenormally spent withfamily, to includebirthdays, times can betough. There are many

assets within the 1st

COSCOM to help you getthrough those difficulttimes. With today’st e c h n o l o g y ,communication to familyback at home can be morefrequent and is readilyavailable. You also havethe chaplains, and moreimportant, your battlebuddy to get you throughthose difficult times.Remember that the 1st

COSCOM is yourextended family. Take thistime to build yourrelationships whileconducting the mission.These are the Soldiers thatwill cover your six if andwhen the time calls for it.

The 1st COSCOM hasgrown with the addition ofour Reserve and NationalGuard units. Welcome tothe family. You havealready so fardemonstrated yourenthusiasm to be a memberof the First Team. We areglad to have you on boardand look forward tocreating a cohesiverelationship.

Every member of the 1st

COSCOM is at war. Andwe must recognize thiseach day. This is seriousbusiness and we want toensure that each membermakes it back home to hisor her loved ones safely.FIRST TEAM!

4

COSCOM deploys in support of OIFFORT BRAGG, N.C.—

Approximately 300 Soldiers fromthe 1st Corps Support Command leftFort Bragg Nov. 16 to deploy to Iraq

in support of Operation IraqiFreedom.

Among them was Brig. Gen.Yves J. Fontaine, 1st COSCOMcommander and Command Sgt.Maj. Joseph R. Allen, 1st COSCOMcommand sergeant major.

The Soldiers joined thousands oftheir comrades already deployed toIraq, while others from thecommand were scheduled to deployin late December.

The deployment will be the firsttime that the 1st COSCOM hasdeployed multiple headquarterssimultaneously to OIF.

“In the past we have deployedsmaller elements to support variouscommands in theater such as atransportation company or amaintenance company. For thisdeployment we will have about halfof the COSCOM deployed with

their headquarters,” said Col. JamesCurrie, G3 operations officer.

There are currently about 1,500Fort Bragg logistical Soldiers thatare in Iraq, and these numbers will

rise tob e t w e e n2,000 and2,500 throughM a r c h ,Fontaine saidin ani n t e r v i e wprior toboarding forOIF.

“ T h eC O S C O Mdeploymentstarted about amonth agowith theadvance partygoing to

Kuwait,” Fontaine said.The advance party was sent

ahead to conduct preparation for themain body of Soldiers coming in.While in Kuwait, Soldiers willconduct additional combat trainingand logistical operations until it istime for their departure to Iraq.

The COSCOM will support theentire multinational force in Iraq asfar as providing logistics, Fontainesaid.

“The biggest thing - and we sawit coming - was distribution ofsupplies and logistics in a very largetheater,” he said. The challenge isto distribute the enormous amountof logistics for the force at the righttime and the right place, he said.

Although the Soldiers were readyto deploy with weapons andequipment in hand, many of themdid not want to leave their families

behind. Sadness was in the air asSoldiers hugged their familymembers with tears streaming downtheir faces while saying farewell.

“It is tough to leave the ones youlove behind for such a long periodof time, at the same time, they knowthat I have a mission to do,” saidCapt. Justin Perusek, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1st

COSCOM commander.Families will be able to keep in

touch with e-mail, phone calls andmail, Perusek said.

The 1st COSCOM will haveapproximately 18,000 Soldiers,which consists of a combination ofactive duty, Reserves and NationalGuard Soldiers. The numbers willdwindle in the spring and summertime frame when many Soldiers arescheduled to redeploy, Fontainesaid.

“We are in the saddle now,”Fontaine said. “We are engagedwith providing logistical support toall our multinational components inIraq.”

Story and photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca, 1st COSCOM PAO

Capt. Jason MacDonald, chemi-cal officer, HHC, 1st COSCOM,spends a little quality time withhis daughter prior to boarding anaircarft headed to OIF Nov. 16.

Teary eyed familiy members place their hands overtheir hearts during the National Anthem which wasplayed prior to Soldiers boarding the aircraft for OIFNov. 16 .

Winter 2004


LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AREAANACONDA, Iraq—The 1st

Corps Support Commandaccepted authority of LSAAnaconda, and other locations inIraq, from the 13th Corps SupportCommand in a transfer ofauthority ceremony at the MoraleWelfare and Recreation Complexhere Dec. 12.

Brig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, 1st

COSCOM commander, andCommand Sgt. Maj. Joseph R.Allen performed the unveiling ofthe colors to signify the transfer ofauthority.

“I hope that each of you takegreat pride in what you haveaccomplished this year. Yourservice has been outstanding,”said Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz,Multi-National Corps-Iraqcommander.

Metz was the guest speaker andthe reviewing officer for theceremony, which was movedindoors because of inclementweather.

“Our success is your success,”Metz said.

The 13th COSCOM arrived inIraq in January 2004 and has sincesuccessfully conducted an array ofoperations that includes thedelivery of meals ready to eat,fuel, ammunition, and bottledwater. Other operations includethe processing of approximately2,000 tons of mail, and conductingan average of 200 convoys a day.

“We are being replaced by the1st COSCOM, who have knownfor over a year that 2005 would

be their year,” said Brig. Gen.James E. Chambers, 13 th

COSCOM commander. “They aremore than ready and trained totake the mission and will improveon the systems currently inplace,” said Chambers.

Some of the instal lat ionimprovements made by the 13th

COSCOM focused on quality oflife. The installation now has amovie theater, an MWR facilityand two swimming pools.

Chambers thanked themembers of his command forcomplet ing their missionsuccessfully.

1st Corps Support Command takes the reigns of LSA AnacondaTransfer of AuthorityBy Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st COSCOM PAO

“We can go home with our headshigh and our backs straight,” saidChambers.

Fontaine, born in La louviere,Belgium, thanked the 13th COSCOMfor their hospitality andprofessionalism and said he isconfident in his staff and that hisSoldiers are up to the task.

”We will maintain the highstandards,” Fontaine said.

Under the command of the 1st

COSCOM at LSA Anaconda will beapproximately 15,000 troops,including Soldiers, Marines, sailorsand airman from the active component,Reserves and National Guard.

Photo by Pfc. Jerome Bishop

The 1st Corps Support Command commander and the command ser-geant major, after unveiling the command’s colors, unfurl their unit’sstreamers at LSA Anaconda Dec. 12 in a transfer of authority cer-emony.

6 Winter 2004

507th Corps Support Group assumeshumanitarian assistance mission

L S AA N A C O N D A ,Iraq—Members ofthe 507th CorpsSupport Group, 1st

Corps SupportCommand and the172nd CSG, 13th

COSCOM traveled tothe Door Alsinavillage Dec. 7 inorder to not onlytransfer to the 1st

COSCOM ongoingprojects, but to alsomeet with the villageleader and distributeBeanie Babies to thelocal school children.

These ongoingprojects and therelationship established with the village is an endeavorcalled Operation Anaconda Neighborhood (OAN), anextension of Operation Iraqi Children (OIC). OperationIraqi Children is a program that enables Americans tosend school supply kits to Iraqi children.

“In the past, $10,000 worth of supplies was donatedby American citizens. Today is Beanie Baby day andintroduction of the new command coming in,” said Lt.Col. R.J. Gore, 172nd CSG chaplain.

Operation Anaconda Neighborhood takes the OICprogram a step further. It establishes governate supportteams that are responsible for conducting minorinfrastructure recovery operations and reconstructionassistance of small villages.

Door Alsina is one of those villages and hasapproximately 700 villagers. Within these numbers,there are approximately 110 grade school students whoattend Manathera, a school built with the aid of the172nd CSG.

“The 507th (CSG) is taking over the monitoring ofthree OAN projects handed over to us from the 172nd

CSG,” said Maj.C h a r l e sN e w b e g i n ,o p e r a t i o n sofficer, 507th

CSG.“The first

was the buildingof the schoolwhich wascompleted inOctober 2004.The secondproject is thewater filtrationsystem projectand the third isa sewer systemproject,” saidNewbegin.

Reconstructionassistance for the Iraqi people involves building, repair,reconstitution, and reestablishment of the social andmaterial infrastructure of Iraq. This can include, but isnot limited to water and sanitation infrastructure, food

Story and photos by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st COSCOM PAO

Maj. John H.G. Rasmussen, Chaplain, 507th Corps Support Group,1st Corps Support Command, gives an Iraqi child a Beanie Babyduring a visit to Door Alsina village, Iraq Dec. 7. Members of the507th CSG traveled to the village to give students who attend theManathera School and neighborhood children the toys as a partof the project Operation Anaconda Neighborhood.

Iraqi children form a line to receive Beanie Ba-bies from members of the 507th CSG, 1st CSCOMduring a visit to Door Alsina village, Iraq Dec. 7.


production and distribution, agriculture, electronicpower generation and distribution, telecommunications,education, transportation, and initiatives that furtherrestores the rule of law and effective governance.

Civil Affairs detachments are vital components andheavily involved with this process.

Traveling to the village wasn’t all business. Afterintroduction of the incoming command to villagers, the

At first the childrenappeared to be withdrawnat first sight of theSoldiers and theirvehicles. However, oncethey saw the colorfulsmall stuffed animals, theyappeared excited andformed a line behind thevehicles to receive theirgifts.

“Sometimes the crowdof children can get out ofcontrol because thechildren are excitedabout what we have togive them. Sometimeswe have to take a breakand let them calm down,and then proceed withhanding things out. Butthe bottom line is that wetry to ensure that each

child gets whatever it is we have to give them,” saidGore.

“It is wonderful seeing the smiles on their littlefaces,” said Rasmussen.

The 507th Unit Ministry Team, with the assistanceof the 1st COSCOM Civil Affairs detachment intendsto continue providing this type of outreach andreconstruction program for the next year or so.

“The Iraqi people have many projects they arefocused on and we want to help and see themsucceed,” said Newbegin.

chaplains and members of their unit ministry teamsdelivered small surprises to the younger membersof the village. Approximately 110 Beanie Babieswere passed out to the students of the ManatheraSchool and the smaller children living in the village.

“We are piggy backing on this trip to use theopportunity to provide humanitarian aid to win thehearts and minds of the villagers. We also want toshow a friendly face,” said Maj. John H.G.Rasmussen, 507th CSG Chaplain.

“It is wonderful seeingthe smiles on their littlefaces.”

-Maj. John H.G. Rasmussen, 507th CSG

A 1st COSCOM Soldiers poses with members ofthe Door Alsina village, Iraq Dec. 7

Maj. John H.G. Rasmussen (right), Chaplain, 507th CSG, 1st COSCOM is in-troduced by an interpreter to a village leader at the Door Alsina village, IraqDec. 7. The village leader monitors ongoing projects and establishes linesof communication between the villagers and units.

Winter 2004Winter 20048

The U.S. military, like America itself, is a meltingpot of religious and cultural diversity. Living withpeople with origins and traditions from throughout theworld isn’t easy at times, but assistance is just aroundthe corner.

The Army’s Equal Opportunity (EO) program aidsSoldiers and civilians in the education and acceptanceof the various people that make up today’s Army. LSAAnaconda is no exception. With the arrival of the 1st

Corps Support Command, a new EO advisor isavailable to help commanders tackle the issues thatsometimes arise from living in a diverse community.

Sgt. 1st Class Richard Weldon, the 1st COSOM EOadvisor, is the man who ensures that commandersreceive EO information, so that they can be a betterasset to their Soldiers living and working environment.

“The EO program is the prevention of discriminationagainst Soldiers and civilians based on gender, race,color, national origin and religion,” Weldon said.

As defined in Army Regulation 600-20, the equalopportunity regulation, “the Equal Opportunityprogram formulates, directs, and sustains acomprehensive effort to maximize human potential andto ensure fair treatment for all persons based solely onmerit, fitness and capability in support or readiness.EO philosophy is based on fairness, justice, and equity.”

The goals of the program outlined in AR 600-20 areto provide EO for all Soldiers and family memberswithin legal limits, to make and sustain effective unitsby eliminating discrimination, and to provide the samesupport to department of the Army employed civilians.

“[The EO programs] gives better understandingabout the differences of others,” Weldon said.

Positive reinforcement of EO gives units the abilityto perform in any circumstances without the threat ofinternal or external discrimination, he said.

The EO program is the commander’s program. It’savailable to help commanders ranging from companyto brigade level to provide preventative training and toresolve an issue should one arise, Weldon said.

The Soldiers of the EO program have one of twoduties, to serve as an EO representative to companyand battalion sized units or to function as an EO advisorto brigade level units or higher, he said.

Advisors are responsible for getting training tocommanders to supplement their EO training that mustbe conducted quarterly. Representatives are theSoldiers who actually conduct the training and act asintermediaries in the event of a violation of AR 600-20and aid the Soldier affected in receving properassistance in resolving the issue, Weldon said.

Complaints are unfortunately an example that aSoldier or a group of Soldiers chose not to abide byEO regulations. However, complaints are rarelydisregarded when presented for resolution.

There are two types of complaints a Soldier can file,informal and formal. Informal complaints get the issueresolved at the lowest level in the chain of command.These are the most common kinds of complaints,Weldon said.

The formal complaint is a lot more serious becauseit requires a serious violation to occur before it can befiled, he said. Formal complaints are taken directly tothe unit commander, who has 14 days to have the issueinitiated in an investigation.

Given the serious nature of these types of complaints,other agencies may take over the investigation byrequest of the commander or initiate their own if theydeem necessary. Agencies able to investigate suchviolations are the chain of command, the EO advisor,the housing referral office, the Judge Advocate General,Military Police or Criminal Investigator, chaplains,medical agencies and the Inspector General, Weldonsaid.

Upon completion of the investigation, the individualresponsible for the EO violation can be subject topunishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

“The bottom line is the EO program is thecommander’s program,” Weldon said. “My job as EOadvisor is to advise commanders on policies andprocedures.”

The EO program and the advisors andrepresentatives it hosts are a necessary asset to thefunction of the Army. Without it, the various genders,races, and religions of the Army wouldn’t have beenable to meld together to make the strong, effective, andbattle-proven units serving today, Weldon said.

Army’s Equal Opportunity programaids commanders in diversity trainingBy Pfc. Jerome Bishop, 1st COSCOM Public Affairs

Schoomaker visits LSA Anaconda

The Provider The Official Newletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOMThe Provider The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM9

By Pfc. Jerome Bishop, 1st COSCOM Public Affairs

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq—LSAAnaconda was host to a brief butworthwhile visit from the highest-ranking Army official Dec. 27.

Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, U.S.Army Chief of Staff, paid Soldiers andairmen alike a visit during a tour of themiddle eastern theater.

Schoomaker’s tour began with avisit to the 507th Corps SupportGroup’s, 457th TransportationBattalion. The 457th TransportationBattalion is a Reserve unit fromMissouri, who is responsible for up-armoring vehicles and conductingcombat logistic patrols.

During his tour of the mainworkshop, Schoomaker took time tomeet and greet troops working hard toprovide armor to as many vehicles asthey can.

While there, Schoomaker wasshown several vehicles hit by bothImprovised Explosive Devices andVehicle-Borne IED’s, and enemysmall-arms fire. He was impressed atthe level of progress these troops havemade in providing sufficient protectionwith limited materials, saidSchoomaker. Many of these Soldierswere presented the Army Chief of Staff

coin for demonstrating theircommitment to duty.

Following the visit with the troopsfrom the 507th CSG, Schoomaker tookthe opportunity to socialize withSoldiers from various commandsduring lunch at Dining Facility One.

Many of the Soldiers took theopportunity to ask Schoomakerquestions regarding issues aboutswitching from Army Reserve to activestatus, and re-enlistment.

Before Schoomaker’s departure ofthe DFAC, he gave Soldiers theopportunity for a series of photographs.

“It’s good to see how the troops aredoing,” Schoomaker said.

It’s a very important thing to keepthe morale of the troops up, especiallyduring deployment, he said.

After lunch, Schoomaker made hisway to Big Bob’s Truck Stop to take atour of the facility and crew providingmost of the armor protection to militaryvehicles.

“That was the first time I saw [theup-armor facility]. They’ve just startedthat since I’ve been here last,”Schoomaker said.

From the things Schoomaker sawin the facility in the brief time he wasable to visit, he was impressed andexpressed his opinion in its necessityto the war effort, he said.

Upon leaving Big Bob’s, theentourage made its way to the JointDefense Operation Center to visit withthe troops of the 81st Brigade CombatTeam.

Here, he learned more and in depthabout operations being conducted outof LSA Anaconda and how they areconducted.

After the tour of the JDOC,Schoomaker’s visit was at an end.Although his visit seemed to be overas soon as it began, Schoomaker’s visitleft an important mark on the troopshe visited, that senior leaders care.

Gen. Shoomaker, Army Chief of Staff, sits down to lunch and social-izes with Soldiers from various units stationed at LSA Anaconda Dec.27 during a middle east tour.

Gen. Shoomaker meets withmembers of Big Bob’s Truck Stopto get an overview of up-armoringprogess at LSA Anaconda Dec.27.

Photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca


10

Three days and two nights of training inthe Kuwaiti desert can give a Soldier a lotmore than numb feet and cold hands.

Soldiers of the 1st Corps SupportCommand participated in three day ConvoyLive-Fire Exercise (CLFX) spanning Nov. 22to Nov. 30.

Although the weather was a little lessdesirable for the Soldiers who attended, thetraining they received might mean thedifference between life and death one day.

“This training is an excellent tool that willnot only teach our Soldiers more efficientways to conduct convoy operations, but alsoreinforce the confidence that they already have,” saidLt. Col. Gordon R. Roberts, Troop Support Battalioncommander, 1st COSCOM.

Soldiers arrived at the CLFX range in the earlyevening of the first day, where they were given asafety briefing and an overview briefing on theevents of the exercise.

The CLFX range is maintained and operated byMilitary Professional Resources Incorporated, a

company composed of former military, lawenforcement and private sector leaders who providetraining for the militaries and law enforcementagencies of the U.S. and other selected nations,according to the MPRI website.

“MPRI provides comprehensive and integratedprograms that address training, education, leaderdevelopment, organizational design andimplementation, democracy transition, andemergency management across a broad spectrum offunctional areas,” according to the website.

The first event of the second day was reinforcingClose Quarters Marksmanship (CQM) skills thatSoldier learned the week before. Targets are engagedat various meters away from the firers. Simulatedscenarios allowed Soldiers to engage threats left,right and behind their position, as well as engagingthreats while walking and running.

“This method of firing is different from what weare used to at our home station. This trainingdefinitely opens your eyes and allows you to thinkoutside the box,” said Sgt. Franchasca Deboe,administrative clerk, Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 1st COSCOM.

After completion of CQM, Soldiers who wouldbe drivers and truck commanders learned how toproperly fire out of the driver’s window while drivingin the event that additional suppressive fire isrequired.

COSCOM conducts advance live-fire trainingBy Pfc. Jerome Bishop1st COSCOM Public Affairs

Duane Copowycz, Observer Controller for MPRI, conducts anafter action review with Soldiers from the 1st COSCOM aftercompleting a scenario during live-fire training November 2004.



1st COSCOM Soldiers engage target on the movewhile conducting close quarters markmenshiptraining under the supervision of MPRI obeservercontrollers November 2004.

Winter 2004

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Once Soldiers completed CQM training,a brief on the convoy operations began togive them detailed information on how toplan and what to expect while participatingin convoys throughout the deployment.

“What they learn here at this trainingmay one day save their lives and membersof their crew,” said Roberts.

Additional training consisted of Soldierslearning how to keep a convoy together intraffic and in urban areas, how to react toImprovised Explosive Devises, and how toreact to contact/fire from the driver andpassenger sides of the vehicle.

The second day ended with pre-convoyoperations and checks, vehicle inspectionsand final mission review before the nextday.

Soldiers anticipated the third day oftraining, the live-fire exercise, where theywould have the opportunity to put theirtraining to the test.

“We learned the different stages and methods inconducting a successful convoy, now we will be


Three 1st COSCOM Soldiers pull security at a security haltduring convoy live-fire training in Kuwait November 2004.The Soldier had prviously conducted similar training at FortBragg prior to deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Free-dom.

given the opportunity to put it to the test,” said Capt.Justin Perusek, HHC, 1st COSCOM commander.

Vehicles were assigned particular responsibilities inorder to help with command and control efforts duringconvoy operations. The crew of each vehicle practicedexiting and entering their vehicle in the event of adismount.

Once the crews were ready, each convoy departedfor the live-fire range.

Simulated events during the convoy gave Soldiers achance to see how they would react in the event of anIED or rocket propelled grenade attack. Combat lifesavers treated Soldiers with simulated wounds whilerecovery teams towed hit vehicles.

“The enemy isn’t going to give you a ‘time out’. Youhave to be quick when it comes to hooking up a downedvehicle that requires towing,” said Sgt. 1st Class KevinR. Ryan, deputy comptroller, HHC, 1st COSCOM.

A mock village provided drivers and TCs a chance topractice how to keep local traffic from mixing with theconvoy vehicles.

The completion of the CLF range gave Soldiers morethan just the training on how to make it out of a badsituation on any convoy as safely as possible, it gavethem a brief idea on what their fellow Soldiers had toendure since the beginning of operations Iraqi andEnduring freedom.

“This training was excellent. The instructor s tooktheir time with us to make sure we understoodeverything,” Deboe said.

Photo by Capt. Sonise LumbacaA litter team comprised of 1st COSCOM Soldiersmove out to a medical evacutaion landing zoneduring a scenario at convoy live-fire training heldNovember 2004.

“This training definitely opensyour eyes and allows you tothink outside the box.”

-Sgt. Franchasca DeboeHHC, 1st COSCOM

The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM

1612 Winter 2004




Photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca Photo by Capt. Kelly Cole, 623 QM Co.

Clockwise: (Left) Pfc. Gregory Dows, 264th Corps Support Bat-talion welds a piece of metal together for a vehicle he is up-armoring in Baghdad. (Above-l) Capt. Kelly Hughes gives aSoldier intravenous fluids during a combat life saver class inKuwait. (Above-right) 1st Corps Support Command Soldierswait to “hot-load” a CH-47 Chinook at Fort Bragg. (Below-r)Members of the 623rd Quartermaster Company zero their weap-ons at a range in Kuwait. (Below-l) An aircraft with membersof the 1st COSCOM advance party take flight to Kuwait.


Photo by Capt. Kelly Cole, 623 QM Co.

Photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca Photo by 1st. Sgt. Donna King, HHC, 1st COSCOM

(Above) A 1st COSCOM soldier rides a camel at a bi-zarre in Kuwait. (Right) A sad little girl at Pope AirForce Base’s Green Ramp holds up a sign to say fare-well to a deploying Soldier. (Below) HHC, 1st COSCOMSoldiers on a C-130 Hercules in flight to Balad, Iraq.



(Above) Master Sgt. Larry Wise, HHC, 1stCOSCOM gets into the Christmas spirit whiledeployed to Iraq. (Right) Soldiers listen to anobserver controller during an after action re-view in Kuwait. (Below) Iraqi children posefor the camera after receiving meals ready toeat during a humanitarian misssion in Iraq.


14 Winter 2004

Several members of the Army seniorleadership, including the Sergeant Majorof the Army, Kenneth O. Preston,visited the military and civilian residentsof LSA Anaconda at various locationswithin the installation.

Following the USO show the nightprior, Preston was joined byCommand Sgt. Maj. of the ArmyReserve, Michelle S. Jones and theirstaffs to tour the post. They visitedkey locations such as the Air Forcehospital, several Air Force hangars,dining facilities, and Big Bob’s TruckShop. This is the up-armoring facilityon post.

The first stop of the day, made at thehospital, gave the sergeants major anopportunity to visit and talk to servicemembers wounded during on goingoperations from LSA Anaconda.

“I wanted to see the progress made atthe hospital,” said Preston. “It’s good to seethe improvements they’ve made. It’s goodto visit the troops to see how they’re doing.”

Watching the crew of doctors, nursesand health-care specialists from all over

the military at work was a positiveexperience, said Preston.

While visiting the hospital, Jonesoffered wounded Soldiers, Airmen andMarines an opportunity to have theirfamilies updated on how they’re doingby means of a personal phone call fromJones.

The goal during this visit was to giveservice members an opportunity to askquestions, boost their morale and to makelife better in the theatre, said Jones.

The tour’s next stop took the entourageto two of the many aircraft hangars on theAir Force side of post. During their visitthere, they were allowed a glimpse ofequipment that most service members onpost wouldn’t have the opportunity toview.

Airmen gave the sergeants major aclose look at equipment used to conductmissions using the Predator unmannedaerial vehicle for intelligence purposes, aswell as F-16 fighter jets used in operationsfor close air support.

Upon completion of the airfield tour,the sergeants major sat down and dined

with several Soldiers during lunch at oneof four dining facilities. Following lunch,the group set off to visit a location onpost, which has been the subject of newsfor weeks.

Big Bob’s Truck Stop is the facilityon post that produces most of the armorfor vehicles used by units stationed here.Since the up-armoring of various vehiclesused in theatre has been a hot topic inrecent news, the sergeants major wantedto see the process and progress first hand.

Seeing the process of up-armoring thevehicles and meeting the crews who didit left an outstanding impression on Jones,who was excited to see the safetyconcerns of the troops being addressedin such a professional manner, she said.

“It made me feel fantastic,” said Jones.“[The contractors who work on thevehicles are] just a phenomenal group ofindividuals; they really care to keep theSoldiers safe.”

“It was really beneficial to see a truckcompletely taken apart and put backtogether,” said Preston. “I wanted to one:to see the facility and see the capabilityof the contractor, and two: to see if therewere challenges and issues I could takeback to improve the capability andprogress they’ve made.”

The sergeants major both agreed thatseeing the up-armor facility ranked veryhigh in their expectations and gave thema better insight to the level of protectionU.S. troops are receiving.

After the tour of the facility andtaking photos, the sergeants majorlinked up with the other celebrities ontour with the Hope and Freedom 2004Tour to rest before traveling to visittroops in Afghanistan and South Korea.

Although only staying for a brieftime, the efforts and accomplishmentsleft lasting impressions on Preston andJones.

“I watched this theatre mature fromnothing, to what it is today,” saidPreston.

Sergeant Major of the Army visits troopsStory and photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop1st COSCOM Public Affairs

Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston gets a picture takenwith a wounded Soldier after a comforting conversation. Prestonvisited wounded troops Dec. 21 during a tour of LSA Anaconda.

The Provider The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM 15

Building a legacy: The militaryFamilyStory and photos by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca, 1st COSCOM PAO

Traditions are what remind us ofthe great things that those before ushave accomplished and have sincepassed down from generation togeneration. For many Soldiersserving in the military, past andpresent day, their traditions are deeprooted within serving their country.Some have become the fourthgeneration of their family to wearthe Army uniform, while othershave become the first, with a goalto become a part of generations withprestige.

Take the Akin family. In 1956, anewly commissioned officer freshout of Texas A&M unknowinglybegan his family’s legacy. 2nd Lt.George Akin was thatcommissioned officer and he wouldgo on to hold almost every logisticalposition the Army had to offer;eventually becoming thecommander of the Army’s Test andEvaluation Command with the rankof major general he wasindoctrinated into the OrdnanceCorps Hall of Fame.

Maj. Gen. George Akin wouldeventually retire in 1991, but notbefore establishing a familydedication ofserving theircountry.

Akin has twosons presentlyserving. Both havefollowed in theirfather’s footstepsand joined theArmy OrdnanceCorps.

They areassigned to the 1st

Corps SupportC o m m a n d ,stationed at FortBragg, N.C. Col.Mark Akin iscommander of theCorps Distribution Command(CDC) and is currently deployed toIraq in support of Operation IraqiFreedom, and Lt. Col. George AkinJr. is currently attending the U.S.

Army War Collegeafter serving a 12-month tour in Iraqhimself. The Akinfamily’s militaryservice dates back tothe Spanish-AmercianWar, Mark said.

The Akins as a familyhave demonstrated theircommitment to servingtheir country, and whilethey are one example ofthe military familytradition, there are

many others within the 1st

COSCOM that have began or alsodesires to create a similar legacy.

Sgt. 1st Class Rosetta C. Owens,senior personnel service non-commissioned officer, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1st

COSCOM is married to Sgt. 1st

Class Andre A. Owen, logistics non-commissioned officer, CDC, 1st

COSCOM. The Owens met fiveyears ago in South Hill, Va. whileserving as Army recruiters.

They are both deployed jointly tothe same location in Iraq in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom.

“I wanted to serve my country,”Rosetta said. “It was something I hadalways wanted to do.”

Rosetta was the first in her familyto start the tradition, however, Andrewasn’t. His father had served in theAir Force for 30 years in PersonnelServices. Andre also has a cousincurrently serving in Iraq.

“My father served and I chose todo the same. He started the traditionfor the family,” Andre said.

FAMILY, Continued next page

Col. Mark Akin (left), CDC commander, withbrother Lt. Col. George Akin, 7th Transportationcommander at the change of command ceremonyin Iraq.

Photo by unknown

Sgt. 1st Class Andre A. Owens with wife Sgt.1st Class Rosetta C. Owens. Both Owens arecurrently deployed together in support of OIF.

Winter 200416

1st COSCOM CSM addressesfuture officers at Valley ForgeBy Capt. Sonise Lumbaca, 1st COSCOM PAOWAYNE, Pa.—Reserve officertraining component cadets in theEarly Commissioning Program atValley Forge Military Academy andCollege were paid a visit by a seniorseasoned non-commissioned officerNov. 3.

Command Sgt. Major Joseph R.Allen, command sergeant major ofthe 1st Corps Support Command, isthe first COSCOM Sergeant Majorto ever visit Valley Forge, aspokesperson said.

Valley Forge is one of only fivecolleges in the nation that offers anaccelerated commissioning programand college degree for youngSoldiers. It is an all malepreparatory boarding school andtwo-year junior college. Theaccelerated ROTC commissioningprogram currently has seventeenprior enlisted Soldiers in its officertraining ranks.

“Soldiers bring maturity,leadership experience, values andexcellent military training to ourprogram.” said Lt. Col. ChristopherSt. Jean, professor of militaryscience.

During his visit to Valley Forge,Allen’s was able to meet with morethan 200 college cadets, non-commissioned officer faculty and agroup of former enlisted Soldiers.

Allen reviewed training andtalked to the cadets about a careerin the military.

He also offered advice andwisdom to over sixty future Armyofficers and he spoke about theimportance of adhering to standards.

Leaders must always maintainpersonal standards and trainingrelated standards while ensuringthat their Soldiers do the same, Allensaid.

“Real leadership meansdemonstrating personal courage,mentoring others and caring forsoldiers and their families,” Allensaid.

On several occasions hereminded the audience about theimportance of fitness. Your soldierswill know if you are conductingphysical training or not, so stay inshape and lead by example, he said.

Allen concluded his remarks bywarning the cadets aboutcomplacency and how complacencykills Soldiers.

“Never be complacent. The dayyou become complacent is the dayyou will die, said Allen.

Allen then, left the future officerswith a final piece of advice. “Don’tworry about having all the answers,trust and rely on your NCOs,” hesaid.

After talking to the cadets,touring the facility and eating lunchwith the cadets, Allen left ValleyForge leaving a lasting impressionon the future leaders of tomorrow’sArmy.

The Owens would like the familytradition to continue with theirchildren, however, they want toleave this option open for theirchildren to decide, Rosetta said.

“Our oldest daughter wants to bea nurse, so she is looking into theArmy Nursing Program. Weexplained the pros and cons to her,however we don’t push her or anyof our other children either way. In

the end we will support theirdecision,” Rosetta said.

When discussing about beingdeployed jointly to a combat zoneboth Owens were realistic, however,optimistic about the circumstance.

“This is an all volunteer army.We have to take the good with thebad. If you do deploy together, itmakes the long deployment betterbecause your spouse is there for youto vent if you have to or when youneed someone to talk to,” Rosettasaid.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Mckeldin andPfc. Jerome Bishop are brothersboth currently deployed in supportof OIF. Although not stationed inthe same location, they manage tokeep in touch.

McKeldin is a platoon sergeantand common ground stationoperator for the 319th MilitaryIntelligence Battalion, 525th

Military Intelligence Brigade andBishop is a photojournalist forHHC, 1st COSCOM.

Bishop’s father served for a shortperiod in the Army during the1970s. However, although hisfather’s career was short-lived, hebegan a tradition that wouldeventually be passed onto hischildren.

“My dad heavily encouraged meto join the military,” Bishop said.

Bishop and Mckeldin joined theArmy after graduating from highschool.

Based on the benefits that areoffered and the independence theArmy gives you, his father was anadvocate for the Army, Bishop said.

“We got a jump start on life,” headded.

This is the second deploymentfor Mckeldin, who previouslydeployed to Afghanistan; this isBishop’s first.

They were both able to see eachother during this current

FAMILY previous page

FAMILY, Continued page 22


‘All day, everyday’659th Maintenance Company maintains Forward Distribution PointStory an photos by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st COSCOM PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq—A small element of the 659th

Maintenance Company, 264th Corps Support Battalion hasa heavy task. The heavy task is running a ForwardDistribution Point.

The FDP is a multi-class warehouse that supports over180 Army, Marine and Air Force units. These units consistof engineers, signal, military intelligence, and civil affairs,to name a few. The FDP ensures that these units havewhat they need so that they can operate on the battlefield.

Approximately 30 Soldiers run this operation. Within theoperations, each has a specific task to ensure quality assurance.

“FDP has one of the biggest missions and it is quitedemanding,” said Warrant Officer Antoinette Tucker,supply systems technician and accountable officer.

“We try to process everything within a 24 to 48 hourwindow to ensure customers get their products on time,”Tucker said.

“Our biggest challenge is that right now we are doingtwice the workload with less people than we wouldnormally have at Fort Bragg,” said Sgt. 1st Class DwayneNesbitt, platoon sergeant.

“At Bragg, we don’t have to worry about additionalduties such as force protection. We have to factor thisinto our operations,” Nesbitt said.

The FDP supplies four classes of provisions. Theseprovisions range from office supplies and hydraulic fluidto plywood and equipment replacement parts.

On a monthly basis, the FDP processes 6,000 to 1,2000material release orders. MROs are customer receipts thatidentify who a particular ordered part belongs to.

The FDP is comprised of five divisions; stock control,issuing, receiving, turn in and storage.

“I take requisitions in from the customers, and we areable to track this by using MROs,” said Sgt. Theresa Jenkins,stock control and customer service non-commissionedofficer.

Jenkins’ responsibilities don’t end there. She has thetasks of tracking requisitions, submitting follow ups,resolving any issues that customers may have with a partthey received or haven’t received, and submittingrequisitions to their higher source of suppliers.

“The job is difficult and demanding but I enjoytroubleshooting and helping customers when they have a

problem,” Jenkins said. “The Best part about this job isthat I like to help [the customers].

Once the customers have gone through Jenkins andtheir supplies come in, the next stop is Receiving.

Receiving is the location where parts are stored whilethey are processed for release to the customer. Receivingalso provides Material Handling Equipment support.

Once processed, the parts are placed in Issuing, wherethe customer signs for their parts. Sgt. Williams McNeil,automated logistics sergeant, runs Issuing where parts areplaced into storage.

Each supported command has their own storage binidentified solely for them to pick up items that they haverequested, McNeil said. “There is also a pick up and storagelocation for bulk items,” he said.

“If a unit orders a bulk item and they do not have themeans to pick up the item we dispatch a transportation unitto travel to their location with the bulk item in the form of aTransportation Movement Request. We have traveled asfar as Forward Operating Base Duke,” Nesbitt said.

Along with these other component of the FDP is theTurn In section.

The Turn In section is an extremely importantsection, Nesbitt said. If a customer neglects to see thissection, they will be prohibited to redeploy, he said.

Upon completion of this cycle, the process startsall over again.

“The soldiers are motivated and as long as theystay informed, they are willing to do anything,”N e s b i t tsaid.

“ A l ld a y ,everyday”is theplatoon’sm o t t obecausethey arethere fort h ecustomersall day,everyday,he said.

(Left) Spc. John Mawer, automated logis-tics specialist, 659th Maint. Co., invento-ries and signs out parts to Spc. RobertMcMillan, perscribed load list clerk, 327thSignal Battalion, 35th Signal Brigade Dec.31.

Winter 200418

CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait—“Happy Thanksgiving,” said Col.Mark Akin, commander of the CorpsDistribution Command, 1st CorpsSupport Command, as he served foodto service members in the camp’sdinning facility.

Approximately 5,500 U.S. servicemembers and coalition forces intransition and stationed herecelebrated Thanksgiving dinner at alunchtime feast held November 25.

Among the units present were theXVIII Airborne Corps’ 1st COSCOMand various other Fort Bragg units.

The 1st COSCOM’s main bodyarrived in Kuwait November 17 tobegin its initial steps in the transitionto be based in Iraq. While there, timewas set aside to help Soldiers feel athome while away during the holidays.

“This is the first time and largestholiday meal we have ever had,” saidMaj. Jim Blair, Logistic OperationsOfficer for Camp Virginia commandcell, 687th Quartermaster Battalion outof Dayton, Ohio.

To make it extra special, the 1st

COSCOM’s Food Service Officer, Sgt.Maj. Gary Belush encouraged theCoalition Forces Land ComponentCommand’s food service officer tochallenge each dinning facility in theregion to compete with each other withthe winner given the honor of havingthe best DFAC for Operation IraqiFreedom III-Kuwait, said Blair.

The dining hall, which can feedhundreds of service members in onesitting, was decked out in fall foliageand Thanksgiving decorations. Icesculptures and hanging tassels wereadded to complement the décor.

“For many ofour Soldiers, thisis the first timethey arespending timeaway fromhome during theholidays. Wewant to ensurethat each Soldierhad aThanksgivingdinner witht r a d i t i o n a ldishes served tothem by theirleaders whether they were back at FortBragg or here in Kuwait,” said Brig.Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, commander, 1st

COSCOM.In keeping with long-standing

Army tradition of senior leadersserving junior Soldiers during theThanksgiving meal, Fontaine,Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Allen,Command Sgt. Maj. of 1st COSCOMand other senior members of the 1st

COSCOM removed their desertcamouflage uniform hats and replacedthem with chefs’ hats.

“Our leadership, to include thecamp’s leadership, took the initiativeand carefully planned for this meal.Integral to the success of this traditionaldinner was the employment ofmembers of the 1st COSCOM’s awardwinning culinary team. The result wasan authentic traditional dinner for allservice members here with a festiveatmosphere,” said Fontaine.

Approximately 15 of these 1st

COSCOM Soldier teamed up withReserve, National Guard and

Tammimi Global contractors tosuccessfully feed the residents of CampVirginia.

The holiday meal consisted of 1,700pounds of turkey, 1,200 pounds ofham, 1,400 pounds of prime rib, 1,500pounds of shrimp, 1,200 pounds ofstuffing, 5,000 servings of pie, sweetpotatoes, mash potatoes corn on thecob and cookies. To complete themeal, a number of large cakes full ofwhipped cream frosting were served.

Additional treats such as non-alcohol eggnog, assorted nuts and icecream with a “make your own sundae”option were also served.

Soldiers within the 1st COSCOMalso had the opportunity to see and talkto family members.

“I was able to sleep in late, and thenwent to lunch. The best thing abouttoday was going to see and talk to myfamily with video teleconferencing,”said Cpl. Brent Steel, operation adminsergeant, Headquarters and

COSCOM Soldiers givethanks away from homeBy Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st COSCOM PAO

Command team Brig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, 1stCOSCOM commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Jo-seph R. Allen, follow military tradition by serving Sol-diers an assortment of Thanksgiving dishes in thedining facility Nov. 25.

Photo by Spc. Zhi Wong

See THANKS, next page

The Provider The Official Newletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM19The Provider The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM19

From theMule’s Mouth

“To spend as much money as I can, in ayear at the government’s expense.”

-Sgt. 1st Class Kevin R. RyanDeputy ComptrollerHHC, 1st Corps Suport Command

“To get into better shape and to be debtfree.”

What will your New Yearsresolution be for 2005?

-Sgt. Keith FranklinMotor Transport OperatorHHC, Corps Distribution Command

“To get home safely to see my kids.”

-Pfc. Gregory DowWelder264th Corps Support Battalion

Chaplain’s CornerAnother Year Gone!

As I stand on the threshold ofanother year, I wonder about thestrength of my commitment to thefaith to which I so vocally pledgemy allegiance. Am I guilty of morelip service than heart service?Maybe you sometimes share thesame feeling, especially whenfalling short of God’s high calling.I don’t know about you, but I missthe mark every day, often by a mile.The only thing that keeps me fromgiving up, is His promise to alwaysforgive me and love me even whenI foul up egregiously. Now that’sgrace.I am not so sure I completelyunderstand grace. I know it is anunmerited gift from God, but Ibelieve it requires a childlike faithto grasp its scope, its fulldimension, its measureless majesty,a faith like that of a 5-year old girlnamed Sarah whom I recentlyheard about. Her brother haddeveloped a rare blood disease and

needed a blood transfusion to stayalive. Only Sarah’s blood was amatch.When asked if she would give herblood to save her brother, Sarah atfirst looked puzzled. Her parentspatiently explained the procedureand the importance of her gift.Finally, Sarah seemed tounderstand and agreed to thetransfusion. The next day at thehospital, Sarah lay down on a cotand watched intently as a nurseplaced a needle into her arm andturned on the blood-extractingpump. Sarah’s mother sat at herside holding her hand reassuringly.After a few minutes, Sarahmotioned to her mother to comecloser. She had a question:“When,” Sarah whispered into hermother’s ear, “am I going to die?”Obviously she had misunderstoodthe nature of the procedure, but hercommitment to her brother wastotal. She was ready to give himanything he needed, including herlife. In the year ahead, we need toremember that that is exactly whatChrist did for you and me, and weneed to act accordingly.“Remind us God, when we forget:Love so amazing, so divine, sodeep, so wide, so tall, demandsfrom each of us our life, our soul,our all.” God Bless Your PeaPickin’ Hearts!! Amen.

Headquarters Company, 1st

COSCOM.“I miss my wife and three kids, but I

am now here with the unit; a boundbetween fellow Soldiers,” said Spc.Hector Lopez Jr., intelligenceadministrator, HHC, 1st COSCOM.

The hours for the lunchtime meal wasextended an additional two hours in order

to give every service member theopportunity to enjoys a Thanksgivingmeal and use VTC to talk to their families.

“No one should feel lonely becausewe are all away from home and are boundtogether more; and we can go throughthis [deployment] together as a team,”said Lopez

The Camp Virginia dinning facilityearned tops honors for the best dinningfacility in Kuwait for 2004.

THANKS, previous page

CH (Lt. Col.) Edward AhlDeputy Chaplain, 1st COSCOM

20 Winter 2004

While being deployed to anothercountry, away from loved ones duringthe holidays can lower Soldiers’ spirits,this was not the case for some stationedhere. More than 220 runners bravedthe cold weather to participate in theLSA Anaconda’s First Annual JingleBell Fun Run here Dec. 24 at 7 a.m.

percent local nationals,” said Bartee.The first place male runner was 1st

Lt. Jesse Blanton, pilot and medicalevacuation team leader, 82nd MedicalCompany (Air Ambulance), from FortRiley, Kan. He crossed the finish line in18 minutes and 15 seconds.

“I am glad they had the run. It’s agood way to spend Christmas with otherSoldiers who are in the Christmas spiritsince we can’t be with our families,”Blanton said.

The first place female runner wasStaff Sgt. Emma Williams, squad leader,50th Signal Battalion, 35th SignalBrigade from Fort Bragg, N.C. Her runtime was 20 minutes and 25 seconds.

“I didn’t think I would come in firstbecause its cold and I just got here. Thisis my first ever race to run,” saidWilliams.

The runners weren’t the only onesto brave the 40-degree weather.Volunteers from all over the installation

1st Annual Jingle Bell Jog kicks offStory and photos by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca, 1st COSCOM PAO

First place male runner 1st Lt.Jesse Blanton finished the racein 18 minutes and 15 seconds atthe fun run Dec. 24.

Staff Sgt. Emma Williams dashesacross the finish line as the firstfemale runner to cross the finishline during the fun run Dec. 24.

participated by passing out water andenergy drinks and cheering for therunners as they ran by.

“We have Soldiers, foreign and localcontractors who wanted to be here tojoin us,” said Bartee.

As the runners ran by during theirfirst loop, the volunteers cheered themon. Applause and cheers for the runnersgrew louder as they crossed the finishline.

“I volunteered because I want to behere because members of my unit arerunning and we wanted to support,” saidSgt. Manuel Alfaro, maintenancetechnician, 961st QuartermasterCompany, 507th Corps Support Group.

“There is a bunch of us here frommy unit volunteering,” said Sgt. 1st ClassRuben Rocha, sergeant of the guard,961st QM Co., 507th CSG. “When theyare willing to run in (cold) weather likethis, we have to support, Rocha said.

Besides the run, MWR had othersporting events planned for the Holidayweekend to include a 40 and 100-yarddash, a one-mile speed walk race, dodgeball, volleyball and a basketball game.

“The weekend was planned for a lotof fun to raise the spirit of the Soldiersduring the holidays,” Bartee said.

Soldiers from various units dem-onstrate the spirit of Christmasby wearing Santa Clause and elfcostumes during the fun run Dec.24.

The run took place around a five-kilometer radius of the post, with thestart line beginning and ending acrossfrom Holt Stadium.

“We planned this run for the moraleof the troops to temporarily keep theirminds occupied on something else,”said Malcolm Bartee, gym technicianand run coordinator for Morale Welfareand Recreation.

“The troops keep their mindsoccupied on stressful things as it is andhopefully these events will lighten theload,” Bartee said.

The participants were represented bya multitude of runners.

“About 70 percent of the runners aremilitary, 20 percent civilian and 10


Two time Super Bowl champion quarterback John Elway signsa football after the show. Following the USO show Soldiershad the opportuntiy to be photographed with the celebrities andreceive signed autographs.

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq—A handful of celebritiesjoined the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffonstage at LSA Anaconda’s stadium Tuesday to thankthe men and women for their sacrifices here in Iraq.

Actor-comedians Robin Williams and BlakeClark, footballlegend JohnElway, model-s p o r t s c a s t e rLeeann Tweedenand Chairman ofthe Joint Chiefsof Staff AirForce Gen.Richard B.M y e r se n t e r t a i n e dthousands oftroops as part ofa world-classUnited ServicesOrganizat ionstour.

Myers beganthe show bythanking themen and womenof LSAAnaconda foreverything they have done in support of OperationIraqi Freedom. During the motivating speech, Myersthanked service members for all the sacrifices theyhave made to make OIF the success that it is.

After Myers gave his thanks, he then introducedTweeden, whom offered her gratitude for everythingthe roaring audience has done.

Clark, known for his role as Harry the HardwareGuy on “Home Improvement,” entertained troopswith stories of his experiences as a platoon leaderduring the Vietnam War, life growing up in Georgiaand his gratitude for everything service members inthe audience had done.

Tweeden was next on stage to introduce formerDenver Broncos quarterback John Elway. The wordsof a sports icon can reach deep into the hearts ofservice members who try their best to keep up withthe games back home, and although Elway wasn’t

able to give themthe game, hecertainly broughtjoy to troops witha few sacks offootballs he threwto them whetherthey were 15 feetor 150 feet fromthe stage.

F o l l o w i n gElway, Williamstook the stage.

W i l l i a m sbrought laughterto the troops as faraway as theSoldiers playingbasketball in adistant court withimprovisationalcomedy aboutarmored humvees,the C-130 ride to

LSA Anaconda, Saddam Hussein and even theMilitary Police dog who watched from in front ofthe stage.

Upon completion of Williams’ act, the celebritiesof the 2004 Holiday Handshake Tour spoke withtroops, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.

“People back home appreciate what [the troops]do,” said Myers.

“We’re just here to wish everyone a MerryChristmas, happy Chanukah, happy Kwanza, andChinese New year,” said Williams, “although I thinkwe missed that.”

USO ‘Handshake Tour’ in Iraqboosts Soldiers’ moralePhoto and story by Pfc. Jerome Bishop1st COSCOM Public Affairs

FAMILY, continued from page 16

Winter 200422

deployment while temporarilystationed in Kuwait. They spentThanksgiving together.

The brothers also have a cousinsimultaneously deployed with themto Iraq.

“I would like to start a familytradition of the military with us,”said Spc. Steve Reyes,administrative clerk, CDC, 1st

COSCOM. His wife is Sgt.Marjorie Reyes, automatedlogistical supply specialist, CDC, 1st

COSCOM.They met each other while

stationed in Germany and have beenmarried for three years. Both arecurrently deployed to the samelocation in Iraq in support of OIF.

Marjorie has an uncle in theArmy Reserves. Steve is the first

“I think that it is good we arehere together. Also, as a spouse,when you both are in [themilitary], you understand whenyour spouse has to work late andso you aren’t upset,” said Steve.

“My husband and I aren’t tooexcited about [our children]joining [the Army] because likemost parents, we want to ensurethat our children are alwayssafe,” said Maj. Maria R. Miller,operations officer, CDC, 1st

COSCOM.Miller, who is currently

deployed to Iraq, is married to aSpecial Forces team sergeantcurrently deployed to Afghanistan.Her father was an administrativespecialist and served in World WarII. Miller also has a cousin whoserved in the Army Reserves in atransportation unit in Maryland.

With herfather who begantheir familytradition, she andher husband havecontinued onwith the traditionthat she ishesitant abouthaving passingon to herchildren.

M i l l e relaborated byciting theinfamous saying,‘I fight in today’sarmy so that my

children don’t have to tomorrow.’However, like all understanding

parents, she admits that she and herhusband will support the endeavorsof their children.

Like the other couples, Milleragreed with the advantages ofhaving another member of thefamily a part of the military.

The good thing about a family ofmilitary members is that there is an

understanding about the workschedules and long work hours, saidMiller.

“He helps me out with a lot ofissues, and I help him because weboth have different points of viewfrom the officer and enlistedperspective,” Miller said.

However, Miller also cited thatthere is a downside when it comesto deployments. Separation andensuring that personal effects are inorder, to include making sure thatchildren are well taken cared of, cancause some stress.

This is Miller’s seconddeployment within two years. Priorto that, she and her husband weresent to separate assignments todifferent installations, Miller said.

Both Millers are careerist, withMiller’s husband having theopportunity to retire within a coupleof years if he decides.

There are numerous familymembers within the 1st COSCOMthat all share a tradition that addsfamily and military togetherequating to a legacy of prestige.

Like the Akin legacy, which goesbeyond the Spanish American War,these are only a fragment of thefamilies that exist in today Army,hoping to create and carrying ontheir own legacy.

“The military family defines the trueessence of selfless service,” Andre said.

generation in his family to join themilitary, and like his wife, intendson being an Army careerist.

“I will encourage my son to jointhe military to see if he liked it. Themilitary has so much to offer. It willgive him independence the way [theArmy] gave it to me,” Marjorie said.

Neither Soldier found adownside to being deployed jointly.

Spc. Steve Reyes with wife, Sgt. Marjorie Reyes.Both Reyes are currently deployed together in sup-port of OIF.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Mckeldin (left) withbrother, Pfc. Jerome Bishop. BothBrothers currently deployed to differ-ent parts of Iraq in support of OIF.

Photo by unknown

The Provider The Official Newsletter of the 1st Corps Support Command, The Army’s Only Contingency COSCOM 23

Message to my Soldier

Brian Savage264 Logistic Task ForceTo my soldier, My everything,With every day such light youbring, Our hearts are with you,In all you do, With love andcompassion, The whole deploy-ment through.Love Wifey

Sgt. 1st Class Herschel Gillins264th Logisitc Task ForceTo a wonderful husband andfather we love and miss youvery much. Hurry home.Just remember when you getdown “cute and fuzzy bunnies”.Love Sharon & Megan

Sgt. Luis F. RodriguezHHD 264 CSB, 46th CSGIt was great having you homefor R&R and just cant wait tohave you home again. Love youand miss you very much!!Christie and Alex Miss youPapi!!

Capt. Christopher W. Degn264, HHD Company (46th CSG)Dear Chris, We are so proud ofyou and support you 110% inwhat you are doing. Ourthoughts and prayers are withyou always! We love you!Kristi & Victor

Maj. Joe DixonHHD, 264th LTF, 1st COSCOMJoey-I want you to know that Iam very proud of you. I loveyou more than anything. Weare almost there. Stay focused.Be safe. XOXO Amy

Sgt. Sarah Lapine364 Supply Company, LTF 264To our Niece, Sarah: We loveand miss you...come home safeand soon.Uncle George and Aunt Roberta

I hope and pray for a safer NewYear and return home soon. Iam very proud of you and allthe soldiers. Love to you. Mom

1st. Lt. George Franklin259 Field Service CompanyGeorge, we are proud of youraccomplishments and wepatiently await your return. Ilove you and our love is forever,love, Laura Marie.

Spc. Brian K. Manley364 Supply Company, LTF 264The kids & I just want you toknow that we love you and weare SO proud of you! Chin up& we will see you soon! Forever,Wifey

Spc. Frank Moore364 supply, LTF 264, 46 Co.We want to wish you a HappyNew Year and a quick returnhome. We love and miss you.You are always in our prayers.Love, Lorrie, Ashton, andTabitha

SFC Lester Ruiz264th CSB HHD Co.My Loving Husband, There areno measurable words todescribe the loneliness felt inour home without yourpresence. Our love for you isdeep and everlasting. Always,Gwen

PFC Scott R. Cyre364 Supply Company, LFT 264Happy New Year, Scott! God’sbrought us past the halfwaymark. Now it’s downhill till youcome home. We are proud ofyou and love you! Brigita,Sean, Cole, Jared

Spc. Ian Nuckols364 Supply Company, LTF 264 Just a note from all of us. WeLove You! And just wanted youto know how proud we are.Thank all of you for your sacri-fices. Love, MOM

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon ThomasUnit not submittedThanks for all you are doing.We love you very much. Seeyou when you get home! Love,Sherry, Brandon Jr. and Josh

Col. Floyd Hudson507th CSGHi Floyd, Happy New Year! Theboys and I miss you and trustthat all are well. Both of ourfamilies send greetings andtheir love. Take care. Muchlove, Robin

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SUBMISSIONS: If you have a deployed1st COSCOM Soldier and would like tosubmit a message, email their rank, fullname and unit with no more than a 30word message [email protected]. Mes-sages more than 30 words will be cutoff at the 30 word mark or last sentenceprevious to it in order to allow everyonethe opportunity to submit. Please en-sure that message do not contain infor-mation too personal in nature or inap-propriate content.

1st COSCOM: The Army’s Only Contingency Support Command

1st coscom: the army’s only contingency support …spends a little quality time with his daughter...

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