Associated Press - US troops killed in Afghanistan and Africa

Army Staff Sgt. Anton R. Phillips

Anton Phillips, a father of three, "took care of his soldiers like family," a fellow officer said.
"He rallied them to do their jobs to the best of their ability and he led by example," said Capt. Alexis Jackson, who served with Phillips.

As an executive officer for the 5th Maintenance Company out of Kaiserslautern, Germany, Phillips earned respect from both his leaders and peers, according to The Provider, a blog about the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, which is supporting the war in Afghanistan.

Phillips, 31, of Inglewood, Calif., died Dec. 31 at Forward Operating Base Methar Lam. According to the Department of Defense, Phillips was assigned to the base in Afghanistan.

The Defense Department has announced that it is investigating Phillips' death.

"Sgt. Phillips was beyond reliable," 1st Lt. Craig A. Long, 5th MC platoon leader, said at a service for Phillips. "He was more than just a team leader, he was a friend and his door was always open to anyone, day or night."

Phillips is survived by daughters Lexus, 13; Antoneth, 8; and Alina, 5. The Provider reports that more than 200 soldiers attended a memorial service for Phillips at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

By Associated Press

Originally published here: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/02/08/general-us-afghan-us-toll-capsules-january_7338000.html

Help is on the Way - 43rd Sustainment Brigade will deploy to Afghanistan next week

Just as linebackers aren’t typically featured on the Wheaties box, soldiers in Fort Carson’s 43rd Sustainment Brigade must be content to serve as the unsung heroes of the war effort.

Their mission: To provide food, supplies, maintenance and transportation to the troops on the front lines.
“We’re not the guys kicking in the doors and using night-vision goggles and bayonets,” said Lt. Col. Craig Simonsgaard, commander of the brigade’s 43rd Special Troops Battalion.

“This isn’t typically the sexiest job in the Army,” he said. “But if you don’t have fuel, you don’t have ammunition, you don’t have maintenance, you’re not going to get a whole lot done.”

About 300 soldiers from the brigade will deploy to Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan next week, for the brigade’s second tour in that country. Three other companies will join those soldiers in the next few months, bringing their number in Afghanistan to about 500.

As part of President Obama’s 30,000-soldier surge, the logistics brigade will oversee 23 subordinate units from 21 countries making up the complicated system that keeps troops equipped for battle.

The 82nd Sustainment Brigade from Fort Bragg, N.C., is presently directing logistics and supplies in northern Afghanistan.

The Fort Carson soldiers’ arrival will mark the first time that two full logistics brigades will be in Afghanistan at the same time – another sign of the renewed focus on the country’s first front in the war on terrorism.

By LANCE BENZEL

Originally published here: http://www.gazette.com/articles/lines-94990-aren-supply.html

Field Service Company brings showers, clean laundry to troops in Haiti.

By Spc. A.M. LaVey

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - The 259th Field Service Company, part of the 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Sustainment Brigade, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., arrived here Feb. 10 to provide the Joint Task Force - Haiti and the 82nd Airborne Division with shower facilities and laundry services.

Two 20-person shower, laundry, and clothing repair teams, bringing with them three trailer-based Laundry Advanced Systems, have set-up shop at Logistical Support Area Sustainer and work to provide Soldiers with two very important, often overlooked services that almost seem almost luxurious in a field environment.
“Soldiers want clean clothes, they have got to get their stuff clean,” said Capt. Burton Carlson, commander of the 259th. “We get it clean and return it to them in a timely manner.”

The laundry systems, known as LADS, can process 400 pounds of laundry in an hour and with Carlson’s two systems at full capacity, can process about 20,000 pounds of laundry per day.

Starting a LADS site in the austere environment of Haiti has been very trying for Carlson and his team.
“Here in Haiti, it has been a challenge because there were no existing facilities, but we were able to get things started and now we keep them going,” said Carlson.

“Before I took command of the 259th, I did not realize the amount of resources it takes to conduct field showers and laundry,” said Carlson. “If I don’t have water, or fuel or some type of sump that can extract grey water, I can’t do my mission. You have to always be thinking: what can I do to make this mission happen?”

“There are so many different pieces in the puzzle to make a field service company work, and we are working with the locals to make this mission a success,” he said.

This deployment to Haiti has been a great teaching tool, because the 259th has a lot of newer Soldiers who have yet to deploy.

“This is an opportunity to train my Soldiers and deploy my equipment,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kumlai Manigault, a platoon sergeant with the 259th. “I get to know the capabilities and limitations of our Soldiers and equipment.”

“When you have a mission, especially in an austere environment such as this, you really get to know your people, their strengths and weaknesses,” said Carlson. “You don’t get to see it until your unit faces adversity and challenges.”

Many Soldiers may not know about field service specialists or what they do here.

Soldier’s laundry is collected from around Haiti and brought to LSA Sustainment. The laundry is received, inventoried and separated into mesh bags, 20 pieces of laundry per bag. The mesh bags are then coded with the Soldier’s information and then sent to be processed in the LADS. Each LADS has two drums that can fit 35 bundles per drum. It takes once hour to process a load: washing, two rinse cycles, and then it is dried - all in the same drum. From the LADS it goes to another tent, where it is re-inventoried, organized back into the Soldier’s laundry bag, and then it is ready to be picked up.

“I like what I do, it’s fun and different,” said Pvt. Elizabeth Ramirez, a shower/laundry and clothing repair specialist with the 259th.

“We do laundry and keep people clean,” she said. “When you get exhausted with this heat and humidity, a fresh shower and clean laundry always makes you feel great.”

“This is a good experience and we’re learning to interact with the people here outside our normal work environment,” Ramirez said. “Being out in the field will help prepare us for our next mission, even though this mission may only be for a short amount of time.”

“We have a really good system going on, and I know this mission will go well,” said Ramirez.
Even with this type of mission and the new personnel, the 259th FSC is making it happen, helping those who are helping the people of Haiti.

“We bring patience, creativity and hard work - and that is what it takes to make this mission work,” said Carlson.

“This mission is doing well only because I have some tenacious Soldiers and noncommissioned officers who are the ones making it happen,” said Carlson.

 

Slowly but surely building-up Bagram

By SPC Nicolas Hurt


BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN – They are tight, low to the ground, squeaky, stiff and if you’re vertically gifted, you don’t fit. I’m speaking of those dark green, one size doesn’t fit all, cots of course. Some soldiers from the 82nd Sustainment Brigade (SBDE) may have been fortunate enough to avoid the cots but many were not. Since boots on the ground in Afghanistan, there have been many unseen changes going on with the living areas. Since most of us don’t like sleeping on the cots, hard at work to make it a little more comfortable and roomy in the b-huts, has been Pvt. 1st Class Michael T. Wood II.

Wood is responsible for building bunk beds for all the soldiers who are not already on one. “I want to bring up the morale of my fellow soldier by enhancing their living areas,” said Wood. He is one of the 82nd SBDE Repair and Utility team members. The section also includes Sgt. Ellsworth Cupid, Sgt. Lloyd Kagle, Sgt. Christopher Broadway, Spc. Xavier Halliburton, Spc. Manuel Pena, and Spc. Carlos Gonzalez. All of which have their own specialty.

Alarm clocks are going off, cots are squeaking, reading lamps are clicking on and off and Wood’s day begins as he wakes up, attends sectional physical training or “goes out on a good old fashioned snot slinger” Wood exclaims, about running in the cold dusty Bagram air. At work-call, Wood receives his directions from 1st Sgt. Lewis Stanley and immediately begins to execute the work day.

His work day, consisting of a lot of carpentry, work orders and building not only the bunks but shelves, door stops, door frames and anything within his capabilities to better the conditions for his fellow bunk-mates and soldiers. The gears of the drill winding down are nearly drowned out by the squeak of the brake pads on Disney as yet another bunk bed is completed. Wood finds time for a quick lunch in his day and jumps right back into his efforts “I’m out here till the sun goes down,” Woods says. As the daylight draws to an end the tally is now at 11 full sets for the day, tonight 22 troopers will be off the cots and on a bed.

Profiles in Courage: Pfc. Noah Clark

By: SFC Jason Allgood


BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN -- As the Soldiers of the 82nd Sustainment Brigade begin to settle in on their new assignment, they all have one thing in common the Afghan “crud”. What is it? Why does everyone have or is getting it? These are some of the great mysteries of the world, what is for certain is when it’s your turn; you will be taken care of.

Pfc. Noah Clark sits in the troop medical clinic (TMC) just before sick call begins; it’s 7:45 in the morning and if the past few days are any indication it could be a long day.

Clark is new to the Army having been in the service for less than a year and is already on his first deployment; joining in February of 2009 the 23 year old the Fairfield California native was off to Basic Combat training at Fort Jackson SC and then Fort Sam Houston, TX and the Combat Medic Course. Arriving to the 82nd SBDE medical section shortly before deploying this married father of two has already spent almost a year away from his family but he knew this was coming. “I was expecting it, a Soldier Deploys, does his job and comes home.” Explains Clark.

The door opens, a patient enters he’s coughing and looking tired. Clark slides on the blood pressure arm band and places a thermometer in their mouth and sits back. It’s the “crud” body aches, slight fever, sore throat, tired, coughing, you name it. In a way this is the fulfillment of a dream for Clark. “I’m looking forward to the bread and butter of my job, I want to fight and heal all within close proximity” Clark says.

“I joined the Army for the people who came before me and those who are serving with me… I wanted the stability the Army offers, I wanted to travel the world, I wanted my schools paid for and I wanted to be something special, I really wanted was to be a Soldier.” Clark expounds.


With a sharp pop, Clark pulls the rubber gloves off his hands. The patient puts his ACU top back on and Clark reminds him to wash his hands often, drink plenty of water, eat regularly and exercise. As another patient gets his medicine Pfc. Noah Cark continues his quest to defeat the Afghan “crud” and heal his fellow soldier. “It’s the greatest job there is, no where else could I do this, serve my country and my comrades”

Mourning Staff Sgt. Anton R. Phillips

By MC1 Krishna Jackson

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – As the morning sun warmed the chill in the air around Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, Soldiers gathered together to remember a fallen brother in arms. A memorial in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Anton R. Phillips was held Jan. 3 so those who served with him could say goodbye.

The 31 year old Los Angeles native started his career in June 1998 as a 63H Track Vehicle Repair Mechanic. Since October 2003, he had been assigned to 5th Maintenance Company (MC) out of Kaiserslautern, Germany. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan but the third deployment during his career including a tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While serving with 5th MC, Phillips won the hearts of his leadership, peers and his Soldiers.

“Phillips took care of his Soldiers like family. He rallied them to do their jobs to the best of their ability and he lead by example,” said Capt. Alexis Jackson, 82nd Combined Logistics Team OIC who also served with Phillips as the 5th MC executive officer.

More than 200 Soldiers came to pay their respects to Phillips and leave behind a little piece of themselves at the foot of his memorial stand, a ceremonial display where his helmet, rifle, boots and dog tags were assembled in his honor. Many touched his boots or tags as they remembered how he had touched their lives.

“SGT Phillips was beyond reliable. We constantly gave him tough assignments and he always managed to get them done in time. More importantly, though, he earned the respect of his Soldiers. He was more than just a team leader, he was a friend and his door was always open to anyone, day or night. He will be dearly missed,” said 1st Lt. Craig A. Long, 5th MC platoon leader.

During his time in service, Phillips earned two Army Commendation medals, six Army Achievement medals, multiple Army Good Conduct medals, the National Defense Service medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, the Global War on Terrorism medal, the Army Service ribbon, the Overseas Service ribbon, the NATO medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal, Army Vehicle Drive Badge and the Mechanics Badge.

Born Jan. 12, 1978, Phillips is survived by his three daughters Lexus 13, Antoneth 8 and Alina 5.

82nd SB takes the reigns in Afghanistan

A transfer of authority ceremony took place Dec. 31 between the 45th Sustainment Brigade (SBDE) and the 82nd Sustainment Brigade.


Sustainment brigades provide logistics support world-wide. The 82nd SBDE, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina is the next in a long line of Sustainment BDEs to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

82nd SBDE Commander, Army Col. John E. “Skip” O’Neil, a Massachusetts native, will oversee the mission and operations of the brigade during the year long deployment.

During the ceremony, O’Neil spoke highly of his counter parts from 45th SBDE.

“They [45th SBDE] recognized that the logistician’s job wasn’t done till the canteen was full, the trooper had a hot meal, the round was chambered, the vehicles repaired and filled with fuel. They accomplished all of this with quiet professionalism, that’s the miracle of logistics at the freedoms frontier today,” said O’Neil.

While supporting OEF, 45th SBDE carried a heavy load, which was recognized by Brig. Gen. Reynold N. Hoover, commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

“I would first like to thank you for your service and outstanding efforts accomplishing a truly expeditionary Sustainment mission. You already heard the numbers some bear repeating. Three thousand eight hundred and eighty five aerial delivery missions, dispersing over 20-million pounds of supplies, 855-thousand convoy miles across insurgent terrain and 500 combat operations. These accomplishments and all that you’ve done to sustain the force will be examined and studied by military historians, logistician and leaders for years to come,” said Hoover during the ceremony.

Hoover expressed his utmost confidence in 82nd SBDE to carry on the mission. “To Col. O’Neil and the 82 SDBE, today marks the next chapter in America’s history in Afghanistan. As Gen. McKrystal has said, it’s a turning point in our efforts to begin to surge 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan. I’m confident that you and Task Force Provider [82nd SBDE] are ready and trained to pick up the fight and improve the foxhole and continue to sustain freedom tonight,” said Hoover.

As 45th SBDE stood in formation, their mission complete in Afghanistan, O’Neil was ready to move forward. “the 82nd Sustainment Brigade humbly accepts command of more than 3,500 troops, 28 units from 19 states across the Army active National Guard and reserve components including teammates from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as well as civilians and contractors all forming a seamless team in support of the combined team as we bid fair well to the lighting brigade [45th SBDE],” said O’Neil.

This is the first deployment of the 82nd SBDE’s headquarters as a stand-alone brigade. They will be supporting the additional 30,000 U.S. troops deploying to Afghanistan during the coming months.

By SPC Nicolas Hurt

Headquarters element deploys to Afghanistan

The fourth and last body of Troopers from the headquarters element of the 82nd Sustainment Brigade departed Green Ramp Wednesday Dec. 23, 2009 en route to a year-long deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan.

The 82nd Sustainment Brigade’s headquarters element, consisting of the Special Troops Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, will replace the 45th Sustainment Brigade which is currently operating under the Joint Logistics Command at Bagram Airfield near Kabul, Afghanistan. Once in place, 82nd Sustainment Brigade Troopers will support American and Coalition forces by coordinating the distribution of everything from fuel and water to spare parts and ammunition.

Although different elements of the 82nd Sustainment Brigade have been deployed continuously since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, this will be the first deployment for the headquarters element since transitioning from the command of the 82nd Airborne Division to the XVIII Airborne Corps in January 2009.

82nd Sustainment Brigade field kitchen cooks up excellence

By Pfc. Eric Guzman, 50th Public Affairs Detachment

The 82nd Sustainment Brigade's field kitchen was assessed by a board of evaluators sent to Fort Bragg on behalf of Forces Command July 29, to discern whether or not they were eligible to compete for the Phillip A. Connelly award, in the field category at the Department of the Army level.


Winning the Phillip A. Connelly award is widely considered to be the biggest achievement possible for an Army kitchen. The kitchen was graded on both a breakfast and lunch meal by FORSCOM during the one-day evaluation. Breakfast consisted of biscuits, eggs, hash-browns, creamed beef, ham, and grits, while lunch consisted of steak, baked chicken, potatoes, string beans and several other entrees.

"There's nothing hard about it, you just have to prepare early," said Spc. Antonio D. Mitchell, of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. "It's not hard as long as you use good team work. Our biggest achievement, I think, was preparing lunch. We fed about 200 Soldiers today and we handled it pretty well."

Also competing for the DA level on FORSCOM's behalf are kitchens from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., the 43rd Sustainment Brigade of Fort Carson, Colo., and the 69th Air Defense Artillery from Fort Hood, Texas.

Once a kitchen makes it to the DA level, they compete against opponents outside of the continental United States as well, making the distinction of being the winner of the Phillip A. Connelly award that much sweeter, knowing that they are truly of the best in the Army.

"The Phillip A. Connelly award is like the Super Bowl of food service," said Chief Warrant Officer Princido Texidor, an Arecibo, Puerto Rico native who works for United States Army Garrison, Company A, out of Fort McPherson, Ga., and acts as the FORSCOM Army food service advisor. "It'll give them bragging rights; if they go to the DA level, they're going to be competing with units from all over the world, Germany, Korea, Hawaii, Japan, and other units from the states ... everywhere. They can say that they're the best in the entire Army in field food service if they win."

If Fort Bragg wins FORSCOM will come back to assist by providing the food service specialists with more training to better prepare them to excel and hopefully win at the DA level. The distinction of becoming a Phillip A. Connelly award winning field kitchen has motivated the Soldiers to work very hard, said Texidor.

"The Soldiers were doing an excellent job, highly motivated and taking pride in what they do," said Texidor. "They were very excited."

After the last meal of the day was served, many of the event's participants left with a strong feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Many achievements were made throughout the day, both personal and throughout the unit.

"To me the biggest achievement today was the Soldiers learning how to get things done on time," said Sgt. 1st Class Cedric McCabe, of HHC, 82nd Sustainment Bde., the noncommissioned officer in charge of the field kitchen. "That was the biggest obstacle too. We have a lot of young Soldiers and they're starting to understand pressure."

Aside from judging the food that was prepared, the FORSCOM evaluators also make sure that everything is done within Army food service regulations and guidance, said Texidor.

The event, sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association, rewards the winning unit's hard work and dedication with an award ceremony in Reno, Nev., in April of 2010.

Originally published here: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/08/07/25652-82nd-sustainment-brigade-field-kitchen-cooks-up-excellence/