Thursday, May 01, 2008

LOGCAP honors its own during ceremony

Fort Belvoir welcomed home more than 30 Soldiers associated with the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program April 24 with a ceremony that reunited them with both family and colleagues on post.

Consisting of 66 Army Reserve Soldiers, LOGCAP helps the Army meet and obtain contracts with customers around the world in support of U.S. wartime forces.

Col. Bobby Claiborne, commander of LOGCAP, commented that his support team prides itself on commitment and dedication in the workplace. According to him, the event was an opportunity for Soldiers to shine and receive recognition for a job well done.

“Being away for an extended period of time is a difficult task, particularly for Reservists,” Claiborne said. “That’s why we salute them, as well as their families and employers. You have all sacrificed so much in our efforts overseas. We couldn’t have completed this journey without you.”

Lee Thompson, executive director of LOGCAP, also spoke. He said, at times, war fighters can take things for granted while serving in the field. In Thompson’s opinion, it’s shocking considering the work performed for those stationed around the world.

“In times like this, we’re a country in need of services and everyone here works at providing that and meeting all future requirements,” Thompson told the audience. “Everything from shelter to having your laundry done, those things wouldn’t even be possible if it weren’t for the individuals here today. Your hard work makes a big difference and the end result is what we witness over there.”

Among those returning home from a successful deployment was Maj. Derek Tillemans, who was stationed in Iraq as a liaison between LOGCAP and the Army’s 18th Airborne Corps.

“This was my first-ever deployment and it was an incredibly humbling experience,” Tillemans said after the ceremony. “To think what you do has an impact on hundreds of thousands of people is indescribable. This was a life changing experience for me and just made me appreciate everything we have over here even more. It really does put things in perspective.”

Echoing those same feelings was 1st Lt. Flores Santiago, a native of Puerto Rico, who returned stateside after serving her first-ever deployment in Afghanistan. While happy to be back, Flores said she would return in a heartbeat if the job called for it. 

-"I really enjoyed my assignment because I got to see firsthand how my work impacts the quality of life of those living over there,” she said. “It was also an opportunity to bond with my fellow Soldiers and help those who are in need. That’s what it’s all about.”

So what does one do following a deployment to the Middle East? For Flores, her itinerary already includes plans on catching up with friends and family. As for Tillemans, while that’s certainly first and foremost on his list as well, he would also like to take in some scuba diving.

“Anything with water,” Tillemans said laughing. “After being in the desert for so long, the first thing I thought of was scuba diving. At this point, I just have to be near water.” Claiborne, who recently returned from Kuwait, said LOGCAP would be sending two more rotations of Soldiers overseas this year.

Soldiers deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom were:
Iraq:
Col. Miguel Isaac; Col. Alden Neva; Lt. Col. Ross Barrera; Lt. Col. Enrique Candelaria; Lt. Col. Velma Fryar; Lt. Col. Steven Glore; Lt. Col. Angel Rodriguez; Lt. Col. Thomas Ryan; Maj. James Chapman; Maj. Dale Draeger; Maj. Leon Hill; Maj. Muriel Loney; Maj. Michael Mason; Maj. Derek Tillemans; Capt. Pierre Larkin; Capt. Michael Robinson and Capt. James Walls.
Afghanistan:
Lt. Col. Kim Chapman; Lt. Col. Joyce Junior; Lt. Col. Sammy McManus; Lt. Col. Eddie Nagel; Maj. Sidney Loggins; Capt. Brian Boyanowski; Capt. John Garbarino; Capt. Randy Roberts; Sgt. Phyllis Williams and 1st Lt. Flores Santiago.
Kuwait:
Col. Bobby Claiborne; Maj. Thomas Clavin; Maj. Todd Sipe and Capt. John Bryson.
Republic of Georgia:
Lt. Col. Ronnie Morrissette