To 79th SSC Soldiers, Civilians, and Families
The national observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is 1-30 April 2011. This year the campaign themes for the nation and the U.S. Army are united in their focus. This is a strong message and tells us that we are not alone in our conviction to eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault from our communities.
The national theme “It’s time … to get involved,” and the U.S. Army theme “I. A.M. Strong: Achieving Cultural Change to Stop Sexual Assault,” focus on everyone speaking up to prevent sexual violence in our communities, workplaces and schools. Both campaigns incorporate a bystander approach to sexual violence prevention which explores common everyday behaviors and offers individuals viable, responsible ways to intervene. A bystander, or witness, is anyone who sees a situation and has the opportunity to act. Research shows that engaging bystanders is a promising way to help prevent sexual violence. This engagement will educate and motivate people who may or may not know what to do, may think others will act, or may simply be afraid to do something. As a community, we must eliminate all excuses and aggressively ensure a culture that bears no victim unaided.
I ask Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members to re-dedicate their efforts toward preventing sexual assault and creating a positive climate enhanced through the "I. A.M. Strong" campaign. Our Army Values call us to be proactive – to “Intervene, Act, and Motivate” others to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault. As stated by President Obama, “With each new victim and each person still suffering from an attack, we are called with renewed purpose to respond to and rid our Nation of all forms of sexual violence.” Together we can and must stop violence against our fellow comrades in the Profession of Arms.
Additional information about the U.S. Army’s observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month can be found at: http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/.
I encourage leaders at all levels to support special observances and activities that impart the message of the “I. A.M. Strong” campaign and of bystander prevention education.
WILLIAM D. FRINK, JR.
Major General, US Army Reserve
Commanding
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
From the 79th SSC Command Team: Message Regarding Potential Government Shutdown
To our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families,
At the time of this message, we are diligently planning and preparing for the multiple challenges that will be faced if a government shutdown occurs. Our priority is to ensure the continuity of mission-essential operations, followed by resumption of normal operations and allow for re-building readiness as an operational force.
We understand this could have serious repercussions -- not only to our professional mission -- but on our personal lives. This situation creates turmoil for all of us, no matter our position or duty status.
We remain hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted, but if it does occur, the DoD will have no funds as of Saturday, 9 April. This means no pay for our full-time staff for the days during which the government is shut down, as well as the cancellation of all Battle Assemblies, RSTs, and other IDTs.
Exemptions exist for deploying units, personnel supporting mobilizing units, yellow ribbon events, and Soldiers currently in a duty status (AT/ADT/ADT-S/ADOS-RC/CO-ADOS)
If an appropriation or a Continuing Resolution has not been enacted by Saturday, all full-time support staff are directed to report to work on Monday at their normal duty hours to receive additional instructions. Military personnel and Civilians occupying mission-essential positions will be required to work during this time, and will be paid retroactively once the department receives additional funding.
As Citizen-Warriors, we will be impacted differently than other Federal employees due to the diversity of our organizational workforce. Whether you serve as a Civilian, TPU or AGR Soldier, this event will cause financial hardship. We know that serving during this period is a challenge, but it does not lessen our responsibilities to the Army Reserve or to our Families.
Constant, effective communication between all of us is paramount to our success as we work through the coming days.
Know that we will do our utmost to provide everyone clear information about the status of events as they progress. In turn, please support your fellow colleagues and Families as best you can.
Our strength and success though this period will depend on maintaining our professionalism and lines of communication. Your hard work, patience, and unwavering leadership are paramount, recognized, and greatly appreciated during this uncertain time.
The 79th SSC Command Team is working with your leadership to assist you in any way possible in answering questions, addressing concerns, and providing support within legal guidelines as we navigate through this challenging time together.
William D. Frink Jr.
Major General, US Army Reserve
Commanding
Andrea M. Breyton
Command Executive Officer
Robert N. Roberson, Jr.
Command Sergeant Major
At the time of this message, we are diligently planning and preparing for the multiple challenges that will be faced if a government shutdown occurs. Our priority is to ensure the continuity of mission-essential operations, followed by resumption of normal operations and allow for re-building readiness as an operational force.
We understand this could have serious repercussions -- not only to our professional mission -- but on our personal lives. This situation creates turmoil for all of us, no matter our position or duty status.
We remain hopeful that a government shutdown will be averted, but if it does occur, the DoD will have no funds as of Saturday, 9 April. This means no pay for our full-time staff for the days during which the government is shut down, as well as the cancellation of all Battle Assemblies, RSTs, and other IDTs.
Exemptions exist for deploying units, personnel supporting mobilizing units, yellow ribbon events, and Soldiers currently in a duty status (AT/ADT/ADT-S/ADOS-RC/CO-ADOS)
If an appropriation or a Continuing Resolution has not been enacted by Saturday, all full-time support staff are directed to report to work on Monday at their normal duty hours to receive additional instructions. Military personnel and Civilians occupying mission-essential positions will be required to work during this time, and will be paid retroactively once the department receives additional funding.
As Citizen-Warriors, we will be impacted differently than other Federal employees due to the diversity of our organizational workforce. Whether you serve as a Civilian, TPU or AGR Soldier, this event will cause financial hardship. We know that serving during this period is a challenge, but it does not lessen our responsibilities to the Army Reserve or to our Families.
Constant, effective communication between all of us is paramount to our success as we work through the coming days.
Know that we will do our utmost to provide everyone clear information about the status of events as they progress. In turn, please support your fellow colleagues and Families as best you can.
Our strength and success though this period will depend on maintaining our professionalism and lines of communication. Your hard work, patience, and unwavering leadership are paramount, recognized, and greatly appreciated during this uncertain time.
The 79th SSC Command Team is working with your leadership to assist you in any way possible in answering questions, addressing concerns, and providing support within legal guidelines as we navigate through this challenging time together.
William D. Frink Jr.
Major General, US Army Reserve
Commanding
Andrea M. Breyton
Command Executive Officer
Robert N. Roberson, Jr.
Command Sergeant Major
Monday, April 4, 2011
Enlisted TPUs and AGRs: New Promotion Standards Will Affect You
Here is the guidance from the Army Reserve Leadership, sent to all Soldiers through their AKO email inboxes. In case you missed it or can't find your AKO password... we reposted it here:
Topic: Implementation of the revised promotion point computation for Sergeant (SGT) and Staff Sergeant (SSG) for upcoming Army Reserve Enlisted Troop Program Unit (TPU) and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) promotion boards.
Effective April 1, 2011 the revised Semi-Centralized DA 3355, Promotion Point Worksheet, will be used for all Army Reserve promotion boards.
Effective June 1, 2011, Soldiers on the PPRL without a re-computation of promotion points utilizing the new standards will no longer be in a promotable status.
In anticipation of the June 1, 2011 AR 600-8-19 regulatory change, new junior enlisted promotion board standards require that company commander and promotion board points are no longer authorized. Company commanders will
now recommend Soldiers for promotion to SGT or SSG or deny promotion consideration by not recommending the Soldier. Appropriate counseling must be completed for denial of consideration. Promotion boards will validate
company commander's recommendations with a GO/NO-GO vote. In addition, there is no minimum cutoff score for recommendation by the commander or the promotion board on the new DA 3355. Promotion selection boards will be
convened by the promotion authority as outlined in AR 600-8-19. Wherever practical, these boards will be held at battalion or similar level and convened as often as necessary to ensure eligible Soldiers are considered for promotion in a timely manner.
Due to the removal of commander and board points, the remaining sections have been revised to maintain the maximum possible points of 800. In preparation for the June effective date, commanders must immediately begin using the new promotion point worksheet.
Commanders must recalculate promotion points for Soldiers currently on the PPRL but not yet promoted. No board action is necessary as these Soldiers have already been recommended by the promotion board. The recalculation and new DA 3355 must be sent to the Soldier?s servicing Regional Support Command (RSC) for promotion point integration onto the new PPRL. Soldiers already recommended for promotion should be encouraged to take a proactive stance with regard to the recomputation of promotion points.
This policy does not negate the requirement for USAR AGR Soldiers to report (in person) before the promotion board.
WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To access the implementation guidance, go to
https://forums.army.mil/
Topic: Implementation of the revised promotion point computation for Sergeant (SGT) and Staff Sergeant (SSG) for upcoming Army Reserve Enlisted Troop Program Unit (TPU) and Active Guard Reserve (AGR) promotion boards.
Effective April 1, 2011 the revised Semi-Centralized DA 3355, Promotion Point Worksheet, will be used for all Army Reserve promotion boards.
Effective June 1, 2011, Soldiers on the PPRL without a re-computation of promotion points utilizing the new standards will no longer be in a promotable status.
In anticipation of the June 1, 2011 AR 600-8-19 regulatory change, new junior enlisted promotion board standards require that company commander and promotion board points are no longer authorized. Company commanders will
now recommend Soldiers for promotion to SGT or SSG or deny promotion consideration by not recommending the Soldier. Appropriate counseling must be completed for denial of consideration. Promotion boards will validate
company commander's recommendations with a GO/NO-GO vote. In addition, there is no minimum cutoff score for recommendation by the commander or the promotion board on the new DA 3355. Promotion selection boards will be
convened by the promotion authority as outlined in AR 600-8-19. Wherever practical, these boards will be held at battalion or similar level and convened as often as necessary to ensure eligible Soldiers are considered for promotion in a timely manner.
Due to the removal of commander and board points, the remaining sections have been revised to maintain the maximum possible points of 800. In preparation for the June effective date, commanders must immediately begin using the new promotion point worksheet.
Commanders must recalculate promotion points for Soldiers currently on the PPRL but not yet promoted. No board action is necessary as these Soldiers have already been recommended by the promotion board. The recalculation and new DA 3355 must be sent to the Soldier?s servicing Regional Support Command (RSC) for promotion point integration onto the new PPRL. Soldiers already recommended for promotion should be encouraged to take a proactive stance with regard to the recomputation of promotion points.
This policy does not negate the requirement for USAR AGR Soldiers to report (in person) before the promotion board.
WHERE TO GO FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To access the implementation guidance, go to
https://forums.army.mil/
Thursday, March 31, 2011
In Pictures: 311th ESC Completes Best Warrior Competition
Photos and Cutlines by Sgt. 1st Class C. L. Beal
79th Sustainment Support Command PAO
The 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) completed their annual Best Warrior Competition last week. This command is one of three falling under the 79th Sustainment Support Command. The other ESCs -- 654th and 4th -- are also holding similar competitions for their units.
Finalists of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition are: Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, and Spc. Casey T. Quinn were the winners of the 2011 BWC for the 311th.
These photos are snapshots of events that composed the 311th ESC BWC which concluded with one non-commissioned officer and one junior enlisted soldier named as “Best Warrior.” Winners of the competition will compete in the 79th SSC Best Warrior Competition in June.
The 79th winners will go on to the US Army Reserve competition and ultimately have a chance to compete among the active component.
Scroll down to find out more about the troops featured in this slideshow.
Photo Details
79th Sustainment Support Command PAO
The 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) completed their annual Best Warrior Competition last week. This command is one of three falling under the 79th Sustainment Support Command. The other ESCs -- 654th and 4th -- are also holding similar competitions for their units.
Finalists of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition are: Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, and Spc. Casey T. Quinn were the winners of the 2011 BWC for the 311th.
These photos are snapshots of events that composed the 311th ESC BWC which concluded with one non-commissioned officer and one junior enlisted soldier named as “Best Warrior.” Winners of the competition will compete in the 79th SSC Best Warrior Competition in June.
The 79th winners will go on to the US Army Reserve competition and ultimately have a chance to compete among the active component.
Scroll down to find out more about the troops featured in this slideshow.
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| Spc. Casey T. Quinn, a motor transport operator in the 257th Transportation Company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., plots grids during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Quinn said he enlisted in the Army Reserve less than three years ago and is currently 37 years old. “I often feel I’m too old for this sort of competition until I have a minute to rest and heal – then I’m right back in it,” said Quinn. Quinn went on to finish the competition and was named the 311th’s Best Warrior – Soldier. |
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| Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., plots his points during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Cavan said he entered the Best Warrior Competition to challenge himself and the experience, “The experience I gain from this competition will help me succeed to become a better soldier and leader." |
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| Army Pfc. Holly R. Sanders, a unit supply specialist in the 329th Quartermaster Company headquartered in Riverside, Calif., plots grids during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Sanders, who is known for her positive attitude and enthusiasm said, “I love the Army, and I love my unit. I’m learning and taking everything from this competition. I’m happy to represent women of the Army and am giving nothing less than my best.” Army Pfc. Holly R. Sanders, a unit supply specialist in the 329th Quartermaster Company headquartered in Riverside, Calif., plots grids during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. |
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| Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., plots grids during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Medina is a veteran of two deployments including Kuwait and Iraq, was diagnosed in 2008 with Crohn’s disease. Medina said he volunteered for a third tour, but was deemed un-deployable because of his condition and is now going through a medical evaluation board. Fighting the decision, Medina said, “I am participating in this competition to show that I am fit for duty and one of the best.” Medina went on to finish the competition and was named the 311th’s Best Warrior – NCO. |
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| Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., surveys the terrain during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Cavan said he entered the Best Warrior Competition to challenge himself and the experience. “The experience I gain from this competition will help me succeed to become a better Soldier and leader,” said Cavan. |
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| Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., confirms his location during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Cavan said he entered the Best Warrior Competition to challenge himself and the experience. “The experience I gain from this competition will help me succeed to become a better Soldier and leader,” said Cavan. |
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| Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., uses his compass to re-confirm his destination during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Cavan said he entered the Best Warrior Competition to challenge himself and the experience. “The experience I gain from this competition will help me succeed to become a better Soldier and leader,” said Cavan. |
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| Spc. William J. Brooks, an executive administrative assistant in the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. takes a moment to catch his breath during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. |
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| Spc. William J. Brooks, an executive administrative assistant in the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. confirms his location during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. |
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| Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., confirms his location on his map during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Medina is a veteran of two deployments including Kuwait and Iraq, was diagnosed in 2008 with Crohn’s disease. Medina said he volunteered for a third tour, but was deemed un-deployable because of his condition and is now going through a medical evaluation board. Fighting the decision, Medina said, “I am participating in this competition to show that I am fit for duty and one of the best.” Medina went on to finish the competition and was named the 311th’s Best Warrior – NCO. |
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| Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., reviews his map while scanning the terrain during a land navigation event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. |
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| Army Pfc. Holly R. Sanders, a unit supply specialist in the 329th Quartermaster Company headquartered in Riverside, Calif., is hip-thrown to the mat by a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor during a combatives event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 22. Sanders, who is known for her positive attitude and enthusiasm said, “I love the Army, and I love my unit. I’m learning and taking everything from this competition. I’m happy to represent women of the Army and am giving nothing less than my best.” |
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Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., hip-throws Spc. Casey T. Quinn during a combatives event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 22.
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| Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., performs a combat-roll during a combatives event as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 22. Medina went on to finish the competition and was named the 311th’s Best Warrior – NCO. |
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| Army Sgt. Roi B. Cavan, a human resources sergeant in the 311th ESC, headquartered in Las Angeles, Calif., makes his way to the half-way point of a 10 kilometer ruck-march as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 23. Cavan said he entered the Best Warrior Competition to challenge himself and the experience. “The experience I gain from this competition will help me succeed to become a better Soldier and leader,” said Cavan. |
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| (left) Spc. Casey T. Quinn, a motor transport operator in the 257th Transportation Company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., and (right) Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., make their way to the finish of a 10-kilometer ruck-march as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Quinn and Medina went on to finish the competition and were named the 311th’s Best Warriors. |
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| Spc. Casey T. Quinn (left), a motor transport operator in the 257th Transportation Company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., and Staff Sgt. Genaro Medina, a human resources sergeant in the 376th Human Resources Company headquartered in Bell Calif., make their way to the finish of a 10-kilometer ruck-march as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 21. Quinn and Medina went on to finish the competition and were named the 311th’s Best Warriors. |
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| Army Pfc. Holly R. Sanders, a unit supply specialist in the 329th Quartermaster Company headquartered in Riverside, Calif., walks to the finish line of a 10-kilometer ruck-march as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 23. Sanders, who is known for her positive attitude and enthusiasm said, “I love the Army, and I love my unit. I’m learning and taking everything from this competition. I’m happy to represent women of the Army and am giving nothing less than my best.” |
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Army Pfc. Holly R. Sanders, a unit supply specialist in the 329th Quartermaster Company headquartered in Riverside, Calif., catches her breath after completing a 10-kilometer ruck-march as part of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 23.
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Friday, March 25, 2011
Update: U.S. Forces Continue to Aid Earthquake, Tsunami Victims
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2011 - American service members in Japan continue to help the Japanese people recover from the catastrophic March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
At the same time, many family members have taken advantage of the voluntary authorized departure process.
Japanese authorities say that more than 10,000 people are known dead from the twin disasters and another 17,000 are still missing. More than 250,000 are living in evacuation shelters.
The nuclear emergency at the Dai-Ichi power plant continues, and Japanese authorities today asked those living between 20 and 30 kilometers from the plant -- about 12 to 20 miles -- to move.
American service members based in Japan were among the first international personnel to provide aid.
As of March 24, U.S. service members have delivered 1,707,815 gallons of water, 172 tons of food, 10 tons of medical supplies and 34 tons of other relief supplies. DOD personnel are working with Japanese emergency responders to search for bodies, clear airports and roads and deliver humanitarian supplies.
American helicopters have hop-scotched the area delivering supplies, transporting survivors or bringing in personnel.
Sixteen U.S. ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, are deployed in support of operations. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force are involved with the relief effort. Airmen from Misawa, and Kadena air bases also are involved at many levels.
A total of 4,744 U.S. family members have returned to the United States via the voluntary authorized departure program. About 8,000 American family members are still in Japan awaiting departure.
Service members and their families have had concerns about possible contamination of food and water in Japan, and U.S. Forces Japan has enhanced the measures the command takes to ensure the safety of food and water supplies.
The food and water on U.S. military installations are safe and in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards, according to a release on the command's website.
The command will continue to test water supplies and will increase the number of tests as an added precaution, the release added.
"The safety and security of our service members and their families are our top priority," the release said. "We take extreme care to ensure our personnel are protected and will continue to monitor the situation."
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2011 - American service members in Japan continue to help the Japanese people recover from the catastrophic March 11 earthquake and tsunami.
At the same time, many family members have taken advantage of the voluntary authorized departure process.
Japanese authorities say that more than 10,000 people are known dead from the twin disasters and another 17,000 are still missing. More than 250,000 are living in evacuation shelters.
The nuclear emergency at the Dai-Ichi power plant continues, and Japanese authorities today asked those living between 20 and 30 kilometers from the plant -- about 12 to 20 miles -- to move.
American service members based in Japan were among the first international personnel to provide aid.
As of March 24, U.S. service members have delivered 1,707,815 gallons of water, 172 tons of food, 10 tons of medical supplies and 34 tons of other relief supplies. DOD personnel are working with Japanese emergency responders to search for bodies, clear airports and roads and deliver humanitarian supplies.
American helicopters have hop-scotched the area delivering supplies, transporting survivors or bringing in personnel.
Sixteen U.S. ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, are deployed in support of operations. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force are involved with the relief effort. Airmen from Misawa, and Kadena air bases also are involved at many levels.
A total of 4,744 U.S. family members have returned to the United States via the voluntary authorized departure program. About 8,000 American family members are still in Japan awaiting departure.
Service members and their families have had concerns about possible contamination of food and water in Japan, and U.S. Forces Japan has enhanced the measures the command takes to ensure the safety of food and water supplies.
The food and water on U.S. military installations are safe and in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards, according to a release on the command's website.
The command will continue to test water supplies and will increase the number of tests as an added precaution, the release added.
"The safety and security of our service members and their families are our top priority," the release said. "We take extreme care to ensure our personnel are protected and will continue to monitor the situation."
Monday, March 14, 2011
Fallen Hero, Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, Welcomed Home
Story and photos by Army Sgt. 1st Class C. L. Beal
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Service Members, Family, police, firemen, friends, and community members welcomed home Fallen Hero, Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos today.
Weaver, 22, of Anaheim, California died March 3rd, 2011 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — Service Members, Family, police, firemen, friends, and community members welcomed home Fallen Hero, Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos today.
Weaver, 22, of Anaheim, California died March 3rd, 2011 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
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Patriot Riders of Southern Calif. precede the funeral procession of Fallen Hero, Sgt. Jason M. Weaver, at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. |
Welcome Home 326th Financial Management Center!!
Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class C. L. Beal
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Maj. Gen. William D. Frink Jr., Commanding General of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, speaks to Soldiers and Family members of the 326th Financial Management Center during a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen ceremony at the General George S. Patton U.S. Army Reserve Center in Bell, Calif., March 13. |
Soldiers of the 326th Financial Management Center were honored in front of family, friends and employers during a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen ceremony at the General George S. Patton U.S. Army Reserve Center in Bell, Calif., March 13.
The Soldiers of the 326th Financial Management Center recently returned from a year-long deployment in support of Operations in Iraqi, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. During their deployment, they provided technical oversight of all theater financial management operations, established theater policies and enforced regulations and guidelines.
The Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen ceremony is a Soldier-recognition program that was established in December 2004 to thank Reserve Soldiers and their Families for their sacrifices in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program was signed into law by President George W. Bush to ensure that Reserve Soldiers receive tangible recognition for their combat and non-combat service.
“The Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Ceremony gives us an opportunity to bring all the Soldiers and Family members back together and thank them both for their service and sacrifices,” said Col. Arthur Turnier, Director of the 326th FMC during its deployment.
“It also helps soldiers know that in the Army Reserve they are part of a larger family than they might think. It lets a new soldier know that they are not just a finance specialist by themselves – they are part of a family that will take care of and appreciate them,” continued Turnier.
This recognition is invaluable said Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Capps, Command Sergeant Major of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
“The problem we face as Reserve Soldiers is that we usually don’t get recognized by the local communities when we come back from deployments. These events give our soldiers and families that recognition and show them thanks for their sacrifices,” said Capps.
Maj. Gen. William D. Frink Jr., Commanding General of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, and guest speaker of the event, said it was an honor to welcome home the Warrior Citizens and recognize them for the successful mission they carried out in answer to their nation’s call.
“The 326th truly brought the brainpower and skills needed, when our country needed it,” said Frink. “We are all honored and blessed that the men and women standing before us today volunteered to serve our nation.”
During the ceremony, Frink individually thanked and presented the Soldiers and their Families with tokens of appreciation. They include a U.S. Flag in a wooden case with their name engraved on the front, a commemorative Warrior Citizen coin, a lapel pin set for the Soldier and Family members, and a Warrior Citizen welcome home flag.
“These are good and positive things, and I think they mean a lot to the soldiers and families who receive them,” said Capps. “It’s much better than in the old days when they would just give us a pen that didn’t work.”
Staff Sgt. Roberto Cuellar, a financial management analyst in the 326th FMC, said he wished they would have had these kinds of events the first time he deployed.
“I think they are a big help in making Soldiers feel appreciated for what they have done,” said Cuellar. “The Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Events really do make a difference.”
The Soldiers of the 326th Financial Management Center recently returned from a year-long deployment in support of Operations in Iraqi, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. During their deployment, they provided technical oversight of all theater financial management operations, established theater policies and enforced regulations and guidelines.
The Welcome Home Warrior-Citizen ceremony is a Soldier-recognition program that was established in December 2004 to thank Reserve Soldiers and their Families for their sacrifices in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The program was signed into law by President George W. Bush to ensure that Reserve Soldiers receive tangible recognition for their combat and non-combat service.
“The Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Ceremony gives us an opportunity to bring all the Soldiers and Family members back together and thank them both for their service and sacrifices,” said Col. Arthur Turnier, Director of the 326th FMC during its deployment.
“It also helps soldiers know that in the Army Reserve they are part of a larger family than they might think. It lets a new soldier know that they are not just a finance specialist by themselves – they are part of a family that will take care of and appreciate them,” continued Turnier.
This recognition is invaluable said Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Capps, Command Sergeant Major of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
“The problem we face as Reserve Soldiers is that we usually don’t get recognized by the local communities when we come back from deployments. These events give our soldiers and families that recognition and show them thanks for their sacrifices,” said Capps.
Maj. Gen. William D. Frink Jr., Commanding General of the 79th Sustainment Support Command, and guest speaker of the event, said it was an honor to welcome home the Warrior Citizens and recognize them for the successful mission they carried out in answer to their nation’s call.
“The 326th truly brought the brainpower and skills needed, when our country needed it,” said Frink. “We are all honored and blessed that the men and women standing before us today volunteered to serve our nation.”
During the ceremony, Frink individually thanked and presented the Soldiers and their Families with tokens of appreciation. They include a U.S. Flag in a wooden case with their name engraved on the front, a commemorative Warrior Citizen coin, a lapel pin set for the Soldier and Family members, and a Warrior Citizen welcome home flag.
“These are good and positive things, and I think they mean a lot to the soldiers and families who receive them,” said Capps. “It’s much better than in the old days when they would just give us a pen that didn’t work.”
Staff Sgt. Roberto Cuellar, a financial management analyst in the 326th FMC, said he wished they would have had these kinds of events the first time he deployed.
“I think they are a big help in making Soldiers feel appreciated for what they have done,” said Cuellar. “The Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Events really do make a difference.”
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