The Last Mile
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298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Volume 1, Issue 4 June 30, 2011 The Last Mile “Road Dawgs…it’s time,” were the final words given to As CPT Donaldson looked over his troops after the cere- the 104th Transportation Company (TC), from CPT Max mony, he said, ”The most rewarding experiences of this Donaldson, the company commander during their RIP/ deployment were the humanitarian missions…they TOA ceremony with the 548th Transportation Company. showed the soldiers, as well as the people of Afghanistan, This ceremony was symbolic of the official release of the why we were here.” He went on to say, “What I’m look- 104th TC from their mission in Afghanistan and passed ing forward to the most is reuniting soldiers with their the torch to the 548th TC on June 6, 2011. The 104th TC families.” CPT Douglas Adams, the company com- has since headed back to Fort Benning, GA leaving be- mander of the 548th Transportation Company expressed hind some very large shoes to fill. Some of the impres- how his soldiers were eager to start performing their mis- sive accomplishments by the 104th include logging well sions, and apply the new tactics and procedures they have over 800,000 miles on over 1,300 missions and delivering learned from the 104th TC. “We are warriors and aren’t over 3,456 pieces of equipment throughout the Regional afraid of work,” he stated. CPT Adams and the soldiers Command West and South. During their tour, the 104th of the Missouri National Guard 548th TC, intend to set the delivered 200,000 short tons of supplies valued in excess bar high for the next company. of 208 million dollars, and established the first Transpor- tation Company in RC West. The 104th also played a So as the 104th are bid a farewell, the 548th is being wel- huge role in the development of the first Standard Operat- comed to the 298th CSSB Log Fire team. The 104th will ing Procedures used during Combat Logistics Patrols, and be sorely missed. It is with great anticipation that the providing superior transportation sustainment support to 548th take the reins and lead the way in providing trans- over 35 units. These units included the Central Intelli- portation and support for movement of ammunition and gence Agency, Italian Army, Dutch Army, Slovenian other cargo in the western part of Afghanistan. Army, U.S. Air Force, Marines, Special Forces, five Bri- gade Combat Teams, four Combat Sustainment Support Battalions, and Afghan National Army Soldiers. P A G E 2 Lines from “LOGFIRE 06” with our loved ones at home; we all know families. We have distributed truck loads that while we are here we shall do nothing of supplies to local schools; donated by short of excellence. generous citizens of our communities at home. As we pause to review our progress over the journey, I thought it fitting to share However proud that I am of all of the the first 100 days with our “LOGFIRE “measured accomplishments” we have Ledger” readers. The journey began with made, that is not what I’m proudest of. what seems like a lifetime ago in the re- The thing I’m proudest of is our team’s ceipt of an alert order. We have met innate ability to work with others. This many challenges, and breached many team is a very special group of people obstacles since the journey began. How- with the burning desire to help others ever, my focus today will be specifically succeed. Our team is selfless in nature; on our first 100 days here in Afghanistan. consumed with the desire to see others improve. This unique quality of the or- The journey here began with an eagerness ganization has resulted in establishing to excel and make a difference. We ar- relationships that will leave a lasting rived in this country committed to a mark; not only in Afghanistan, but passed united vision. Our vision statement is: forward throughout the world by the peo- “A customer focused distribution net- ple they have impacted. We can account LOGFIRE----The work established in our area of opera- for new relationships with Americans, tions; well founded coalition synergy, Italians, Slovenians, Spaniards, and Af- first 100 days and an increased level of Afghan Na- ghans. Each relationship my team has As anyone embarks on a journey, the first tional Army sustainment capabilities. “ made results in a “pay it forward” concept thing they must do is figure out exactly of sharing greatness. where they are going. The journey may In order to fulfill this vision, we worked involve a venture to a physical locale, or very hard at setting specific goals and There is no doubt that when this tour perhaps a venture to a goal; or series of priorities; all of which will result in noth- ends, we will have tangible accomplish- goals. Our journey here is multi-faceted, ing less than greatness. So, how are we ments recorded that we can reflect on. in that the journey includes physical relo- doing? As a humble man, I must give full However, I believe that we may never cation, multiple goals, personal security; credit to the men and women of the LOG- know the true depth of the mark we have ultimately culminating into a vision of FIRE team, who I believe are not only made here. The results of greatness will greatness. meeting all of our goals, but exceeding continue to pass on, and on, and on. The them. It is my absolute belief that we day we focus our attention only on tangi- Although our journey is unique to us, it is have shaped the operations here to leave a ble achievements is the same day that we not unique across the pages of history. lasting “mark” on this country through the shall cease to pass greatness to an infinite Many have valiantly embarked on similar compassionate, but firm, leadership quali- depth. Stay true to the vision of greatness journeys to greatness. We find multiple ties of our team. LOGFIRE, and let’s never allow our pro- accounts of people embarking on excep- gress to be limited to self-imposed meas- tional journeys in the Bible led by their There is no one on this team ever satisfied urements. We shall always “dream big”, faith; and commitment to a vision given with anything less than their “best effort”, and seek the dream of shear greatness that to them by their faith. Our American every time. The attitude of our team con- cannot be measured by any form of statis- history reveals multiple accounts of lead- tinues to impress me more with each day. tical analysis. ers establishing visions for their people We have documented pages of measured resulting in greatness for the good of their progress in the way of thousands of dol- As I close, let me remind the families, country; and inherent commitment to lars in fiscal savings, economized re- friends, and loved ones; all of who are patriotism. Volumes of historic endeav- sources, and increased efficiency in logis- part of the LOGFIRE team, that we could ors are recorded showing us the impor- tical processes. We have helped shape not have achieved any of our progress tance of a vision; loyalty to values, and the lives of Afghan soldiers by teaching without your continued support. We are strong character. them new skills in master driving, mainte- all in this together. Be proud of what you nance, and supply accountability. We have done, and look forward in anticipa- As we observe accounts of greatness have reinforced these skills by developing tion of the greatness yet to come. I salute through the archives, I believe that a com- programs of instruction translated into you LOGFIRE, and we shall “get better mon trait for all historic leaders has been their own language, and supported with with each sunrise”! the disciplined practice of reviewing pro- pictographic representation. We have gress while the journey continues. This developed multiple projects, directly pro- trend is no different in the LOGFIRE portional to providing Afghan workers team. Though we all much prefer to be with jobs that help them provide for their VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 P A G E 3 Words from Command Sergeant Major Hello to all: of time to relax and catch up. My goal is to send each of my soldiers, your loved ones It is really home to you healthy and well. I ask that you heating up send them back to me the same way. EN- here in Shin- JOY! Happy belated Father’s Day to all dand, Af- fathers. ghanistan. All of my soldiers Leaders must be proactive and engaged as and your supervisors. Be mindful of heat stress and loved ones are dehydration. Watch your soldiers! adapting well to our tempo- Remember to PMCS all equipment, to in- rary home and the temperatures. The sol- clude: vehicles, gas masks and weapons. diers of the 298th CSSB have stepped up to Remember to chock and lock your vehicles the plate and are doing an awesome job! and place drip pans under them. Wear your You, the families are doing an awesome job seat belts and utilize ground guides when as well, holding down the home front in their necessary. Remember SAFETY FIRST! absence. I’d like to thank each of you for a Make sure you and your soldiers stay mis- job well done. As we continue to count sion focused. Thank you for all your hard down the days in our deployment, soldiers work! have begun taking R&R leave.