Posted on 01/20/2011 2:59:03 PM PST by SandRat
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 19, 2011) — On Jan. 4, after a prayer for protection and safe travel from Chaplain (Capt.) Martha Kester, chaplain, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, soldiers from Company A, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, began a logistical package, known as a LOGPAC from Bagram Airfield to Combat Outpost Pushtayshark.
These LOGPACs run every few days, and are an important part of the outpost’s lifeline and a morale booster for the soldiers stationed there.
“It’s their sustainment of life,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Mike Helton of Company A. “We bring them their food, fuel and other supplies, like ammo. To me, it’s just a job, one with good job security and a way we get to help out, where we can.”
Building materials and other items used for work or other daily tasks also come out on the LOGPACs.
“I remember our first couple missions out to Red Hill,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Josh Pointsett, of Company A. “We brought out their containers to store water and the wood they used to build their chow hall. The thankfulness they had in their faces made me realize the importance of our job. Without us doing what we’re doing, they have nothing.”
“LOGPACs, are our lifeline,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Gerry Holloway, platoon leader for Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Redhorse. “The LOGPACs supply us with the items, ‘beans and bullets,’ we need in order to complete our mission. They provide a lifeline between the soldiers and their families bringing the mail out to us. Without that, morale would be considerably less and make accomplishing our mission a lot more difficult."
Mail, which keeps soldiers connected with the outside world and brightens the spirits after a long week of missions, is always a favorite item.
“When we bring out mail it is one of the best things for their morale,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Andy Johnson of Company A.
The LOGPACs make runs to and from Company A’s home base, Bagram Airfield.
The soldiers risk contact with enemy forces all for the good of the team, knowing that the important part is keeping that lifeline flowing strong.
“Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.