Summer 2017 1

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The

Falcon

Dispatches From the Field 

100 Years of 79th History 

Window into the Past

Memoirs from wwii of a 315th Infantry Regiment 

Soldier published for the first time 

A donated stained glass window tells the story 

of a 79th Soldier's service

From the hills of Meuse-Argonne to the 

beaches of California: where we've been 

and where we're going

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE 79TH THEATER SUSTAINMENT COMMAND

2017

Issue II
2 The Falcon Summer 2017 3

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TheFalcon highlights

Two Star Notes

a transforming force 

By Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer

4

Windows into our past 

By Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays

6

Dispatches from the field 

memoirs from Pvt. Frank Chelko 

8

79th tsc remembers wwi veterans in memorial day 

ceremony 20

Exercise Judicious Activation 17-2

By Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays

22

BY SGT. HEATHER S. DOPPKE

79th TSC transitions in commemorative Ceremony 18

Equal Opportunity History 

By Ms. Marisa Saucedo

79th TSC EO Program Manager

25

100 years of 79th history 

By 1st Lt. Eric Smith

12

By Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays

311th introduces "year in fitness"

by Cpl. Timothy Yao

34

Mother, Soldier, Hero 

By MAJ. Brandon Mace

37

311th Soldier meets biological uncle

by Capt. Eric Connor

38

Falcon News

contributions from around the force 

40

Reservist From the Top Rope

By MAJ. Brandon Mace

Fit tips: a fitness column 33

by Spc. Kenny Ochoa

79th TSC Best Warrior Competition 

Photos by SGT. Heather Doppke and Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays 

27

28
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A Century of 79th History

 “To Do For Country,

 Falcon Strong!”

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ 

The continuing drive to serve and 

succeed has pushed our unit to 

become one of the most effective 

within the Army Reserve.

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79TH TSC Public Affairs Office: 

562-936-7660 

usarmy.usarc.79-tsc.mbx.pao@mail.mil

www.facebook.com/79TSC

 www.flickr.com/

photos/79thssc/albums

The Falcon, a U.S. Department of Defense publication, is published 

biannually by the 79th Theater Sustainment Command Public 

Affairs Office located at 4201 Saratoga Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 

90720-5170. In accordance with DoD Instruction 5120.4, this DoD 

magazine is an authorized publication for the members of the U.S. 

military. Contents of The Falcon are not necessarily the official view 

of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government or DoD.

Cover photo: President Woodrow Wilson receives 

a passing review of the 79th Infantry Division in 

Baltimore, Md., on April 8, 1918. Photo courtesy 

of G.V. Buck. 

79TH TSC Command Team

Commanding General

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer

Deputy Commanding General

Brig. Gen. Susan E. Henderson

Command Sergeant Major

Command Sgt. Maj. John 

Zimmerman

Command Executive Officer 

Mr. Gregory T. Hinton

Command Chief Warrant Officer

Chief Warrant Officer Wilfredo 

Jarin 

Public Affairs Officer

LT. Col. Brandon Kelley

Public Affairs Chief

Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays

Managing Editor

1ST Lt. Class ERIC SMITH

Layout & design

sgt. Heather doppke

Two Star Notes:

By Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer

79th Theater Sustainment Command

Commanding General

This August 12th, the 79th Theater Sustainment Command 

celebrated its 100th birthday. From the battlefields of France 

where we earned our emblem, “The Cross of Lorraine,” to 

our present day mission providing sustainment for the vital 

work being accomplished across Africa, the 79th has been a 

military leader, an example for others to follow. 

 One month after we turned a century old, we reached our 

initial operating capability and began our new mission as the 

79th Theater Sustainment Command. Upon taking up this 

new responsibility we once again became a deployable unit, 

globally available in support of any Army service component 

command. Our mission will take us to the other side of the 

world, where we will be regionally aligned with U.S. Army 

Africa - providing the backbone of support the warfighters need, to ensure stability in this vulnerable region of the 

globe.

 When I consider this exciting and challenging future for 

the 79th, I must look to the past for guidance as well. The 

history we own of heroism, dedication to duty, and selfless 

service continues to be reflected in the Soldiers of the 79th 

today. It is just one reason that our motto has been all these 

years, “To do for country.” The continuing drive to serve and 

succeed has pushed our unit to become one of the most effective within the Army Reserve.

 The idea of learning how to operate from others’ experience is an important concept. While I seek to learn from our 

forebears successes, I want to encourage you, the Soldiers of 

the 79th, to learn from each other. There is no more essential 

job to senior NCOs and Officers than that of training your 

junior leaders. You are the subject matter experts who have 

the capability to make training challenging and engaging. It is 

the job of NCOs to lead the way. I rely on you to convey your 

considerable know-how up and down the chain of command. 

Our readiness is at its 

strongest when we work 

together, passing on our 

knowledge to the leaders 

of tomorrow.

 Training these future 

leaders to treat each 

other with dignity and respect is key to the survival of our 

future force. I encourage each of you to bring up the next 

generation of leaders as if they will be the ones someday 

leading your child in battle. You should train them with that 

level of urgency and care.

 It’s tempting to use a lack of schoolhouse training as an 

excuse. The reality is that it is crucial we provide quality 

training to Soldiers right here in our home units. Our best 

training is based upon the experience of our senior leaders, 

those NCOs and officers who have been around the block 

and are experts at their trade. It is incumbent upon junior 

Soldiers to seek out their assistance and it is expected that 

senior leaders proactively guide these newer Soldiers. This 

is the tradition of our military, creating an engaging training 

environment by utilizing the vast resource of knowledge we 

have available to us.

 What other experiential training resources do we have? 

The 79th TSC is functioning as a leader in the Department of 

Defense’s Total Force concept. That means that in addition 

to the exceptional talent and experience of our AGR and TPU 

Soldiers, we are adding Active Duty Soldiers to our team. The 

experience that these men and women bring from the 

Regular Army will be invaluable to our long term mission 

success. Take the time to talk to these Soldiers and utilize 

their knowledge while also sharing your own. Information 

sharing is key towards supporting our mission and effectively 

collaborating with our partners at U.S. Army Africa.

 As we move into the new fiscal year and assume our 

responsibilities as a Theater Sustainment Command, I have 

every confidence in you, the 79th TSC military professional. It 

is your expertise that has gotten us this far and your selfless 

service which has enabled us to rise to this new challenge. I 

look forward to spending time with you across this country 

and the globe as we do the work of sustainment and enable 

the most powerful and lethal reserve force our nation has 

ever assembled.

Dressing station, operated by Ambulance Company No. 316, 79th 

Division, Les Eparges, Meuse.

Aid station, 315th Infantry, 79th Division, Bois de Consenvoye, France, 

8 November 1918.

Major General Ira T. Wyche, Commanding General, 79th Divsion, 

presents awards to men of the 314th at Luneville, France.
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JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.— In 1984 

Mary Brown found herself in the basement of the Beacon 

Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, where her father was 

pastor. 

 Rummaging through stored items, Brown came across a 

stained-glass window—a remnant of Beacon’s original church 

building that was severely damaged in the catastrophic 

1954 Hurricane Hazel. The window, a memorial to Hugh D. 

MacDonald who died in 1918, was beautiful, bright blue 

with marbled white background featuring the image of a 

green scroll in the middle. Brown thought living relatives of 

MacDonald should know about the window, so she started 

searching for them. 

 To no avail—to this day, Brown still hasn’t found a living 

relative of MacDonald, who had no children, but in the process of her search, she uncovered the story of a Soldier who 

gave his life in service to his country. 

 It lieu of finding a MacDonald descendant, Brown has 

taken it upon herself to find out as much as she can about the 

WWI Veteran so that his story lives on. 

 “It’s something I would do for a member of family,” Brown 

said of researching MacDonald’s life. “Hugh was one of ours, 

he was a member of our church. There is very little that 

should not be done for our Veterans.” 

 According to Brown’s research, MacDonald was born in 

1894 in Kensington, Pennsylvania, to Scottish and Irish immigrants. According to the 1901 census, there were about 11 

family members living in the house MacDonald grew up in. 

Only receiving a sixth-grade education, MacDonald worked in 

a box factory before World War I broke out. 

 MacDonald was drafted into the Army in 1917 for WWI 

and is described in his service registration as tall and slender 

with black hair and brown eyes. He shipped out to Camp 

Meade, Maryland, for training where he was assigned to 

Company C, 1st Battalion, 315th Infantry Regiment (of the 

79th Infantry Division). 

 After several months of training at Camp Meade, Company 

C boarded a troop carrier at Hoboken, New Jersey, that would 

take the unit to France. Upon arrival in France, the Company 

took up rifle, bayonet, and gas instruction in the village of 

Courcelles, in preparation to fight on the front lines, according to “The Official History of the 315th Infantry U.S.A.” On 

the morning of September 8, 1918, Company C marched into 

battle for the first time. 

 The Company engaged in trench warfare, withstood strafing from enemy planes, and suffered gas attacks. 

 “We dug in for the night, but had hardly established our 

lines when a deluge of shells fell on the hill which we held,” 

an excerpt from “The Official History” reads (p.180). “It began 

to rain, and with the moaning of the wounded, the crash of 

the shells, the alarm of the gas, and the heart-rendering cries 

for first aid, the men passed a never to be forgotten night.” 

(Sept. 28, 1918)

 MacDonald fell ill at some point during the 315th’s 

advance and passed away on October, 16, 1918, during the 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive—an offensive that involved 1.2 

million Americans and led to the end of the War. He is listed 

in “The Official History of the 315th Infantry U.S.A” as perishing from “accident or disease,” after having reached the rank 

of first sergeant. 

 “It was here that a large number of men were evacuated 

to the hospital, amongst whom was our first sergeant, Hugh 

MacDonald, who shortly afterward succumbed to his illness,” 

The Official History,” pg. 181. 

 Brown believes that MacDonald was one of the victims of 

the 1918 flu pandemic—a global crisis that claimed the lives 

of an estimated 50 million people. 

 “My mother and I have probably cried more over poor 

Hugh than for my father,” Brown said, explaining that she’s 

saddened that he died overseas at a young age. “My father 

died when he was 75-years-old, comfortably, in a hospital 

with his friends and family around him, but Hugh lost any 

chance of that. It bothers me,” she said.

 MacDonald is interred at the Meuse-Argonne American 

Cemetery and Memorial, about 4,000 miles from where he 

grew up. 

 “That’s part of why I’ve taken up the cause ... because 

there is nobody else to see to this guy. It’s a War that doesn’t 

get talked about, and it’s a shame,” Brown said. 

 She explained that MacDonald’s mother, Jane, was able 

to take a Gold Star Mother’s trip to France to visit her son’s 

grave in 1932. She later passed away in 1936. 

 While Brown is unsure exactly who paid for the intricate 

stained-glass window honoring MacDonald, she suspects 

the family pooled together to chip in, or perhaps one of 

his brothers covered the cost. MacDonald’s father, died of 

Septicemia (blood poising) in 1901, leaving a widow and six 

children behind—the window would’ve been an expensive 

Windows into our Past

A stained glass window dedicated to the late Sgt. Hugh D. MacDonald, 

a 79th Infantry Division Soldier who died in WWI, is displayed by Mary 

Brown, who is loaning the window to the 79th as a historical display. 

(Photo courtesy of Mary Brown). 

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays 

79th Theater Sustainment Command

luxury that MacDonald’s mother probably couldn’t afford. 

 Because the financial strain of purchasing a window like 

that would’ve posed, the fact that the window exists tells its 

own story—one of a family refusing to let a beloved son to be 

forgotten, no matter the cost. 

 And Brown is striving to uphold that sentiment of remembrance. Although the window was in her possession for 

many years, she contacted the 79th TSC in 2016 to offer the 

window on loan as a historical display. 

 Meanwhile, Brown continues her research on MacDonald 

and attempting to find any of his living relatives, and said 

she’s planning her own trip to one day visit MacDonald’s 

grave in France and personally place flowers there. 

 “Soldiers that have died in battle for our country ... they 

can’t be forgotten, it just can’t happen,” Brown said. “You 

can’t forget somebody who gave that much.”

Mary Brown, right, and Rev. Becca Blake hold a stained glass window dedicated to the late Sgt. Hugh D. MacDonald, a 79th Infantry Division 

Soldier who died in WWI. (Photo courtesy of Mary Brown). 

“It’s a war that doesn’t get talked about, 

and it’s a shame.” -Mary Brown 

100 years after his death, a perserved stained glass window sheds light on a 

Soldier's sacrifice.
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there was that I was sent out to contact Company G on our 

left when the enemy laid down a heavy barrage of artillery 

and one must have hit nearby. 

 When I regained consciousness I was back at the beach 

again at a field hospital. One of the ward boys told me that it 

was the 9th of July and that I was brought there on the 6th. I 

was being treated for shell shock.

 They kept giving me sodium amatol capsules that kept my 

nerves inactive. I spent around 12 days there and then was 

interviewed by a major doctor to see if I was fit to go back 

and slug it out again. After a short talk with him I told him 

that I didn't mind going back and trying again.

 I was glad to be back with the boys also anxious to know 

what happened to the missing. Lt. Smith was no longer 

our company commander. He was sent back because of a 

nervous breakdown. So Lt. Herndon an all-American from 

Nebraska took over Company command while Lt. Wager was 

the executive officer. We stayed in a defensive position here 

for 12 to 14 days and were being shelled day and night by 

enemy 88s.

 ... I can't quite recall much action on our way into Belgium. 

We moved out on tanks to a nearby town up at the Belgium border where we were cut off by the English Army. So 

once again we got on tanks and started off across France to 

where—no one knew. 

 After two days of rough riding on tanks we came to the 

City of Reims where everything was clear of the enemy by 

this time. We camped just outside the city that night and 

started up bright and early the next morning at 3:00 A.M. 

on tanks again ... As far as we knew there were quite a bit of 

[Germans] there and that meant another fight for a city. 

 Our objective was to take the right flank of the city. We 

had to cut across a small forest. When we moved out to 

attack some of the [German] observers must have seen us 

because the 88s and mortars began to let loose. The fighting 

was so close there that we had to withdraw because we were 

being shelled by our own artillery. We climbed a steep cliff of 

about a mile straight up. Here we dug in and put up a road 

block on a highway. 

 That night we did not get any rations or bed rolls because 

we were too far advanced and the cliff was impossible to 

climb with rations and water. All we could do now was hope 

that the first battalion would get through to us and clear the 

highwa. It began to get dark and we had no contact with the 

rest of our regiment yet so we did not know the score. We 

dug in good that night and no one was to sleep at all. Everyone was on guard. Our machine guns took up the forward 

positions, the riflemen the flanks, and mortars in support. 

We had to be ready for anything that night. 

 Around 2:30 A.M. the machine guns opened up and 

something in the dark in front of us. I was on flank guard at 

this time and began to get a little nervous because I thought 

if the enemy could not get through the front they would try 

the flank. Many of the fellows had submachine guns which 

they got from tank crews in exchange for pistols. With the 

bars, machine guns and subs all firing at the same time, it 

really laid down a sheet of fire. The firing kept up for about 

an hour and then everything was very quiet again-too quiet 

for comfort. 

 It was good to see day break the next morning. When it 

got light enough a group of men went forward to investigate 

the results of the firing during the night. It proved to be 

very very good because there were dead [Germans] laid all 

around and many bicycles too. The only thing we could make 

of it was either a patrol or some retreating [Germans] from 

the city. 

 About 10:00 A.M. we finally sighted our troops coming up 

the highway. Our rations and water got to us and we had our 

breakfast. Some of us laid down in the sun and fell asleep 

from exhaustion. That didn't last long because after dinner 

we moved on. At the city of Neufchateau, was all clear and 

liberated, people shouted their welcomes to us which was 

our reward for the fight that previous day and night. There

The following is an excerpt of Pvt. Frank A. Chelko's 1942 

memoirs. Chelko, a former infantryman with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th's Infantry Divison, fought in the European 

theater of WWII. Chelko received the Bronze Star Medal and 

Purple Heart for his service in WWII. (Photos and discharge 

paperwork of Pvt. Chelko, courtesy of his son, Frank Chelko). He had been in the service since Nov. 27, 1942, and 

was assigned to the company E315INF, 2nd Battalion, 79th 

Division.

Dispatches from the field

WWII Memoirs

at this time surely was a rough ride. There were hundreds of 

ships along the coast. Some were unloading men and equipment and others were waiting to be unloaded, while some 

never got unloaded before they were sunk. After cruising up 

along the coast we came within several hundred yards of the 

Utah beach where we were to make our landing. Landing 

barges pulled up alongside of our L.C.I. and on the double we 

climbed aboard. We loaded our rifles and hit the shore the 

14th of June.

 On the 19th of June we moved out of our assembly area 

into our first attack. I shall never forget it. I was the first 

scout and out about 150 yards ahead of the Battalion. Father 

Ternan walked along with me until we hit our first phase 

line. It was 3:00 a.m. when we moved out. At 5:15 a.m. we 

hit our first phase line of attack but did not meet any enemy 

resistance. So we moved on the second phase line and still 

no enemy. This went on to the fifth phase line where we 

finally did run into enemy mortar and rifle fire. We fought on 

till 11:30 p.m. that night. We were all pretty tired and hungry. 

It was a little too dark to make some hot coffee so we just 

had a cold K ration for supper and dug in, posted guard, and 

went to sleep. Everything was very quiet that night, in fact 

too quiet for comfort. 

 The next morning I found out that Father Ternan was shot 

and killed while administering the last rights to our colonel's 

driver. Our colonel was also shot and taken prisoner. Everyone felt pretty bad after hearing about the news ... The next 

morning we pushed off again to another Purple Heart hill 

like Hill 30. Once again with wonderful artillery support we 

moved on up the hill. Here we had some medium tanks as 

support but to no good. The tanks could not do much good 

because of the thick hedge rows so once again it was up to 

the old foot sluggers, the doughboys to battle it out from one 

hedge row to another. I don't remember much about this objective because I’d not get to make it all the way before I was 

knocked out by German 88 artillery fire. The last I remember 

April 7, 1944

It was a cold dark morning with the dew heavy at the Boston 

Harbor the morning we left Camp Myles Standish to

go overseas. We marched out to the outskirts of camp loaded 

down with a full field pack and loaded up on trains for our 

four-hour train ride to Boston Harbor. As we marched up the 

gang plank the band sounded off with the National Anthem 

which always puts a lump in my throat when I hear it. This 

time more than ever, knowing I was leaving the country for 

which it stands. As the band played the Red Cross workers 

were there passing out doughnuts and hot coffee which 

surely hit the spot that morning. After squeezing through a 

couple of narrow passageways, I was given an upper hammock in section P.B. of the South American ship Uruguay, 

which was to be home for how long? During the night sometime, a couple of tug boats pulled us out of the harbor where 

we joined a large convoy, then we were on our way to point 

unknown.

 After several days we got down to regular scheduled movies and recreation which helped us keep our mind off the 

swaying boat. Movies were shown in the large mess hall in 

the lower deck. Father Ternan, our regiment’s Catholic Chaplain, arranged an amateur hour out on the main deck. There 

were singers, accordion and guitar players, a few comedians, 

and the regiment's band. I met several hometown boys on 

the ship which helped keep me from getting homesick. 

 For 11 days all we could see was water and more ships 

which made up our convoy. The trip was fairly quiet except 

for a couple of rough days and the one time when we were 

all called to an alert over the public address system because 

of a sub somewhere near. I must say it surely gave me a 

funny feeling to know that the enemy was so near.

 Finally the day came when we sighted land. Our D-Day 

came off the 12th of June, just six days after the original DDay of France. We got on L.C.I. (landing craft infantry) boats 

in Southampton harbor late in the evening and by midnight 

were on our way across the English Channel, which I will say 

" We dug in good that 

night and no one was to 

sleep at all. Everyone was on 

guard." 
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was some champagne, cognac, and cider from the French 

people.

 That afternoon we moved on to our next objective—that 

of a little town of Chatenois. It began to rain and got pretty 

cold too—add to this the enemy began to shell us with 88s 

and mortar. About 200 yards from the town we came to a 

road block made up of old farm wagons, trees, and wire so 

we by passed it and went through a field next to the highway. We had our rifles down ready to fire at anything that 

we might come into. Just as we got around the corner we 

met up with 12 [Germans] in the garden where they were 

well dug in and probably their mission there was to cover the 

intersection. They did not fire on us but came out with their 

hands over their heads. We searched them took away what 

weapons and ammunition they had and marched them back 

to the Battalion CP. 

 Then we were sent out again to remove the road block, 

but as we neared it, the [Germans] began to shell the highway and made it impossible for us to get near. We started to 

flank the road to get to it but that also proved to be unsuccessful because as we stared around we were hit with a 

heavy blanket of mortar fire. This is where I was wounded 

on the side of the hill near Chatenois. My platoon sergeant, 

Sgt. Tillison, Pvt. Clark, and Sgt. Hardwick and Arnold Martin 

pulled me to safety near an embankment until the shelling 

slowed up and they took turns about helping me back to Battalion Aid Station. To them, I owe my life. At the aid station I 

took my wound pills, had a morphine shot, and shot against 

lockjaw. My wounds were dressed and I was put on stretchers and loaded on a jeep and then taken back to a field 

evacuation hospital. After a three day period, I was evacuated to an air strip holding hospital northwest of Paris to await 

evacuation to England. Finally on the seventh day the sun 

came out over the field and along about noon we could hear 

the roar of planes coming in for a landing. Around about 5:30 

P.M. we were loaded on the planes and as soon as each plane 

was loaded it took right off. It took us two hours and twenty 

minutes to get to Warminster, England. There were ambulances waiting when we got there. They took us to a station 

hospital where we were classed according to our injuries. We 

had supper and then off to sleep we went. The beds actually 

had clean white sheets, also a real mattress on the bed and 

a pillow to lay our weary heads on instead of a rock or our 

canteen as we often used in the foxholes at the front.

 On the 26th of September I had my right leg sewed up 

and my right foot treated with magnesium sulfate hot packs 

to clean the wound from all infection. Then on October 4th 

I went to the operating room again and had my right foot 

sewed up. The next morning my leg was put in a cast and 

ten days later removed and the stitches were taken out. The 

healing was very slow because the wound is in the back of 

my ankle where the blood circulation is very poor. I stayed at 

the 216th until November the first. The doctor that took care 

of me was a German Jew refugee and a very good surgeon.

 Now that I am here in this nice quiet hospital all that I 

went through in France and Belgium seems like a bad dream. 

I am now looking forward to seeing my dear wife and dear 

parents. I hope that it is very soon.

December 23, 1944

 Today is one of the happiest days of my life. Happy because I am writing this part of my story overseas aboard the 

U.S.S. General Richardson in the harbor of South Hampton, 

England which will be pulling out sometime tomorrow bound 

for the good old U.S.A.! Everything happened so fast today 

that I still can hardly believe that I am on my way home. Just 

this morning I was on R.P. at the 158th General Hospital in 

Salisbury. About 10:30 A.M. I was told to get my personal 

belongings together because I was leaving at 12:45 P.M. It 

didn't take me long to get ready. The thing that topped everything off was the wonderful supper served in bed. White 

bread which tasted like angel's food cake after eating English 

dark bread for the past 10 months. Then there was meat 

loaf, gravy, peas, lima beans, coffee, butter and pineapple for 

dessert. It is now 10:00 P.M. and time for bed. I don't know 

how much sleep I'll get because I'll lay awake half the night 

thinking about home. What a surprise it will be to my wife 

and folks back home to hear from me in the states since they 

don't know that I am coming home yet. 

December 25, 1944

Christmas Day on the U.S.S. General Richardson somewhere 

on the Atlantic ocean on our way to the U.S. Last night while 

I laid in bed I could hear more singing of Christmas carols out 

in the lounge. It gave me that homesick feeling. I thought 

about the time which was 11:45 P.M. that would be 5:45 

back home and just about the time that the folks back home 

are having Christmas Eve dinner. I could picture the Christmas tree all lit up, the little miniature town of Bethlehem 

under the tree and the usual gifts that surround the tree. It 

reminded me of the old days when I was just a boy. One year 

in particular we all sat around the Christmas Eve dinner and 

made our usual Christmas speeches that we all learned at 

school. After supper mom opened the living room door and 

in we all rushed. The tree was all lit up and an electric train 

was under the tree and around the tree was the usual shirts, 

ties, gloves, and socks were there. Then there was midnight 

mass. The organ softly played “Silent Night” while a violin accompanied it and of course the male chorus. That is how my 

mind wondered last night. I just wondered what my wife and 

folks would be doing at the moment. The singing died off and 

the next thing I knew the ward boy woke us up for breakfast. So here it is Christmas right now. We had a wonderful 

Christmas dinner. One of the best I ever had since I came into 

the Army.

January 4, 1945

 The day of all days I shall never forget how good it was to 

see the lights of New York City that morning. Although it was 

6 A.M., I believe everyone in the ship was on deck to see the 

wonderful sight. It was still dark out but the outline of the 

building could be seen towering high into the sky. The Empire 

State Building looked like an over sized Christmas tree. Then 

the Chrysler Building looked like its little brother as it towered 

high. But what topped all the high buildings and lights in the 

city was the girl of liberty in the harbor. She never looked so 

good. Although it was dark one could see her plain enough 

because she stood out with the light of the city as background. It is hard to express the feeling I got when I saw it 

after those hard months overseas. 

 Our boat docked at Jersey City around 8:00 P.M. and there 

were buses and ambulances waiting at the dock to unload 

the patients. It took all day to do the job. At 3:30 P.M. our 

deck was unloaded. There were the Red Cross passing out 

pints of milk, coffee and doughnuts and ice cream. The band 

was also there and a welcome home committee. As our ambulance pulled out I laid on the stretcher on the floor of the 

ambulance and I could not see the driver so I just called and 

asked where we were going. I was surprised to see that our 

driver was a female. One of Uncle Sam's W.A.C.'s. The ride 

from dock surely was a thrilling one. She drove through the 

city with the siren wide open. Boy! How she could drive! She 

must have been a taxi driver in New York before her enlistment. It was about 45 minutes or at least it seemed that long 

when we arrived at the Halloran General Hospital on Staten 

Island. We had a wonderful supper here and I drank a whole 

quart of milk for the first time since I left the states. Then I 

went to the Day Room and placed a phone call to my wife 

and mother. It surely felt great to be able to talk to them. 

I guess it must have been quite a surprise to them to hear 

from me since they have not known I left England. Now I am 

waiting to be sent to another hospital this time I hope near 

home. So ends my story overseas.

8,365 miles during training in the U.S.

 280 miles in England

 540 miles in France

 330 miles by plane

6,125 miles by water

 15,640 Total

Written By: Frank A. Chelko-1945

"Fight the Good Fight in the Battle of Life

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will

When the road you're trudging is all up hill

When funds are low and debts are high

And you try to smile but you have to sigh

When cares are pressing you down a bit

Rest if you must-but never quit,

Life is strange with its twists and turns

As every man eventually learns

And many failures turned about

When he might have won had he stuck it out!

Stick with your task though the pace seems slow

You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out

The silver tints of the clouds of doubt

And you can never tell how close you are

It may be near when it seems so far

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit

It's when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit."

 — A poem Father Bellamy shared 

with the troops by Edgar A. Guest

" ... the girl [statue] of 

liberty in the harbor. She 

never looked so good." 
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100 years of 79th history 

It’s been 45 years since the last draft, 

shepherding into the military nervous, 

unskilled young men for the battlefields 

of Vietnam. The reality of the draft is 

now only a distant memory for American Soldiers—highly trained and motivated volunteers. Through the years the 

military has changed dramatically both 

in the composition of men and women 

who compose its ranks and in the context of its constantly evolving missions. 

As with the military as a whole, the 

79th Theater Sustainment Command 

has served the American people for 

the past century in many incarnations 

and roles. The technically and tactically 

proficient unit operating today is vastly 

different from its undertrained predecessors of World War I. 

 On August 25th, 1917, the men 

reporting in to the 79th Infantry Division at Fort Meade, Maryland, were not 

Soldiers by choice. They were bakers, 

clerks, mechanics, and newspaper boys. 

They were pulled from towns all over 

the Northeastern United States. From 

Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, 

and Rhode Island, they came to answer 

their country’s call to arms. Supplies 

were scarce. A rifle and bayonet to 

every man, a few hand grenades and a 

disheartening dearth of machine guns 

in the ranks. The standard basic training 

for these reluctant warriors was just six 

weeks, while the exceptionally lucky 

might receive as many as 18 weeks.

 Half a world away, a war was raging 

on the European continent. Interlacing 

global alliances had been called upon 

during the diplomatic crisis caused by 

the assassination of Archduke Franz 

Ferdinand of Austria in 1914. In a matter of weeks the great powers of Europe 

and later the rest of the world became 

embroiled in war.

 The forces of the Central Powers 

poured forth from their homeland and 

attacked Russia, creating the Eastern 

Front which stretched from the Baltic 

Sea in the north to the Black Sea in the 

south. Overwhelmed by the belligerents it faced, Russia called upon its ally, 

France, to open a second front in the 

west. The Western Front was drawn 

with fortified trenches stretching from 

the North Sea to the Swiss frontier with 

France. For the remaining four years of 

the war, this line changed little as a brutal war of attrition wore on. It was in a 

shallow valley in the center of the front 

in September of 1918 that the 79th 

Infantry Division was first called upon to 

accomplish what the French had been 

unable to do - break the German line 

and push forward to cut off the railway 

supply lines enabling the German assault on France. 

 On the quiet, cold morning of 

September 26, 1918, the 79th found 

itself staring up at the rolling heights of 

Montfaucon. Comprised of punishing 

inclines, natural barriers, and deeply 

laid in enemy positions, the town was a 

crucial military control point for the entire Meuse-Argonne sector. The enemy 

had not wasted their last four years occupying Montfaucon. They had fortified 

their defenses and prepared themselves 

for the impending attack.

 As American artillery rained down 

upon Montfaucon, the 79th charged up 

the terrifying slopes of the mountain. 

Again and again the Germans rebuffed 

their attack, a bloody and seemingly 

unending nightmare. As the sun set, 

the Division had still not taken town. Its 

blood soaked hills mocked the American attempts to advance. Through the 

night the 79th fought on and inch by 

inch they gained toward the crest. 

As the sun rose again on the 27th, 

American and German blood mingled 

together, indistinguishable in the mud.

 It was 30 hours before Montfaucon 

gave up all of its strongholds. Through 

the darkest of nights and a red sunrise, 

the American bakers, clerks, mechanics, 

and newspaper boys had never given 

up – they captured Montfaucon.

 The battle for Montfaucon was only 

the beginning; the Soldiers of the 79th 

Division continued to teach the German army the meaning of defeat. They 

broke the entrenched Western Front 

and retook Nantillois, Borne du Cornouiller, and marched on past the town 

of Moirey. It was as they were advancing slowly and unstoppably on the final 

German stronghold in the sector that 

they received the order to ceasefire. 

The armistice had at last been signed.

 Over the previous thousand years 

the Meuse Valley and Argonne Forest 

had seen many armies march through 

its roads and paths but none as giant or 

technologically advanced as the American and German forces arrayed against 

each other. What would later be known 

as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was 

the largest in United States military history with 1.2 million American Soldiers 

involved. The cost was high on both 

sides. The conflict claimed the lives of 

28,000 Germans and 26,277 Americans. 

Through the pain and death of the war, 

the 79th became a hero of the French 

people and earned the name “The 

Cross of Lorraine” Division, harkening 

to a sacred symbol of the region. From 

the name of the brutal Montfaucon the 

79th also took their emblem, the falcon.

 The Cross of Lorraine was again 

called into active service in June of 

1942 as a new German threat spread 

across Europe. The simmering tensions 

from the misnomered “War to End All 

Wars” had burst into flames under the 

tyrannical leadership of the charismatic 

Adolf Hitler. The World War would burn 

across the countries of Europe unlike 

anything that humanity had ever seen 

before. The German Blitzkrieg rained 

down bombs across Allied countries, 

swiftly taking Poland and initiating war 

with France and Britain. In 1941, Hitler 

would declare war on the United States.

 The Soldiers of the 79th Infantry 

Division’s experience would be far 

different this time around. They were 

well resourced with nearly two years 

of training across four different training 

grounds in the US and England. They 

were ready to thrust their way into 

battle. 

 Utah Beach, Normandy was still 

red from the battle six days earlier on 

D-Day. Enemy shelling and bombing 

rained down at random with bursting 

shell fragments granting the first Purple 

Hearts for the Division. The Division 

moved north where it faced its first 

major target, the port of Cherbourg.

Well before the landings in Normandy 

on D-Day, the Allies realized that any 

invasion of France would fail if it did not 

include the swift capture of Cherbourg 

and the peninsula on which it sat. The 

79th moved to execute a three-pronged 

attack on the port, moving up the 

peninsula through fields, orchards, and 

roads, all of which were bordered by 

hedgerows. These natural barriers were 

piles of earth and stone topped with 

thick vegetation. A clever enemy would 

take up emplacements unseen behind 

the obscuring and ubiquitous features. 

Every acre of farmland became a battlefield unto itself.

 One week after landing at Normandy, the Cross of Lorraine launched 

its attack on Cherbourg. Soldiers from 

the 313th Infantry began movement 

at 0500 followed by the 315th. They 

came into contact with the enemy immediately. As they moved forward the 

small arms fire and occasional bursts of 

artillery that they encountered in the 

early morning swelled into a crescendo. Bullets flew overhead and shells 

crashed down around the Soldiers. 

Many rounds found their targets.

 Despite strong resistance and favorable positioning for the enemy, the 

313th arrived at its objective on the 

outskirts of the city by mid-day. All 79th 

World War I

Story by 1st Lt. Eric Smith 

79th Theater Sustainment Command

In commemoration of 

100 years of 79th 

history, we trace the 

footsteps of 79th Soldiers from WWI to 

today. 

Photo left: Three Soldiers of the 79th Infantry 

Division fire from the ruins of "Little Gibraltar" 

toward Germans fleeing from the batte of 

Montfaucon, France, on Sept. 27, 1918.

Photo opposite page: A column of German 

prisoners are marched out of Cherbourg,

France, in 1944 by the 79th Infantry Division.

World War II
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units reached their objective, marking 

an outstanding first day of combat in 

World War II. The enemy had suffered 

heavy losses and the 79th stood on 

Cherbourg’s doorstep.

 Throughout the next few days the 

Division continued to take key enemy 

positions around the city and mop 

up enemy resistance. On a high ridge 

towering over the northwest end of the 

city was Fort du Roule, a key strategic 

position that had been left without the 

arms and supplies necessary to hold 

it indefinitely. As the 314th moved on 

the position, an extreme act of bravery 

stood out, earning the Division its first 

Distinguished Service Cross.

 Cpl. John D. Kelley of Co. E, 314th 

Infantry, was slowly moving his way 

up the face of the fortress when his 

company was pinned down by enemy machine gun fire from a deeply 

entrenched strongpoint on the slope 

below the peak. With virtually no cover 

and bullets ripping through his unit, it 

was clear to Kelley that they would be 

unable to hold out long with that gun in 

place. Kelley took action, arming himself with a pole charge 10 ft. long with 

15 pounds of TNT attached to it. With 

machine gun fire raining down around 

him Kelley climbed the slope and placed 

the charge at the base of the emplacement. The blast rattled his bones as 

it echoed across the city. When the 

smoke cleared he could see that it had 

failed to destroy the enemy position. 

Undeterred, he returned for another 

charge, again he ran back toward the 

enemy while under the fire. This time, 

the explosion sheared off the ends of 

the enemy guns, disabling them. Bringing forward one last charge, he placed it 

at the rear entrance of the strongpoint. 

When he blew open the entrance he 

began to hurl hand grenades inside 

until the surviving Nazis were forced to 

crawl out and surrender.

 Later in the day the fort was captured and the 79th swept through the 

city, wiping out Nazi resistance. Cherbourg was liberated on June 26th, 1944. 

Col. Bernard McMahon, the multi-lingual commander of the 315th Infantry, 

went on a portable GI public address 

system and urged the Germans to come 

out and surrender to the American victors. More than 6,000 prisoners were 

captured and large stores of equipment 

and materiel were seized.

 Cherbourg was the first major city 

to be liberated in France. Thousands of 

citizens poured into the streets cheering 

and welcoming “les liberateurs,” however, the celebration wasn’t to last. The 

next day, the Division marched on. 

 The 79th advanced through rain, 

minefields, and continual confrontations with an entrenched enemy. It 

pressed through La Haye du Puits, the 

Ay River, and circumnavigated Paris. On 

August 28th, 1944 the 79th ID joined up 

with the XIX Corps after establishing a 

bridgehead on the Seine. The order was 

received from higher headquarters to 

advance. In just 72 hours the Division 

thundered across 180 miles directly 

onto its objectives in Belgium.

 As later recounted by Maj. Gen. 

Charles H. Corlett of the XIX Corps, 

“During this period the Division fought 

numerous engagements, destroyed 

much enemy equipment and took many 

prisoners. This is believed to be one of 

the fastest opposed advances of comparable distance by an infantry division 

in warfare.”

 

 The Division continued its unstoppable advance through Alsace, racing 

to prevent the enemy from using the 

natural barriers of the Vosges Mountains to shelter behind through the 

cold, dark winter to come. By November 15th, 1944 the 79th began pressing 

its way into the Vosges foothills. When 

exactly one month later the Cross of 

Lorraine left the French bank of the 

Lauter River it was German soil which 

crunched beneath American boots on 

the other side. Not five minutes after its 

arrival a bold, crisply lettered sign rose 

on the bank of the Lauter, “You are now 

entering Germany, courtesy of the 79th 

Inf. Div.”

 The Soldiers of the 79th didn’t rest 

there. They carried on past the Rhine 

River and into the Ruhr, the heart of 

German industry. There they found 

cities of rubble and white flags, their 

25,000th prisoner, and a German 

people ready for the war to be over.

 The Division stayed in Germany on 

occupation duty from April of 1945 

through December of the same year 

when they inactivated at Camp Kilmer, 

New Jersey, their duty done for the time 

being. It would be 21 years before the 

unit was called upon again for a very 

different duty.

 

 In December of 1967 the 79th was 

reformed within the U.S. Army Reserve as the 79th U.S. Army Reserve 

Command. In this status the unit was 

responsible for hundreds of thousands 

of Soldiers in the Northeastern United 

States over the next 29 years. As opposed to its work during the world wars 

as a combat force, the new 79th refocused its work on support. Its new units 

included supply, medical, engineering, 

and schools. During this nearly 30-year 

period the 79th supported the warfighter in some capacity during every 

major conflict. 

 This role was understood and appreciated by the Soldiers of the 79th 

ID during WWII. In fact, in the unit’s official history published shortly after the 

war, the command noted, “No combat 

unit is stronger than its services and 

supply branches will it to be. Between 

the lines of the foregoing are countless 

untold services and assistance supplied 

by the [support units of the 79th.]... 

There is no finer record – nor higher 

tribute – than this.” 

An illustration of the 79th's WWII campaign in France.

Undeterred, he returned for another charge, again he 

ran back toward the enemy while under the fire. 

 -79th Distinguished Service Cross recipient Cpl. John Kelley

The 79th Infantry Division marks its advance into the German homeland with this sign posted 

on the eastern bank of the Lauter River.

When exactly one 

month later the Cross 

of Lorraine left the 

French bank of the 

Lauter River it was 

German soil which 

crunched beneath 

American boots on 

the other side. 

1967-1996
16 The Falcon Summer 2017 17

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The modern day mission of the 79th 

began in 2009 when the U.S. Army 

Reserve Command realized that their 

“Grow the Army” initiative had left the 

Army Reserve with over 58,000 combat 

service support Soldiers geographically 

dispersed across the continental United 

States with only one theater sustain-

ment command to provide command 

and control. To provide the necessary 

oversight for these troops, the 79th Sus-

tainment Support Command was born.

 Eventually taking responsibility for 

four expeditionary sustainment com-

mands, the 79th now had Soldiers mo-

bilized to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and 

beyond. As it fully assumed its role as 

a primary support system for stateside 

sustainment forces in the Western half 

of the nation, the command established 

itself as an intrinsic part of the most 

lethal Army Reserve ever.

 The Cross of Lorraine now contained 

transportation companies, quartermas-

ter units, ordinance, finance and more. 

Their specialty included virtually every-

thing the warfighter needs to fight and 

they were among the best in the nation 

at supplying for those needs.

 As a stateside unit, the 79th was 

non-deployable. It focused on setting 

policy and providing command and con-

trol of its expeditionary units. In August 

of 2017 the 79th Sustainment Support 

Command transitioned into the 79th 

Theater Sustainment Command. The 

change was significant. Now, the com-

mand would not only provide command 

and control for its subordinate units, it 

would also be globally deployable itself.

316th Quartermaster Battalion Soldiers participate in the 2013 Quartermaster Liquid Logistics 

Exercise. 

Brig. Gen. Frederick A. Welch, 79th USARCOM Commander, discusses tactical matters with 

Chemical Corps Soldiers during a field training exercise in 1972 conducted by the 28th Infantry 

Division and supported by the 79th USARCOM.

 The 79th was regionally aligned to 

U.S. Army Africa, bringing it into an 

entirely new battlespace and fresh 

problem set. The new mission was 

large-scale, it required working in 

partnership with USARAF to provide 

support to land forces across an area of 

responsibility spanning 53 African na-

tions and the length and breadth of the 

second-largest continent on Earth.

 Today, the Cross of Lorraine com-

mands over 20,000 volunteer Soldiers 

across 19 states, over 215 units, and a 

continually changing network of foreign 

partner nations. The world these Sol-

diers live in is vastly different from that 

of the young men that assembled in 

1917 at Ft. Meade but their willingness 

to step up to the task at hand is exactly 

the same. Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, 

the Commanding General of the 79th 

Theater Sustainment Command, offered 

perspective on the new contributions of 

the Soldiers of the 79th in his speech at 

the unit’s transition ceremony. 

 “The ultimate role of the Army 

Reserve is to provide the support neces-

sary to win the battle. Today we win 

wars by sustaining the warfighter. We 

fight in a new, multi-dimensional battle-

field that requires us to be adaptable, 

competent, and always ready,” said 

Palzer, “The 79th today continues the 

tradition of our forebears by accepting 

the most difficult missions and execut-

ing them with excellence and outright 

gumption.”

Modern Day
18 The Falcon Summer 2017 19

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Change of Mission

JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – 100 

years since its initial activation as the 79th Infantry Division, 

the 79th Sustainment Support Command transitioned to a 

theater sustainment command in a ceremony here Sept. 23. 

 With the change in unit designation comes a change in 

mission—from being a sustainment command with a U.S.-

facing mission, to one supporting missions on the African 

continent. The 79th, now regionally aligned with U.S. Army 

Africa, an active-duty unit headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, 

now takes on the logistics support mission for all land forces 

on the African continent. 

 While the 79th continues to provide trained, ready, cohesive, well-led sustainment units for world-wide deployment, 

it is now the designated unit to deploy and sustain Army operations in the event of a crisis on the African continent. This 

directly supports U.S. Africa Command’s mission to disrupt 

and neutralize transnational threats, protect U.S. personnel 

and facilities, prevent and mitigate conflict, and build African 

partner defense capability and capacity. With the help of 

the 79th, USAFRICOM’s mission promotes regional security, 

stability and prosperity across Africa. 

 “All of you have embraced the challenge as you move from 

an administrative headquarters to a deployable unit,” said Lt. 

Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, 

the head of Army logistics, during a speech at the ceremony. 

“You worked hard to get to this day—your leadership worked 

hard to get here. It’s a new milestone.” 

 Piggee noted the immensity of the new mission accepted 

by the 79th. 

 “Now it’s your chance to make a difference on that 

continent,” Piggee said. “Now you will be among the first to 

deploy if there is any contingency in Africa.” 

 Piggee spoke about the sheer size of the African continent 

and the complexities about being called to bring sustainment 

to any one of 53 countries. 

 “Collectively, we can fit the entire United States, all of 

China, India, all of Eastern Europe, France, Italy, Great Britain 

and Spain into the ground circumference of Africa—it’s truly 

immense,” he explained. “There aren’t many times in the 

Army where you can start something from scratch and build 

things up—this is one of those times. You will be the first, 

and I know the 79th TSC is up to the challenge ... As you were 

one of the first [units] to land in Normandy, some 100 years 

ago as the 79th Infantry Division, you will be one of the first 

to support Africa.” 

 As the Army Reserve’s second-largest command, the 79th 

TSC also executes command and control of the 4th, 311th, 

364th, and 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Commands. 

These one-star commands account for approximately 20,000 

Army Reserve Soldiers and Civilians assigned to 215 sustainment units dispersed across 19 states west of the Mississippi 

River. 

 With the change in mission, comes a boost in the size of 

the command headquarters—from less than 100 Soldiers to 

about 430 Soldiers. The unit is also becoming multi-component, adding active-duty Soldiers to its ranks. 

 The 79th, however, is no stranger to challenging missions. 

 The 79th touts lineage from the 79th Infantry Division, 

which fought decisive battles in World Wars I and II. The 

79th was first activated on Aug. 5, 1917, for WWI where the 

unit saw extensive combat in the Meuse-Argonne region 

and earned the name “The Cross of Lorraine Division” for its 

defense of France. The unit was reactivated for WWII on June 

15, 1942, and landed on Utah Beach, Normandy, in 1944. It 

participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, 

Rhineland, and Central Europe, returning home on Dec.10, 

1945, after 248 days of combat.

 “This ceremony is not only an opportunity to mark our 

transition from a sustainment support command to a theater 

sustainment command, it is an opportunity to celebrate our 

proud heritage and lineage of our unit’s history; a century 

of serving the American people,” said Maj. Gen. Mark W. 

Palzer, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment 

Command. “This year we are especially reminded of the longstanding contribution of this unit as we commemorate both 

the 100th anniversary of the United States entering WWI 

and our own 100th anniversary. It is a time to pay tribute to 

the contributions of the then-79th Infantry Division and the 

important role it played in the United States and our allies 

winning that war.”

 The sustainment mission is a vital one to our nation’s warfighting capabilities—and Palzer said that today, wars are won 

by sustaining the warfighter. 

 He explained that the 79th is one most well-trained and 

equipped units in the Army now, but that wasn’t always the 

case. 

 Draftees in WWI answered their nation’s call and went into 

battle with little training to meet an enemy that wouldn’t 

wait, Palzer said. 

 “While strategies failed and equipment ran short, the 

79th fought harder,” Palzer said. “During the battles of WWI, 

the 79th took heavy losses: over 1,000 men were killed, and 

there were nearly 6,000 casualties, but they never quit.”

 In WWII, the unit suffered over 15,000 killed, 10,000 

wounded and three Soldiers received the Medal of Honor. 

 In keeping with the tradition of the 79th to take on tough 

missions, the unit, which has responsibility for 17 percent of 

all sustainment forces in the U.S. Army, looks forward to its 

next evolution. 

 “The work we do is vitally important, and that’s why I’m 

so pleased to have this group by my side,” Palzer said of 

the Soldiers of the 79th. “Together we will write the next 

chapters of this great command’s history as we continue to 

meet the missions and challenges of today while preparing 

for tomorrow.” 

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays 

79th Theater Sustainment Command 

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. John. K. 

Zimmerman, unfurl the 79th TSC’s colors.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 

Heather Doppke, 79th TSC)

Pvt. 1st Class Matthew Hughes, a cook with the 79th TSC, pauses in 

reflection during the invocation at the 79th TSC's transition ceremony 

Sept. 23, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Brian Andries, 79th TSC)

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, commanding general of the 79th Theater 

Sustainment Command, left, and Lt. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, right, U.S. 

Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, cut a cake celebrating the 79th’s 

transition Sept. 23, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays, 79th Theater Sustainment Command)

Brig. Gen. Susan E. Henderson, deputy commanding general of the 

79th Theater Sustainment Command, renders a slaute as ‘commander 

of troops’ during the 79th TSC's transition ceremony at Joint Forces 

Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif., Sept. 23, 2017. (U.S. Army photo 

by Sgt. Heather Doppke)

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, speaks during the 79th TSC’s transition 

ceremony Sept. 23, 2017, as Lt. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, U.S. Army 

Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, looks on. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st 

Class Alexandra Hays, 79th TSC)

The 79th TSC color guard marches in step during the unit's transition 

ceremony Sept. 23, 2017, at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif. (U.S. Army photo by by Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th TSC)

The 79th accepts its new, global role as a Theater Sustainment Command
20 The Falcon Summer 2017 21

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Story and photos by Sgt. Heather Doppke 

79th Theater Sustainment Command

Remembering Their Service

"It makes me want to live in a way that honors all of my forebears.” 

 -Ramsey Flynn III

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, kneels 

before the grave of Col. Ramsey Flynn, a WWI veteran, during a Memorial Day event at St. Paul’s 

Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., May 29, 2017.

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, right, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, 

speaks with Ramsey Flynn III, grandson of Col. Flynn, during a Memorial Day event at St. Paul’s 

Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Maj. Gen. Mark W. Palzer, left, commanding general of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, 

partakes in a wreath laying ceremony at a Memorial Day event at St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y.

MOUNT VERNON, NY – Maj. Gen. Mark 

W. Palzer, commanding general of the 

79th Theater Sustainment Command, 

attended a commemorative ceremony 

held at St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., May 29, 2017. 

 The ceremony, held to recognize 

Memorial Day, placed a special emphasis on World War I-era Col. Ramsey William Joseph Flynn, who was originally 

from Mount Vernon. 

 “Col. Ramsey Flynn is a part of my 

Army family, my Army heritage, and I’m 

grateful for the chance to honor him 

and our other fallen heroes today,” Palzer expressed during his speech.

 Flynn served with the 313th Infantry 

Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division, 

the predecessor to the 79th TSC. Flynn 

survived a poisonous gas attack during 

WWI, and was buried at St. Paul’s on 

Feb. 26, 1947, after succumbing to carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty 

heater in his Mt. Vernon home.

 “There’s actually 140-plus Veterans 

that are laid to rest out there, eight of 

those served in WWI, and two of these 

men were brothers; Col. Ramsey Flynn 

and Sgt. John Flynn,” said Palzer. “It’s 

truly an honor to recognize our nation’s 

heroes, and especially meaningful to 

speak to the legacy of Col. Ramsey 

Flynn, a 79th Soldier.”

 Following the ceremony, attendees 

gathered outside in the cemetery near 

the grave of Col. Flynn to observe a 

wreath laying ceremony conducted in 

his honor. Palzer, along with a few members of the Flynn family, followed in 

behind a color guard as they marched in 

line to form up for the playing of Taps. 

 One of these members was Ramsey 

Flynn III, grandson of Col. Flynn. Flynn 

shared some family history, including 

the ongoing tradition of the Flynns’ 

family ring. All Flynn offspring—boys 

and girls—receive blank family rings 

on their 12th birthdays. The stones on 

those rings are plain, without the family 

crest. If those offspring are deemed to 

have upheld the Flynn family values and 

possess good character, on the eve of 

their 21st birthdays, they receive new 

rings with the crests in place.

 “Speaking just for myself, it makes 

me want to live in a way that honors all 

of my forebears,” Flynn said. 

 Some of Col. Flynn’s relatives said 

they hadn’t previously known much 

about Flynn’s service in the Great War 

prior to this ceremony, but have since 

learned a lot more about their namesake. As a 30-year-old Mt. Vernon 

municipal employee, Col. Flynn enlisted 

in a National Guard unit for the Mexican border expedition under General 

John J. Pershing in 1916. Then deploying to France as part of WWI’s MeuseArgonne operation, Flynn was severely 

wounded in a gas attack only days 

before the Armistice. 

 Col. Flynn’s brother John, a Manhattan insurance broker at the time, 

followed his brother and also enlisted in 

the Army in 1918 to fight in WWI. John 

was deployed to France the same year, 

rose to the rank of sergeant, and fought 

in two major campaigns. John also 

passed away in 1947 and is interred at 

St. Paul’s. 

 St. Paul’s church, which was built 

during the Revolutionary era, is one 

of the oldest churches in New York. In 

1943 the church was designated as a 

National Historical Site and became part 

of the National Park Service in 1980. 

 Palzer said each year it’s important 

to re-commit to remembering the true 

meaning of Memorial Day. 

 “It has a much deeper meaning. This 

year the Army observes it’s centennial 

anniversary of America’s entry into 

WWI, and we acknowledge the sacrifices given in that war, were reminded 

of it’s true cost—not just in the lives 

lost to battle but in the losses by all that 

knew them,” said Palzer. 

79th TSC Remembers WWI Veterans in Memorial Day Ceremony
22 The Falcon Summer 2017 23

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 “Africa is a very challenging continent logistically—it’s 

unlike any other geographic combatant command’s area of 

responsibility,” Boza said. “And as USARAF gains the operational capabilities of a TSC, it gives USARAF the opportunity 

to expand its logistics infrastructure across the continent.”

 Boza expounded that the continent of Africa really tests 

logisticians’ capabilities—as each country has different contracting capabilities, laws, and governments. He added that 

because of the challenges of operating on the African continent, exercises like these meet Chief of the Army Reserve Lt. 

Gen. Charles Luckey’s guidance on showcasing the ability of 

the Army Reserve as the most capable, combat-ready, and 

lethal federal Reserve force in the history of the nation.

 “The added benefit of this exercise is that we’ve been 

able to have Army units engage directly with multinational 

partners and that’s a success story, not just for the Army, but 

for the U.S. as a whole,” Boza said. 

 Concurrently while the 13th ESC exercised its ability to set 

up and run an EECP, a platoon of 101st Soldiers integrated 

with and conducted training alongside Gabonese troops 

from 1st Regiment Parachute Gabon. Training the platoons 

conducted together included physical fitness, a terrain walk, 

and situational training. 

 Troops from the 101st experienced a range of training 

locations including rainforest in Libreville’s jungle warfare 

center, and more urban conditions training on a Gabonese 

Armed Forces base. 

 “Overall it’s been a very good experience, a very eyeopening experience,” said Capt. Calvin L. Torbert, commander 

of A Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st 

Airborne Division (Air Assault). 

 “The first thing that stands out about the Gabonese is how 

generous they are—how kind they are,” Torbert said. “You 

expect it from your brothers in arms to look out for you and 

help you out, and they’ve treated us like that.” 

 Torbert’s platoon culminated the three days of training by 

hosting a small, informal ceremony where troops from both 

units traded patches and unit insignia. 

 “Despite the fact that we grew up on different sides of the 

world—very different cultures—we still have a lot in common,” Torbert said.” With the right mindset and the right 

attitude, you can find common ground with anyone.”

2nd Lt. Michael A. Goss, center, a platoon leader with 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 

discusses squad-level tactics during a situational training lane in 

Libreville, Gabon, July 27, 2017.

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Members of the 13th Expeditionary 

Sustainment Command, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 

and 79th Sustainment Support Command joined U.S. Army 

Africa exercise planners to conduct Judicious Activation 17-2, 

by setting up an Early Entry Command Post, July 24-30, 2017, 

in Libreville, Gabon. 

 Judicious Activation, a quarterly exercise run by U.S. Africa 

Command, is in its first year of existence. During this iteration, it was the Army’s responsibility to run the exercise—the 

responsibility will fall to other military components during 

other cycles. 

 “This exercise is short in duration, but I think it packs 

a good punch,” said Maj. Benjamin C. Tumlinson, the lead 

planner for Judicious Activation 17-2, and USARAF’s exercise 

deputy. “There’s great lessons to be learned from this exercise and that’s what it’s for.” 

 The focus of this exercise was to test an expeditionary sustainment command’s ability to deploy to a forward location 

and set up an early entry command post—a forward location 

capable of managing logistics for troops before the main element deploys and long-term structures are in place. 

 “It’s a small piece of the ESC designed to go forward as 

a tactical command post to set the theater as folks flow in,” 

said Lt. Col. Dennis Bowers, the support operations officer 

for the 13th ESC. “This gave us an opportunity to get after 

training.”

 About 35 members of the 13th ESC arrived in Gabon at a 

small, contained location and within four hours set up tents 

for their center of operations. The location, called a Cooperative Security Location, included two pre-existing hard 

structures that were used as the dining facility and a meeting 

area—all other life support items were brought in. 

 “We get to come down and test out the systems in place 

for the CSL—in this particular location, the Logistics Civil 

Augmentation Program portion of has never been activated,” 

Tumlinson explained. 

 According to Tumlinson, putting the LOGCAP, or contracting portion of the exercise, to the test is important, as often 

the military relies on local contractors in deployed locations 

to supply some goods and services that would otherwise be 

very costly to transport. 

 “Everything that you see here, minus the military equipment—it’s all LOGCAP,” Tumlinson said. LOGCAP provided 

tents for lodging, a wooden shower structure, Porta Potties, 

and two hot meals per day. 

 Part of what makes this J-ACT-17-2 unique, is that it is 

one of the 13th ESC’s last exercises acting as USARAF’s 

regionally-aligned sustainment force, while the 79th SSC, an 

Army Reserve unit, stands ready to transition into a Theater 

Sustainment Command in September take over the USARAF 

sustainment mission in December. 

 “What we really gain out of this is getting an opportunity 

to integrate directly with USARAF,” said Capt. Valentin J. Boza, 

a support operations plans officer with the 79th SSC. 

 Boza and three other members of the 79th SSC attended 

J-ACT-17-2 in an observational capacity, and to facilitate the 

exercise’s after action review. Boza explained that it is critical 

for the 79th to have a presence on the African continent during USARAF exercises, because in the near future, it will be 

the 79th supporting them. 

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays 

79th Theater Sustainment Command

Partnering Across Borders

"With the right mindset and the right attitude, you 

can find common ground with anyone.” 

 -Capt. Calvin L. Torbert

 

Capt. Valentin J. Boza, left, a support operations plans officer with the 

79th SSC, briefs during the after action review on July 29, 2017, during Judicious Activation 17-2. 

Staff Sgt. Rudy V. De LaRosa, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 327th 

Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), displays a pin 

insignia he received from the Gabonese soldier to his right, from 1st 

Regiment Parachute Gabon July 25, 2017. 

Sgt. Garrett Byer, (foreground), and Pvt. Jacob Settles, both Soldiers 

with 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), provide security during a situational training lane 

in Libreville, Gabon, July 27, 2017. The platoon of 101st Soldiers 

conducted training alongside its Gabonese counterparts to include 

physical fitness training and a ruck march during Exercise Judicious 

Activation ’17-2.

U.S. Army Africa Conducts Exercise Judicious 

Activation 17-2 in Gabon
24 The Falcon Summer 2017 25

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Story by 1st Lt. James Kim

364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

No Limits 

CHICAGO – U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 

1st Class Heather Moran, a native of 

Seattle, Wash., and a medical readiness NCO with the 364th Expeditionary 

Sustainment Command in 

Marysville, won two silver medals for 

Team Army during the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games, an 

adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and 

veterans participating in eight sporting 

events in Chicago June 30-July 8, 2017.

 Being back from the Warrior Games 

only a few days, one could feel the 

excitement and joy she felt from where 

she had the opportunity to showcase 

her competitive edge, develop lasting 

relationships and heal, both physically 

and mentally. 

 Moran, with a permanent disability 

in her left hand, participated in four 

events: shot put, discus throw, cycling, 

and rifle shooting. She won silver in 

both shot put and discus throw, 4th 

place for cycling and 7th place for 

shooting in the prone position and 6th 

place for standing. She was 0.4 meters 

away from winning gold in the discus 

throw. 

 She began her journey at the Warrior 

Transition Battalion at Joint Base LewisMcChord where they required patients 

several hours of adaptive sports per 

week offering a range of sports. What 

was supposed to be casual exercise, led 

her into signing up for regional time trials and then national time trials where 

she won silver in recumbent cycling and 

gold for both shot put and discus throw, 

which put her into one of 40 spots for 

Team Army in the 2017 Warrior Games 

based on their professionalism, team 

spirit and event performances.

 Moran is clear about what motivates 

her.

 “My team. We are all doing this together and we all have different issues. 

Whether they’re bi-lateral amputees, 

PTSD, blind, missing an arm, whatever 

their issues are, we are a team,” said 

Moran. 

 For the Warrior Games, Moran 

received a recumbent bicycle from the 

VA, which she dedicated six to seven 

grueling days per week cycling for 30-40 

miles a day. She credits the adaptive 

sports program at the WTB, which 

helped her focus on something positive, 

and kept her mind off the things that 

she couldn’t do, which gave her a sense 

of accomplishment. 

 "I start training today," said Moran. 

"Regional time trials are coming up in 

November and I want to be on the team 

again. This time I want to add more, 

and if my knees let me, I want to try for 

the 100-200 meter dash and backstroke 

swimming.” 

 Moran is also a resident nurse with 

more than 20 years experience and 

will also continue her Army career by 

pursuing a commission. Her advice for 

Soldiers was, “There is no limit to what 

you can do, it doesn't matter what disability you’re experiencing. You’ll have 

support and there’s ways to accomplish 

the goals you want. Adapt and overcome, that’s what we do.” 

 Approximately 265 athletes representing teams from the United States 

Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast 

Guard, Air Force and Special Operations Command, as well as athletes 

from international partner nations, the 

United Kingdom Armed Forces and the 

Austrian Defense Force, participated in 

the Warrior Games.

Sgt. 1st Class Heather Moran, 3rd left, represented the 364th ESC in the 2017 DoD Warrior 

games as part of the cycling, shooting, shot put and discus throw team. The Warrior games 

is an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans 

participating in eight sporting events in Chicago from June 30 – July 8. 

"There is no limit 

to what you can 

do." -Sgt. 1st Class Moran

The United States Army Reserve Yellow Ribbon Program 

hasn’t been around for 100 years yet, however in an approximately 10% of that time we’ve gone on to impact hundreds 

of thousands of Soldiers and Family members. The demands 

of the United States Army Reserve continue to increase, 

which means the demands placed upon the shoulders of 

our servicemembers grow daily. Therefore, the USAR Yellow 

Ribbon Program's goal is that Soldiers and Family members 

are knowledgeable and aware of the benefits, entitlements, 

expectations, both positive and negative signs, and tendencies that can often be associated with a mobilization.

 In fiscal year 2017 the 79th Sustainment Support Command (now TSC) provided Yellow Ribbon training for more 

than 300 Soldiers and more than 400 Family members. Since 

2008, however, the program has changed greatly. Yellow 

Ribbon has evolved from a total of seven periodical events, 

in 2008, into a total of four curriculum-intensive classroom 

structured events where attendees find joy in tailoring their 

schedules to classes that fit the direct needs of their Families. 

As the Army Reserve evolves, the 79th TSC and entire Yellow 

Ribbon program continues to adjust to the budget constraints 

and evolving servicemember needs. 

 In its infancy the Yellow Ribbon Program began with a 

ready roster of volunteers, trained military instructors, and 

eager individuals looking to make a difference in someone’s 

life. Today, it is far more organized, with professional support 

in nearly every operational area. From holding 

assemblies in cramped Army Reserve centers, to 

contracting hotels and conducting combined events with 

Strong Bonds in areas more rewarding and accessible to military Families preparing for their road to war, it’s evident that 

we’ve come very far.

 The demand for knowledge continues to grow, and today, 

as well as tomorrow, the 79th TSC and the Army Reserve 

continues supporting our Soldiers and Families through the 

Yellow Ribbon Program. Whether it’s gaining an 

understanding related to how to enroll your newborn into 

the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, finding a 

school or civilian employer to better support your career, or 

resources and support related to the knowledge associated 

with the ability to cope with the difficulties of an extended 

separation or deployment, for the last 100 years the 79th TSC 

has done its job, and will continue doing so.

Register for an event at

www.yellowribbbonevents.org

Mr. Eugene Haynes IV

79th TSC Yellow Ribbon Coordinator

Yellow Ribbon Program 

 With history as the theme of this issue, it is only fitting to 

discuss how far the Army has come with regard to diversity 

and inclusion. According to the U.S. Center of Military History's website: “The United States Army has not always been 

entirely a reflection of American society. The Army ... has 

either prohibited or severely limited service by a wide variety 

of social and ethnic groups. African-Americans, HispanicAmericans, Asian-Americans, women, and homosexuals have 

at various times been banned from service, allowed in only in 

small numbers, or allowed in only under special conditions”. 

 The Three R Syndrome, (Reject-Recruit-Reject) serves as 

an example of this. During the Spanish American War, Army 

regulations did not allow women to enlist--this was the Reject 

phase. However, because the Army was unable to recruit 

enough men to provide medical treatment during the war, 

Congress authorized the Army to appoint women as Army 

nurses under contract, but without military status. This is 

known as the Recruit phase. The Reject phase came into play 

again because the nurses were civilian contract workers not 

to be confused with Soldiers who cared for the sick. 

 The Three R Syndrome went on through World War I and 

World War II until the Women’s Armed Services Integration 

Act of 1948 which gave women a permanent place in the 

military services. 

 Another example of the "Three R Syndrome" happened 

when minorities were not allowed to enlist in the armed 

services at the onset of periods of hostilities. But because 

of manpower demands and insufficient numbers, minorities were recruited, usually during a conflict. After induction, 

most minorities were segregated, poorly trained, and/or relegated to low levels or hazardous jobs. Once again, the Reject 

phase was implemented when hostilities were over, the units 

were disbanded and the racial minorities were released from 

any requirements to serve, despite any desire to continue 

service. In some cases, minorities were denied Veterans’ 

benefits. 

 The Army has come a long way with regard to diversity and 

inclusion since the time of the Civil and Spanish American 

Wars. As the Army recently celebrated its 242nd birthday, 

it strives to be a leader in inclusion and equality, evident in 

several policy changes in recent decaces including the repeal 

of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2010. These are reflections of 

the Army Values and an immutable part of the ethos of its 

Soldiers. 

“To Do For Country” 

Ms. Marisa Saucedo

79th TSC EO Program Manager

Equal Opportunity 

Soldiers don't let disabilities hold them back as they compete History

in the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games
26 The Falcon Summer 2017 27

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FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Of all the Warriors 

in the 2017 U.S. Army Reserve Best 

Warrior Competition, Specialist Kenny 

Ochoa distinguished himself with his 

desire to be among the stars – literally. 

As the U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the 

Year explained, his life long dream is to 

become an astronaut, and he is determined to make that dream a reality by 

any means necessary.

 “I don’t want to be average, I want 

to do things that very few people 

have done,” said the would-be astronaut. Ochoa is an U.S. Army Reserve 

watercraft specialist with the 481st 

Heavy Boat Transportation Unit, in Los 

Angeles, California. But today, he is the 

winner of the 2017 U.S. Army Reserve 

Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, 

North Carolina. 

 “I love what I do, on both sides,” 

Ochoa explained.

 Born in Guatemala, Ochoa recognized early on he was not willing to 

settle for an average life. He wanted to 

be an astronaut and nothing was going 

to stop him. The young man immigrated 

with his father to America in 2003, and 

decided to gain his citizenship by joining 

the U.S. Army Reserve in 2014.

 Currently majoring in physics at the 

University of California, Davis, Ochoa 

has his sights set on a job working for 

NASA.

 Ochoa understands becoming an 

astronaut is a difficult task, but not impossible. Fortunately for the young specialist, every two years the Astronaut 

Candidate Program recruits Soldiers to 

join the ranks of astronauts working for 

NASA. 

 Unbeknownst to many, the Army 

also has its own dedicated occupation 

that trains Soldiers to become Army 

astronauts. The training is directed by 

NASA and requires Soldiers to perform 

space flight related duties. All of this 

has caught the attention of Ochoa

 It goes without saying being an 

astronaut involves learning a variety of 

skills while working under an immense 

amount of mental stress. Knowing this, 

Ochoa has decided to put himself to the 

test by competing in the 2017 U.S. Army 

Reserve Best Warrior Competition. In 

preparation for the competition, Ochoa 

started exercising, eating healthy, and 

studying regularly. 

 “Joining the Army Reserve, you bring 

a skill set that an active duty Soldier 

might not get a opportunity to possess, 

such as previous education and work 

experience,” said Ochoa. 

 The 2017 U.S. Army Reserve Best 

Warrior Competition showcases a 

variety of America’s Warriors – each 

who bring a unique set skills that may 

not necessarily be found on the active 

duty side of the Army. Every event at 

U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition requires knowledge of how 

treat casualties; implement small unit 

tactics; engage the enemy using physical strength, and display a firm grasp of 

history – all of which demonstrates the 

Warriors’ capability, combat-readiness, 

and lethality. 

 Being part of the 2017 U.S. Army 

Reserve Best Warrior Competition is 

a challenge, but one that also opens 

doors, Ochoa said. “I’m here to give my 

best.”

 “I wasn’t in last year’s competition, 

I didn’t make it this far,” Ochoa explained. “I want to win, I put in a lot of 

time in, both mentally and emotionally.” 

Shoot for the Stars

Story by Spc. Noel Williams

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, for the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Army Reserve Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year winner, Cpl. Carlo Deldonno (left), and Soldier of the Year, Spc. 

Kenny Ochoa (right), pose together during the 2017 U.S. 

Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition awards ceremony 

held at the Iron Mike Conference Center, Ft. Bragg, N.C. 

June 16. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William A. Parsons)

Spc. Kenny Ochoa a watercraft specialist, participates 

in a chemical attack test during the 2017 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. June 

14. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennifer E. Shick)

79th TSC Best Warrior Competition 

Spc. Kenny Ochoa, a watercraft operator with the 481st Transportation Company, writes an essay during the 79th TSC's Best 

Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. 

(U.S. Army photo by by Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th TSC)

Sgt. Carlos Garcia Velasquez, a human resources 

specialist with the 90th Sustainment Brigade, plots his course 

during the Land Navigation portion of the 79th's Best Warrior 

Competition. (U.S. Army photo by by Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th 

TSC)

Spc. Charles Cherry, a paralegal specialist with the 79th TSC 

particiates in the room clearing event May 5, 2017. (U.S. Army 

photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays, 79th TSC)

Spc. Justin Rafferty, 910th Quartermaster Company, answers 

graded questions during the medical evacutaion event (U.S. 

Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Alexandra Hays, 79th TSC)

Sgt. Carlos Garcia Velasquez, a human resources specialist with 

the 90th Sustainment Brigade, clears a window during the room 

clearing event May 5, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class 

Alexandra Hays, 79th TSC)

Spc. Justin Rafferty, a petroleum supply specialist with the 910th 

Quartermaster Company, subdues a "high value target" during 

the 79th TSC's 2017 Best Warrior Competition. (U.S. Army photo 

by by Sgt. Heather Doppke, 79th TSC)

The 79th Theater Sustainment Command hosted its 2017 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 3-6. 

The Best Warrior Competition seeks out the best candidate that defines the profession of arms by testing competitiors 

physically and mentally. At the conclusion, one Soldier and one NCO were named the 79th TSC Best Warriors and went 

on to represent the command in the U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition held at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 4-10, 

2017. Spc. Kenny Ochoa, 481st Transportation Company, was named the U.S. Army Reserve Soldier of the Year. 

Army Reserve Best Warrior is Aiming High
28 The Falcon Summer 2017 29

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 As he walks out from behind the curtain half the crowd is 

chanting his name, “T-Ray, T-Ray, T-Ray,” while the other half 

can be heard booing. He makes his way through the crowd 

and into the ring where he pauses to flex his muscles and yell 

at a few members of the audience. This is T-Ray’s job, and he 

loves it. 

 The U.S Army Reserve is full of citizen-soldiers who balance a civilian job with their part-time service in the military. 

This balance can be a challenge, but these warrior-citizens 

persevere, keeping the Reserve a capable, combat-ready and 

lethal force. For U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Trenty Watford, a microwave communications specialist with the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command based in San Antonio, Texas, that 

civilian job is performing as a professional wrestler. 

 In the ring Watford goes by ‘T-Ray’, a name he finally 

settled on after trying several others. He said he read a book 

by another professional wrestler suggesting the most successful names were short. 

 “You want something simple that the fans can chant or 

they can boo,” said Watford. “When I am signing autographs 

I want something small so I can sign quick.” 

 He wrestled with creating a great name until his girlfriend 

came up with an idea. 

 “My girlfriend’s name is Rachael and she said, ‘why don’t 

you just combine our names,’ so we came up with T-Ray,” 

Watford said. “I brought it up to my trainer and he said, ‘I like 

it,’ so it stuck.”

 Watford is a military brat; born, raised and trained in a 

military family. He said he initially joined the Army to open 

up opportunities and continue the family tradition of military 

service. 

 “I spent my whole life around the military,” said Watford. 

“My dad was in, my sister joined and it was a way to get out 

of Louisiana after I graduated high school.”

 Before joining the Reserve in October 2014, Watford was 

in the active duty Army and deployed to the Middle East 

three times with the 35th Signal Brigade in 2002, 2005 and 

2006. Before he joining, he didn’t realize he would gain such 

strong bonds with his fellow soldiers.

 “It is a weird brotherhood,” said Watford. “Initially the 

military was just more of a family thing, and I didn’t know 

about all the cohesion. It became more about them and I put 

my joy and love into working with those guys. I’ve got friends 

that I haven’t seen in 8-9 years but we still talk on a weekly 

basis, and when we get to see each other, we pick up right 

where we left off. You don’t get that in other jobs.” 

 You wouldn’t know it by looking at him today but Watford 

was small as a kid. In high school he wanted to play basketball, but his small stature led him instead to his school’s 

folkstyle wrestling team.

 “They had basketball tryouts and my whole life I had 

played basketball and football year-round. I went to all the 

camps but I was an extremely tiny kid. My freshman year I 

was like 91 pounds,” said Watford. “I was on the basketball 

team and the other kids are like 140 or 150, they are all regular sized kids, and I got cut.”

 The next day in P.E class, the teacher, who also happened 

to be the wrestling coach, noticed Watford looking a little 

depressed. He invited Watford to join the wrestling team, 

and that is when everything changed. 

 “After that day I’ve been hooked ever since,” said Watford. 

“I was able to tap into something that was there, everything 

just came naturally. All of the drills that we did, I had no 

problems with the work outs. It progressed and progressed 

and that spawned out into kickboxing and jujitsu.”

 In the spring of 2016, as Watford was training in mixed 

martial arts, one of his sons had an idea. 

 “My son was like, ‘you should be a wrestler,’ and I couldn’t 

think of an excuse why not to do it,” said Watford with a 

laugh. “So I looked up the schools in the area, found one and 

started going last June.” 

 Watford’s wrestling character, T-Ray, is nothing like himself. 

He likes to play the villain, so T-Ray enjoys boos from the 

crowd as he enters the ring and competes.

 “You want to get booed as a bad guy,” said Watford. “I 

am an enhanced opposite of what I really am. Normally I am 

quiet, laid back, relaxed. My character is trash talking, telling 

everyone I’m better than them, I get to be mean to kids. I 

think about things that would make me mad or things that 

would offend me and then I just do it.” 

 Watford’s girlfriend is very supportive. He said she wanted 

him to be happy in a job so he would 

be happy in other aspects of his life. 

While she enjoys watching his matches, Watford said he has to prepare his 

girlfriend before each match so she 

knows what to expect. He used to not 

tell her, but one night things did not 

go as smoothly as he hoped.

 “There was a match where I got 

beat up bad, she wasn’t expecting 

it, and I think she took it personal,” 

Watford shared. “She went to go 

check on me in the back and I was still 

trying to get my bearings back. They 

said, ‘Oh, he’ll be fine,’ and she was 

like, ‘no he’s not fine, I saw what you 

did to him!’ So if something intense is 

going to go on in the match, I let her 

know, then she will be ready.”

 Despite the danger and the hard 

work, Watford truly loves what he is 

doing. 

 “You know that feeling you get 

where you know you are doing what 

you are supposed to be doing in 

life? I have no stress, no worries, I 

am not dreading going to a show,” 

Watford shared. “I am working at 

what I want to do. I want to make 

an impact, and if I can inspire one 

person I have done my job.”

 Watford explains that he hopes 

that performances as T-Ray inspires 

people to be the best versions of 

themselves, “I try to get people 

inspired to be the best person that 

they can be. No matter what other 

people think of what you do in life, 

you can do whatever you want to 

do that makes you happy. As long as 

you are happy and self-fulfilled you 

should keep doing it.”

 Above all else, Watford is grateful for the camaraderie he 

experienced during his active duty service that continues as 

he serves in the Reserves. He recognizes and encourages 

that kind of camaraderie as a professional wrestler. 

 “There is a camaraderie there when everybody is doing their part to get the mission complete,” said Watford. 

“Whether it’s the people setting up the ring or setting up the 

chairs; the people setting up concessions or merchandise, it 

all works together for the show. You have the same thing in a 

unit with new soldiers coming in and old soldiers retiring. It 

is humbling to know that any day could be my last day doing 

it and building that cohesion.” 

 So whether you are cheering or booing for T-Ray, he loves 

it all, and he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

“My son was like, ‘you should be 

a wrestler,’ and I couldn’t think 

of an excuse why not to do it”

Reservist From the Top Rope

Story and photos by Maj. Brandon Mace

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command 
30 The Falcon Summer 2017 31

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FORT POLK, La. – A team of five U.S. Army Reserve Culinary 

Specialists with the 1002nd Quartermaster Company based in 

Beaumont, Texas, competed in the finals of the Philip A. Connelly cooking competition during their annual training field 

exercise March 25, 2017. 

 The Philip A. Connelly Awards Program is the personification of food service excellence by Army culinary specialists. It 

is co-sponsored by the National Restaurant Association and 

the Department of the Army. During the annual Connelly 

competition, teams of cooks from the U.S. Army Reserve, The 

U.S. National Guard and the U.S. Army Active Component are 

evaluated on a wide range of areas related to food preparation in garrison and field environments.

 “The 1002nd have won at the 4th ESC level, the 79th SSC 

level and at the USARC (U.S. Army Reserve Command) level to 

become one of the top four teams competing at the DA (Department of the Army) level for the Army Reserve Component 

category,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Nieves, 4th 

Expeditionary Sustainment Command food service advisor. 

 U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Richard Canales, culinary 

noncommissioned officer in charge, briefed his team of four 

junior cooks on the menu, the time limits and cooking assignments - while evaluators watched, asked questions and took 

notes - then turned them loose to begin their work.

 “It’s all about pride and professionalism,” said Canales. 

“We’re all from different places but we’ve come together, 

we’ve worked hard and we work as a team.”

 Samuel Stanovich with the National Restaurant Association Military Foundation is one of the evaluators judging 

the competition. He says the evaluators are focused on 

execution, service standards, preparation and final product. 

Stanovich stated that all teams start with 1,000 points and 

points are deducted for infractions.

 “We’re down to the last of four final teams, so at this 

level, obviously they’re all good,” said Stanovich. “We’re looking to see how the team communicates, how are they engaging one another...does it look like they’ve really embraced the 

initiatives they’ve been shown and are taking it to the next 

level....”

 U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Enrique Vizcarra, a culinary specialist with the 1002nd was in charge of preparing the main 

entrée, roasted pork. He is a chef in his civilian occupation 

and brings years of cooking experience to his job in the Army 

Reserve.

 “I’m trying to create a different experience, using different techniques, spices and flavors,” said Vizcarra. “My goal 

is to modify and modernize the cooking techniques we have 

in Army food service so we can present more options to the 

Soldiers.”

 U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Christen Chambers is an awardwinning food operations specialist assigned to the 1002nd, 

having competed and won at the highest levels in Army 

culinary competitions. Her experience is evident as she meticulously measures out ingredients for oatmeal cookies into 

an enormous mixing bowl. She owns her own bakery catering 

business in Chicago but says she takes great pride in putting 

her uniform on and doing her Army job.

 “The Army came about as a means of going back to 

school to further my education,” said Chambers. “Having 

been in and having the opportunities to do the things that 

I’ve done have certainly broadened my experiences and it’s 

been pretty awesome.” 

 U.S. Army Reserve Specialists Adrian Carreon and Jamal 

Sims, both culinary specialists, round out the team. Carreon 

handled the preparation of sweet potato wedges and the 

salad, while Sims poured his efforts into preparing beef barley soup. 

 While the cooks toiled to prepare the meal in their 

cramped mobile kitchen trailer under the constant scrutiny 

of the evaluators, the rest of the company was engaged 

in defending their petroleum pipeline from attacks by the 

exercise opposing forces. Torrential rains the night before and 

sporadic downpours in the early morning had left the ground 

a muddy mess. 1002nd’s 1st Sgt. Shawn Ledet directed his 

troops to hasty fighting positions as the smell of roasted pork 

wrapped with bacon, beef barley soup and freshly baked 

oatmeal raisin cookies wafted in the air. 

 “This is resiliency training...the type of training that let 

our Soldier’s know that we can do our mission in any type of 

conditions,” said Ledet. “We are almost in our ‘ready year’ 

cycle and this training lets our Soldiers understand our mission and the commander’s intent. Our cooks perform a vital 

service and they’ve worked hard to support the Soldiers in 

this company and to get to this level of the competition.”

 The U.S. Army Reserve, under new commander Lt. Gen. 

Charles Luckey, is the most capable, combat-ready and lethal 

Federal Reserve force in the history of the nation. Realistic, 

field-training exercises like these measure a unit’s readiness 

level and hones operational skills. 

 One by one, the Soldiers of the 1002nd enter the mobile 

kitchen trailer and exit out the other end with a plate of 

hot food complete with soup, salad, desert and fresh fruit. 

The cooks and all the Soldiers that worked to support them 

have done their part and now it’s left to the judge’s scores to 

determine a winner. There were lots of smiles and accolades 

going around in the mess tent as the Soldiers polished off 

their meals, many wishing for a second helping.

 “I could not be more proud of our cooks and the job 

they’ve done,” said 1st Lt. Steven Drayton, 1002nd commander, addressing his Soldiers. “Regardless of the outcome, 

you are all winners to me and we are proud to have you all in 

the 1002nd.”

 The 1002nd is a part of the 211th Regional Support 

Group and the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. 

The command has units throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, New 

Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. As part of America’s Army 

Reserve, these units are trained, combat-ready and equipped 

to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the 

globe. Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 1002nd Quartermaster Company from Beaumont, Texas, are being served a hot meal by their food service team during their Field Training Exercise March 25, 2017. The 1002nd is a subordinate unit of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command 

and part of America’s Army Reserve. These units are trained, combat-ready and equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner 

of the globe. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Master Sgt. Dave Thompson)

“This is resiliency training...the type of training that let our 

Soldier’s know that we can do our mission in any type of 

conditions...”

 -1st Sgt. Shawn Ledet

U.S. Army Reserve Cpl. Enrique Vizcarra, culinary specialist, 1002nd 

Quartermaster Company, preps meat for cooking while Samuel Stanovich, an evaluator with the National Restaurant Association Military 

Foundation, looks on during the Philip A. Connelly cooking competition 

held at Fort Polk, La., March 25, 2017. During the competition, the 

Army Reserve partners with the National Restaurant Association to 

give food service personnel an opportunity to demonstrate their capability and combat-readiness while competing for recognition. (U.S. 

Army Reserve photo by Master Sgt. Dave Thompson)

Order's Up!

Story by Master Sgt. Dave Thompson

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Soldiers Compete in the Culinary Arts 
32 The Falcon Summer 2017 33

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Relentless Support

More Than a Motto, the 211th RSG Demonstrates its Commitment 

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 597th 

Transportation Detachment based in Rio 

Grande City, Texas, load a High Mobility 

Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle with supplies 

during Warrior Exercise (WAREX) 86-17-02 

at Fort McCoy, Wis. From April 29, 2017 until 

May 13, 2017.

Lt. Jose Nava-Lopez, commander of the 

597th Transportation Detachment in 

Rio Grande City, Texas. “It was cold and 

rainy, but Soldiers were still out there, 

energized, getting things done, transporting supplies and any other equipment we needed out there.”

 “I am always impressed with these 

Soldiers,” said Meisler. “They have the 

ingenuity, they have the know-how, and 

they will get things done.” 

 This exercise is just one of many that 

the 211th RSG will use to maintain their 

combat readiness. Meisler said the unit 

will take everything they practiced and 

learned to prepare for future training 

and real world missions.

 “The next big question is how can we 

do this more rapidly, how do we continue to improve, because in the fight of 

the future we may not have three days 

to set up,” said Meisler. “We took some 

pretty good steps forward, and that’s 

what I like to see, continuing progress. 

We will take all the lessons learned and 

spend our next battle assembly reviewing the AARs (after action reviews), 

developing a plan and a way ahead, so 

we are ready for the next fight.”

 The 211th Regional Support Group is 

a part of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. The command is made 

up of Soldiers, civilians and their families in units headquartered throughout 

Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. As part of America’s 

Army Reserve, these units are trained, 

combat-ready and equipped to provide 

military and logistical support in any 

corner of the globe.

FORT MCCOY, Wis. – When a U.S. Army 

Reserve unit is called to action, they 

don’t respond by themselves or as individual service members, they integrate 

with other units and sister services to 

create a total force prepared for any 

mission in any environment. Every year, 

U.S. Army Reserve units participate in 

large scale exercises that ensure they 

remain capable, combat-ready and 

lethal. 

 Members of the 211th Regional 

Support Group, based in Corpus Christi, 

Texas, participated in one such event, 

Warrior Exercise 86-17-02, Apr. 29 to 

May 13, 2017, here.

 WAREX 86-17-02, provided training 

opportunities to nearly 6,200 Army Reserve Soldiers from 70 units from across 

the U.S. in an exercise that simulated 

real-world operational missions and 

environments. 

 “WAREX 17-02 is designed to train 

our units in an austere environment, 

making sure we can still use our mission 

command systems and continue to 

operate,” said U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. 

Kevin Meisler, commander of the 211th 

RSG. “It provides a realistic avenue as 

opposed to sitting in a drill hall trying to 

pretend. This provides that realism that 

the Soldiers need to move to the next 

level.”

 Meisler was the senior logistician 

participating in the exercise, and took 

on an additional leadership role as the 

Senior Tactical Assembly Area Commander. He said the participating units 

did not fall in on any existing structures 

or resources. They started the exercise 

with the equipment they brought and a 

large empty field.

 “This is completely austere, just a 

field. When we come out to an environment like this, first we have to build 

a defensive position, then we need to 

create the operational TOC (tactical 

operations center), so we can actually 

do our job, and when we finally get that 

done, then we can look at our creature 

comforts.” Meisler said. “It’s definetly 

a mindset change for a lot of folks.” 

 U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Jason 

Brownling, also a member of the 211th 

RSG, was the commander of TAA 5. He 

said that setting up in this kind environment was eye opening for him and his 

Soldiers.

 “Falling in on facilities that are 

already set up makes life a lot easier 

and that’s how we have practiced up 

to this point,” said Brownling. “When 

you have to do everything yourself and 

make everything work together you 

realize how much extra effort and how 

much longer it takes to get your systems 

in place. This exercise really taught us 

to go back and get into our Soldier skills 

so that it’s not hanging us up out here.” 

 The 211th RSG crest displays the 

unit’s motto, “Relentless Support,” a 

sentiment the unit took to heart as 

they executed their mission at WAREX 

despite challenges.

 “Soldiers are not used to this 

weather, especially since we come from 

South Texas,” said U.S. Army Reserve 1st 

Pvt. 1st Class Diego Garcia, a Paralegal Specialist with 211th Regional Support Group based in 

Corpus Christi, Texas, performs Quick Reaction Force duties during Warrior Exercise (WAREX) 

86-17-02 at Fort McCoy, Wis. From April 29, 2017 until May 13, 2017.

"I am always impressed with these 

Soldiers. They have the ingenuity, they 

have the know-how, and they will get 

things done." -Lt. Col. Kevin Meisler 

 

The hardest part of any training is simply getting started. Once you get past 

the first dreaded hill, it only gets easier. 

The hardest part is actually getting to 

the track, gym or pool. Once you're 

there, you might as well do it. 

 Respiration is my most important asset. Good lungs open the way to better 

circulation, greater stamina and more 

power. Cardio works out are always the 

toughest and that's why I work on this 

the most. Training beyond your goal will 

make things a whole lot easier. 

 You also want to change up work 

out plans to trick your body and get out 

your comfort zone. For example, one 

day I train for distance while other days 

I sprint short distances and even run 

sprints uphill. If you are able to push 

your body to that limit, you will see 

results with your overall body physique. 

I also recommend swimming and biking 

for stamina, endurance and to cut down 

weight. 

 Maintaining clean healthy lungs and 

learning how to pace yourself is the key 

to a strong foundation for any athlete.

 You must find the sweet spot between a healthy diet, adequate amount 

of sleep, and a great work out plans. 

Everybody is different and only you 

know how your body reacts to certain 

things. From experience, I’ve come to 

find out what works for me. Early work 

outs always seemed to work the best 

for me. 

Fit 

 Heathy diet is extremely important 

and it is often overlooked. Just avoiding 

sugars alone can make a huge difference. You begin generating energy 

from different sources, such as lipids, 

and begin to cut unhealthy excess fat. 

This takes a lot of time and patience. 

If you’re able to make a meal at home 

and avoid fast food places that is a 

battle won. All these battles will add up 

to a war over several weeks and your 

morale will sky rocket. 

 Drink water not soda. Chose healthy 

vegetable or fish fats and oils instead of 

trans or saturated fats. Snacking during 

the day also keeps your body at a high 

rate of metabolism. 

 Educate yourself on what you should 

be putting into your body. Most people 

will support your choice of a healthy 

lifestyle and you might even motivate 

those around you. It’s always easier 

when you have someone to keep you 

motivated. If you take care of your body 

it will take care of you. 

 Finally, staying motivated is perhaps 

so simple but can make all the difference. A lot of the times people start off 

strong and slowly taper off. To avoid 

this, you must change your mentality from “ugh I have to go run these 

miles” to “I’m about to kill these miles”. 

Perception about anything will change 

how you react to scenarios. Learn to 

love yourself, body and mind; the rest 

will follow.

Photo by Spc. Trenton Fouche

214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. Kenny Ochoa, 79th TSC 2017 

Best Warrior Soldier of the Year, 

shares pointers on how to keep in 

top 

Tips

Story and photos by Maj. Brandon Mace

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command
34 The Falcon Summer 2017 35

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was inducted to the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He took 

the time to show the Soldiers some self-defense maneuvers.

 Physical fitness is one the cornerstones of combat 

readiness because being physically fit means that a Soldier is 

always ready for any mission. At the 311th ESC, the focus is 

on fitness being a condition of service in the Army Reserve so 

that one is ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

 The 311th ESC is introducing a new fitness challenge 

called, “Combat Fitness Challenge.” There are many Army 

fitness challenges like the Cadet Fitness Challenge, which is a 

one-week program designed to help prepare cadets and recruits for basic training, and others like the Extreme Military 

Challenge, designed for senior NCOs, but this new challenge 

is very unique.

 The competitors of the Combat Fitness Challenge will be 

the elite. The participates are limited to the top one percent 

of combat athletes that will participate in extreme fitness 

challenges that will test them both physically and mentally. 

 Best known as the creator of the commercial home 

exercise regimen P90x, Tony Horton spoke about the 

importance of nutrition and staying fit, challenging your body 

with many different forms of exercise and being consistent 

with your exercise routine.

 A former professional athlete, Mr. G holds a doctorate in 

Chinese Martial Arts, a 10th Degree Master Black Belt and 

Sgt. Alexandria Love, a national boxing champion from the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, taught participants at a similar fitness 

initative, the 11th Military Police Brigade's Guardian Fit Camp, different boxing exercises as an alternative cardio workout. (U.S. Army Photo by 

Sgt. Timothy Yao)

This event will test their resolve and is uniquely different 

because it gives junior enlisted, NCOs and officers an opportunity to participate in the same competition.

 “I’m calling for ‘The Year of Fitness at the 311th ESC 

because fitness is the cornerstone of readiness and 

readiness is our number one priority,” said Elwell. “I’m 

grateful that Tony Horton and Mr. G were here to inspire 

the troops because fitness and military service go hand and 

hand.”

The competitors in the Combat Fitness Challenge will become 

the fitness leaders in the 311th ESC. This new challenge will 

set a new standard and may have a lasting change that can 

help Soldiers commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, 

nutritious foods and the right mindset is the formula that 

leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who 

focuses on being the best they can be.

“Fitness is the cornerstone of readiness and 

readiness is our number one priority.”

 -Brig. Gen. David Elwell

311th ESC Introduces 

“The Year of Fitness”

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa

311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – To 

kick off “The Year of Fitness,” Brig. Gen. David E. Elwell, 311th 

Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, 

invited Tony Horton, a world-class motivational speaker and 

an author of top-selling books, and Garba “Mister G” Onadja, 

who teaches people the benefits of a nutritious, healthy, fit 

lifestyle, to a command-wide readiness session at the Los 

Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, March 4.

Preparing for the fight is key to any Army unit's success

Soldiers from the 11th Military Police Command, participate in a similar 

fitness initiative "Guardian Fit Camp," at Los Alamitos, Calif. (U.S. 

Army Photo by Sgt. Timothy Yao)

Soldiers from the 11th Military Police Command, participate in a 

"Guardian Fit Camp," at Los Alamitos, Calif. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 

Timothy Yao)
36 The Falcon Summer 2017 37

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Story and photo by Spc. Kaitlin Waxler

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Soldiers "Get Connected" 

to Prevent Suicide

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Alex Fink, Commanding General of the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Johnson, Command 

Sergeant Major of the 4th ESC, sign the Get Connected Pledge to end the stigma around asking for help with suicidal thoughts at Joint Base San Antonio, May 9, 2017. The Get Connected 

Campaign aims to prevent suicide by teaching Soldiers how to prevent feelings of isolation.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The 

U.S. Army Reserve 4th Expeditionary 

Sustainment Command took a stand 

against suicide by launching the Get 

Connected campaign here, during their 

monthly battle assembly, May 6, 2017. 

 Mr. Brion Pinkerton, Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the 4th ESC, 

introduced Soldiers to the campaign, 

which aims to end the stigma around 

talking about suicide and, as the name 

of the program suggests, help Soldiers 

connect with one another.

 Pinkerton has spent his whole professional career helping others. Before 

becoming a SPPM, he worked with 

the National Crisis Line in Alaska and 

worked in Christian ministry. He is in the 

final days of completing his doctorate in 

Industrial Organizational Psychology.

 Pinkerton began the Get Connected 

campaign based on the works of Dr. 

Thomas Joiner, who identified three 

factors present in all victims of suicide. One of these factors, thwarted 

belongingness, describes feelings of 

disconnectedness. The Get Connected 

Campaign focuses on overcoming those 

feelings by encouraging Soldiers to 

establish meaningful relationships.

 “The idea is that you are no longer 

connected with anybody, that you are 

isolated. You don’t have these emotional connections with other people,” said 

Pinkerton. “Connectedness is the one 

thing that we have the greatest potential to impact, so we came up with this 

idea of Get Connected.”

 Some of the goals of the campaign 

are to identify the risk factors and warning signs of those who are struggling 

with thoughts of suicide and to end the 

stigma associated with talking about 

suicide. In order to accomplish these 

goals, Pinkerton said it was imperative 

to recognize that the courage to ask for 

help is a sign of strength and wisdom.

 “This is an intentional and deliberate method of changing a culture, of 

reframing the way that we perceive our 

social interactions,” said Pinkerton. “It is 

the desire to succeed.”

 During the Get Connected campaign’s initial launch, Pinkerton and 

the 4th ESC Soldiers worked together 

to come up with a list of specific things 

individuals can do to combat that sense 

of loneliness, and help end the isolation 

people sometimes feel. The list included 

a number of actions, from establishing 

common ground to asking each other 

for help or opinions.

 “The Soldiers came up with some 

insightful ideas of how they can get connected with each other,” said Pinkerton. 

“This list will only grow with time.”

 Pinkerton also met with U.S. Army 

Reserve Brig. Gen. Alex Fink, Commanding General of the 4th ESC, and 

Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Johnson, 

Command Sergeant Major of the 4th 

ESC, to discuss the campaign. During 

the meeting, they both signed a pledge 

promising to do their part in preventing 

suicide.

 Pinkerton said he plans to reach all 

6,000 Soldiers within the 4th ESC. He 

will be working with everyone in an effort to spread his message.

 “People don’t just have this type of 

discussion and then walk away. They 

have this discussion and carry those 

thoughts with them,” said Pinkerton. 

“We want all of our Soldiers to walk 

away knowing that they can get connected.”

 If you or somebody you know is 

struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 

the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Veterans and 

Service Members can reach the Military 

Crisis Line by dialing the same number, 

and then pressing 1. 

 The 4th ESC is made up of Soldiers, 

civilians, and their families in units 

headquartered throughout Texas, 

New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and 

Louisiana. 

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – As a part of the 

National Read Across America initiative, 

Female Soldiers from the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command read 

“Hero Mom,” by Melinda Hardin and 

Bryan Langdo, to children at Kinder 

Ranch Elementary, Mar. 10, 2017. 

 Through the story presented in 

“Hero Mom” the Soldiers, who are 

each mothers with children at home, 

challenged the children to redefine 

and take ownership of the word hero 

as they think about what it takes to be 

heroic.

 “We wanted to celebrate Read 

Across America while educating the 

children about military life and the heroes who wear the uniform,” said Cristela Trevino, Child and Youth Services 

Command Specialist for the 4th ESC. 

“The story we selected describes the 

different roles of women in the Armed 

Forces comparing them to superheroes. 

Being a hero is not a one-time event or 

a single action, being a hero is a lifestyle 

that involves commitment.” 

 After reading the story, the students 

made posters where they shared their 

new definitions of what it means to be 

a hero. 

 “It is important for these kids to 

see heroes in the real world,” said Erin 

Heinz, kindergarten teacher at Kinder 

Ranch. “You don’t need magical powers 

or the ability to fly. If you work hard 

and are determined, you can be a hero 

too.”

 “It is really rewarding to come to 

schools and see how kids view Soldiers 

and moms that are Soldiers,” said Army 

Reserve Sgt. Claudia Martinez. “We not 

only have a job of being a Soldier but 

we are also moms. We have that connection with the kids.”

 The 4th ESC Child and Youth Services 

Office is continually looking for opportunities to support military children and 

educate their classmates about military 

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Ana Verduzco with the 4th Expeditionary 

Sustainment Command hands out Read Across America certificates 

to students at Kinder Ranch Elementary in San Antonio, TX, Mar. 10, 

2017.

U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Johnnie Garcia with the 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command reads “Hero Mom” to students at 

Kinder Ranch Elementary in San Antonio, TX, Mar. 10, 2017.

Mother, Soldier, Hero

Story and photos by Maj. Brandon Mace

4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

life. 

 “In my ten years as an educator, 

before I began working for the Army 

Reserve, I can recall inviting police 

officers and firefighters to inspire and 

read to children,” Trevino said. “Moving forward I would like to ensure that 

members of the Army Reserve and our 

military are represented in classrooms 

across San Antonio, Military City USA.”

 The 4th Expeditionary Sustainment 

Command is made up of Soldiers, 

civilians and their families in units 

headquartered throughout Texas, New 

Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Their units are trained, ready and 

equipped to provide military and logistical support in any corner of the globe. 
38 The Falcon Summer 2017 39

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Soldier Meets Biological 

Uncle for First Time at CSTX

Story and photos by Capt. Eric Connor 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – “I’m getting nervous. Like roller 

coaster nervous.” 

 Sgt. Angela Myers’ life is about to change forever. Myers, an ammunition sergeant with the 311th Expeditionary 

Sustainment Command, based in West Los Angeles, has been 

waiting for this moment for all her life – 28 long years.

 Myers was raised an orphan almost her entire childhood 

life, bouncing from one foster care home to another. 

 “I was under guardianship from five until 18 years old,” 

said Myers. 

 And even before then she hadn’t been with her parents for 

years. From age 6 weeks to 5-years-old she thought the man 

and woman she lived with were her parents, but that wasn’t 

the case.

 “My dad was abusive because of his drug use and my 

mother feared for her life so she left California for Vegas and 

left me with my dad.”

 The young Myers witnessed the abuse as a toddler up 

until her mother decided she’d had enough and took off, but 

without her infant daughter. Myers was left with her abusive 

father who would soon leave her with a friend and his wife. 

With both biological parents gone and her nine other siblings 

under foster care, Myers would find herself without any real 

family and in a state of turmoil and confusion tough for anyone to handle, let alone a child. 

 She also had to use an alias for her first name for protection. Myers bounced from her father’s friend’s home to 

another home that reminded her of the abuse she’d witnessed her entire young life. But this time the abuse was 

toward her, verbally.

 “She [foster mother] would call me a dog. Said I was 

nothing. I felt like an animal, like a dog because that’s what I 

was called and made to feel like.”

 Myers would eventually land in a loving home in Acton, 

California, where she learned to ride horses, flourished at 

writing poetry and learned about discipline.

 “My foster dad was a former Marine so everything had to 

be dress right dress which I liked.”

 The family cared for her until she was 18-years-old. But 

something was still missing. Myers felt a huge void not 

knowing her biological parents or any other biological family 

for that matter.

 “I searched for my real parents from 5 to 18-years-old. I 

also found out my mother left me to protect me because of 

my abusive father and she wanted a better life for me.”

 Fast forward nine years later and the curiosity and desire 

to find her parents still burned in Myers’ heart. During her 

search she would learn that both her parents had passed but 

she still learned so much.

 “My dad rode horses, loved to ride. My real mother 

journaled everything and wrote poetry. I found out she was a 

published poet. She also had all my information.”

 Still wanting to find some biological family she searched 

and searched, using search engines, social media and 

anything she could think of.

 And then it happened--she finally came across a name 

she had been looking for on Facebook and sent a message 

through Messenger. 

 Days passed, and then the person answered. 

 As Myers was starting annual training for Combat Support 

Training Exercise at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, 

California, on July 21, 2017, the moment Myers has been 

waiting for arrived.

 “I started crying ten minutes out. It’s a once in a lifetime 

moment,” revealed the person she’s about to meet, driving 

up to see Myers, who is now at annual training at Camp San 

Luis Obispo. 

 Myers is anxiously waiting and noticeably nervous as she 

tries to concentrate on her job inside the tactical operations 

center. Minutes later a voice yells out “Where is she?” And 

then a figure standing 6-foot-5 inches tall reveals himself. 

 It’s her biological uncle – her uncle Corey Rose. 

 The two dart toward each other and give a big, emotional 

and lasting hug. And then the tears of joy begin to flow from 

Myers as her uncle Corey refuses to let go of his embrace.

 “I always wanted a daughter and now I have a niece,” said 

Rose. “I always wondered where she was.”

 The two share laughs. Myers shows her uncle where she 

sleeps in a tent for CSTX. Her uncle also shares pictures with 

her that she’s never seen. One in which her biological father 

looks just like her 2-year-old son, Zander. Her uncle, who’s the 

assistant chief for the Los Angeles Fire Department, also pulls 

out a pair of riding boots her father once wore that are the 

exact same size as Myers. 

 “Oh my God, oh my God,” is her reaction. Which brings a 

continuous smile to both of their faces.

 "I felt guilty over the years but family takes care of family," 

said Rose.

 All throughout the ups and downs Myers remained positive. "I want people to know to never give up. If you want 

something to go for it, never give up."

 The two spent the rest of the day together and part of the 

next day unable to contain their newfound joy.

 “We have a lot of catching up to do,” said Rose. 

"I want people to know to 

never give up." 

-Sgt. Angela Myers

Sgt. Angela Myers, an ammunition sergeant with the 311th ESC, gives 

an emotional hug to her uncle Corey Rose.

Sgt. Angela Myers and her uncle Corey Rose, chat with her son, 

Zander, on Facetime. 

Sgt. Angela Myers looks over photos of her biological family she's 

never seen with her uncle Corey Rose.

Commanders are responsible for ensuring all their Soldiers 

and Department of the Army Civilians are compliant with Post 

Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) requirements. 

The PDHRA provides leaders with a critical tool to identify 

physical and behavioral issues that evolve following the initial 

Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA).

Unit readiness is supported by:

• Providing early treatment for health concerns

• Enabling quicker manning decisions

• Enhancing unit deployability

Commanders coordinate the PDHRA process with appropriate 

G-1/S-1 or medical staff who then coordinate with the local 

PDHRA Coordinator to review PDHRA options. 

The PDHRA is administered 90 to 180 days after deployment 

based on the criteria established within DODI 6490.03. Compliance in this window is critical, because deployment-related 

health concerns often evolve during this period.

May 2010 G-1 Memo stressed the need for: 

• True compliance within the 90-180 day window

• Maximum participation by leadership to set the example

• Collaboration between the personnel and medical communities as a key for success

In 2009, Vanderbilt University conducted a DoD-wide study of 

the PDHRA. Key information was formulated for Commanders: 

• Unit leader involvement and support related to positive 

attitudes

• Education improves attitude

• Combat exposure leads to greater likelihood of Soldier’s 

endorsing on PDHRA

• Behavioral health symptoms are commonly reported 

• Resilience Training, in coordination with PDHRA, had a positive influence on attitudes and reporting

• Soldiers admitted to underreporting physical, emotional 

and alcohol use problems

Determining a Soldier/DA Civilian’s PDHRA eligibility and 

tracking compliance is conducted through MEDPROS: https://

medpros.mods.army.mil/medprosnew

The Army G1 highly recommends that Commanders conduct 

the mandatory 3-6 Month Post-Deployment Resilience Training (IAW AR 350-1) prior to the PDHRA. Research indicates 

that Soldiers who participate in Resilience Training prior to 

the PDHRA tend to be more candid in their PDHRA participation and are more willing to seek help for post-deployment 

concerns. 

For more information or answers to questions contact: 

PDHRA_AR@ocar.army.pentagon.mil

79th TSC Medical Advisory Office

79th TSC 

Medical Matters

Post Deployment Health Reassessment
40 The Falcon Summer 2017 41

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FalconNews

YERMO and SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Soldiers of the 331st Transportation Company (Causeway) assemble a Modular Warping 

Tug (MWT) at the Port of San Diego in preparation to construct a Modular Causeway System (MCS) during Big Logistics 

Over the Shore West 2017. 

 The U.S. Army Reserve’s Big LOTS West 17 exercise kicked 

off at the Port of San Diego, Camp Pendleton, Coronado and 

other surrounding locations. 

 Big LOTS West 17 is a multi-component exercise involving 

Soldiers from the Army Reserve, active-duty U.S. Army, Navy, 

Marines and U.S. Maritime Administration who train and 

conduct logistics and sustainment operations involving the 

transporting of cargo and materiel, and ship-to-shore duties.

 “We do this all the time, makes you feel good, but it’s 

definitely a team effort. We work with the Army Reserve and 

other services on this exercise to bring it all together,” said 

one 331st Soldier helping to construct the MWT.

 “Its (ultimate) purpose is that it is connected to the rollon/roll-off discharge facility and then shipped simultaneously 

out to sea,” added 1st Lt. Zach Wilson, the 331th officer in 

charge of the MWT and MCS’ build.

 When it’s all said and done the intense man-hours and 

eventual completion of the causeway system mission translates into another successful training operation and team 

effort for all the services involved and a momentary breather 

before moving on to the next big training mission for Big LOTS 

West 17.

Big LOTS West for a 'Cause'

MARE ISLAND, Calif. – On a beautiful California day, dozens 

of family members came to bid their love ones’ farewell and 

good luck, during a deployment ceremony at the Mare Island 

U.S. Army Reserve Center April 22. 

 The 201st Harbormaster Detachment is part of the 481st 

Transportation Company, which also contains other transportation detachments with watercraft operators. This mission 

demands a high-level of readiness and synchronization that 

the unit achieves through joint and interagency field training 

201st HMODS Deploys

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa

exercises.

 The 201st Harbormaster Detachment’s troops are prepared to rapidly deploy from their home station at Mare 

Island to ports, both improved and unimproved, and other 

water terminals throughout the world to provide Command 

and Control for approaching vessels in their area of operation 

as they off-load material and supplies.

 “As we all know, there is a mix of good and evil throughout 

the world, but these Soldiers have chosen good over evil in 

their commitment to our nation,” said Lt. Col. Thomas J. Harzewski, 483rd Terminal Battalion commander. “To the Soldiers 

of the 201st detachment, thank you for your commitment 

and never lose sight of your values and take care of each 

other, and continue to always do what is right.” 

 “My main goal is to bring all of my Soldiers home, but 

more than that we want to fulfill our mission with excellence,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kenneth Lashbrook, 201st 

Harbor Master Operation Detachment officer in charge. “I’m 

excited to deploy with these Soldiers because they are among 

the best personnel I have ever worked with, having more 

experience and skills than I have ever seen.”

DUBLIN, Calif. – Soldiers and elements from the 469th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion participated in a Field 

Training Exercise at the Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training 

Area in Dublin, Calif., March 9-12. The 469th CSSB came to 

Camp Parks and set up a battalion tactical operation center, 

then set up a base TOC in the field, where the down trace 

units could live in tents and be directed by the observer controller trainers.

 The primary focus for this FTX was for units to conduct 

major unit collective training events in order to prepare for 

annual training requirements with a primary focus of training 

for collective tasks that included the use of the VBS-3 and live 

convoy operations.

 During this exercise scenario, the enemy forces are from 

the town of Atropia, which is a safe zone for the Atropian 

Liberation Front. The ALF personnel wear civilian clothing to 

blend into the populace and are armed with small-arms, IEDs, 

RPGs, and Crew-served weapon systems. The ALF forces are 

known to hijack civilian/military convoys and the 469th CSSB 

is sent in to clear the area.

 "The purpose of this FTX is to work on our battalion METL 

and collective tasks and training with an outside organization 

like the 2-360th Tactical Support Battalion provides us with 

469th CSSB Conducts FTX

an honest, outside perspective and sight picture of our units 

METL readiness," said Capt. Andrew Adams, 469th Combat 

Sustainment Support Battalion officer in charge. "It is always 

critical for Soldiers to develop their basic warrior skills. We 

must be proficient in the basics skills such as shooting, movement and communication."

The mission of the 469th CSSB is to provide mission command of all assigned and attached units of the Combat 

Sustainment Support Battalion as it operates logistics hubs 

of supply, transportation, and maintenance support to the 

Sustainment Brigade and supported Brigade Combat Teams.

WWI 100th Anniversary Commemoration

Story by Spc. Kaitlin Waxler

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Members of 

the U.S. Army Reserve 90th Sustainment Brigade, from Little Rock, Ark., joined civilians and 

veterans here, in Hangar 9 of Brooks City Base, 

on Saturday, May 20, 2017, to honor the 100th 

anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I 

and celebrate Armed Forces Day. The event was 

hosted by the City of San Antonio Department 

of Military Affairs to honor those who served in 

World War I.

 Among the guests was 94 year-old Army 

Corps of Nurses 1st Lt. (Ret.) Josephine Reaves. 

She served during World War II, working mostly 

with surgical patients. Reaves said the commemoration was very important for her to attend.

 “This event is beyond my expectations,” said Reaves. “I 

love all of my fellow veterans so much. We just can't do 

enough for them.”Reaves also spoke of her time in the 

service, describing her work after the Battle of the Bulge. She 

said it was among her most memorable moments with the 

Corps of Nurses.“I took care of the amputees,” Reaves said. 

“I wanted them to know there was a human being there with 

them. That's just the way I operated.”

 The 90th Sustainment Brigade, a unit that traces its lineage to the 90th Infantry Division, was selected to provide 

a five-Soldier color guard for the commemoration. Staff 

Sgt. Randall Franks, non-commissioned officer in charge of 

the color guard, said he was proud to carry on the legacy. To 

demonstrate their unit’s historical ties, Soldiers wore era-specific uniforms as they presented the colors.

“It emphasizes 

the common bond between current military and Veterans,” 

said Franks. “It's pretty important to us, especially because of 

our history with World War I.”

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa

Story by Capt. Eric Connor
42 The Falcon Summer 2017 43

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The 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Marysville, WA conducted a Warrior Fit Camp (WFC) for 22 of its Soldiers June 17-30, 

2017 at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area, commonly known as Camp Parks, in Dublin, CA. The WFC aimed to build a sustainable 

long-term health and wellness plan for the Soldiers attending.

 Impressive metrics came out of the WFC. In two short 

weeks Soldiers improved their maximum repetitions on pushups and sit-ups by an average of 34% and 37% respectively. 

 Morning workouts focus on cardiovascular endurance, 

while afternoon workouts consist of functional fitness a.k.a 

circuit training. Outside the gym Soldiers take nutrition 

classes and learn exactly how many calories their body needs 

in any given day, factoring in activity level explains Sgt. First 

Class Hughes, program designer, coordinator, and overall 

supervisor of the camp. “Understand what your daily [caloric] 

 So what exactly does it take for a junior officer to reach the 

milestone of transportation officer of the year?

 In an interview with Budzynski during the 364th ESC’s annual training, it became clear her seemingly unlimited supply 

of energy and perpetual positive attitude contributed to her 

success as a Transportation Officer in the United States Army 

Reserve (USAR).

 When asked about how she was able to bring about these 

accomplishments, she referenced family as her major source 

of inspiration. With a supporting husband and two young 

children at home, they offer her support like no one else 

can. “Nothing is a bigger stress reliever than hearing a baby 

laugh,” she explained. Whether it is coming home to her baby 

laughing, or her husband listening to the frustrations of the 

day, she attributes much of her success to them. Her family 

understands she serves in the US Army out of a sense of duty, 

and honors that commitment.

 Aside family support, one of Budzynski’s secrets to success 

is stress management and always maintaining a positive attitude whenever possible. “When I’m stressed out I try and 

remain optimistic which allows people to work around you 

more and want to work with you,” she said.

 Given transportation missions are often collaborative in 

Budzunski Named Army Reserve Transportation Officer of the Year

nature, this is one of 

the most valuable traits 

she focuses on. She also 

possesses an energetic 

nature, which allows 

her to be proactive and 

anticipate obstacles that 

lie ahead, rather than 

simply react. “I’m an 

active person with a lot 

of energy and I have to 

expend it,” she said.

 In the end, being 

named the USAR Transportation Officer of the 

Year has to do with task 

completion, mission 

execution and furthering the reputation of 

the Transportation Corps as a whole through leadership. The 

entire chain of command holds Budzynski as a performer 

who leads from the front. 

Warrior Fit Camp Pushes Soldiers to Succeed

intake should be...but don’t deprive yourself. If you want a 

brownie, have a brownie. Just account for it in your daily 

plan.” 

 Soldiers also learned mental techniques to stay positive 

and motivated. “Once Soldiers understand they can not control external events, but they can control their thoughts, they 

can affect their emotions and responses to these events.” 

Hughes said. In the end, Soldiers left with a high intensity 

workout plan, a customized nutrition plan, and a strong mental state required to be successful. 

Army Reserve Colonel Co-authors Textbook

JOINT FORCES TRAINING BASE LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.— Col. 

Carlos Bertha, a 79th Theater Sustainment Command Defense 

Support to Civil Authorities officer, recently published “Engineering Ethics: Real World Case Studies,” a text which pulls 

from his experiences in the military. Bertha, also a professor 

of philosophy at the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in his civilian capacity, is the director 

for the ethics course which all Air Force Academy cadets are 

required to take.

 Though his background is in engineering both for the Army 

and in academia, Bertha is also a professor of philosophy at 

the United States Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, 

Colorado, in his civilian capacity. The publication of his new 

book affords Bertha the opportunity to further influence the 

ethical development of future military officers as he is already 

the director for the ethics course which all Air Force Academy 

cadets are required to take.

 Bertha was inspired to write the book after encountering ethical dilemmas while serving as a resident engineer 

during a deployment to Afghanistan with the Army Corps 

of Engineers. Engineers working in the field can encounter 

a variety of ethical issues at any time during a construction 

project. How they deal with those situations can have a major 

impact on the project’s success 

and viability. Ethical issues for 

engineers can range from not 

continuing one’s education and 

improving skills, to the impact the 

project has on society and the 

environment.

 Bertha says the intent of the 

book is to give real world examples of ethical issues that engineers working in the profession 

are likely to encounter. According 

to Bertha, “The idea was to take 

the American Society of Civil Engineers Code of Ethics and write a 

book that would allow people to analyze any moral dilemma 

that they’re facing.” The book aspires to be a resource for 

those engineers trying to navigate difficult moral dilemmas. 

Bertha lends his ethical guidance to the 79th TSC’s missions 

which will include working alongside humanitarian organizations in training and real-world scenarios. He is scheduled to 

teach a future class at the 79th TSC on ethics in Humanitarian 

Assistance & Disaster Relief.

311th Dines on Battleship Iowa

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Brig. Gen. David Elwell, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, hosted a 

Dining Out on the United States Ship Iowa (BB-61), the last 

lead ship of any class of United States battleships, March 4, 

at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, and Maj. Gen. Mark 

Palzer, 79th Sustainment Support Command commanding 

general, served as the guest speaker.

 A “dining out” is a traditional military ceremonial dinner 

designed to foster camaraderie and an “Esprit de Corps.” This 

event incorporates all of the military traditions associated 

with the more formal “mess night” or “dining in,” including 

a table setting dedicated to those military members killed, 

captured or missing in action.

 “I remember when I was 

young, a model of 

this vessel was at 

the state capital 

and now that 

we can have this 

ceremony on the 

deck of this great 

vessel this is a 

great night,” said 

Elwell. “We come 

here to remember 

the fallen and we come here to celebrate our families, but 

more than anything we come here to celebrate the great nation of the United States of America that we will defend.”

 “The Dining Out is important to the organizational health 

as it provides an opportunity for our service members and 

the friends and families of our service members to participate in the traditions and comradery of the Army,” said 

Palzer. “The best part of any dining out is the opportunities 

it provides for military members to interact with guests, such 

as family members, Veterans, and special guests. It provides 

the right atmosphere to thank those who make our service 

possible.”

Story by Capt. Andrew Daane Story by Staff Sgt. Robert Pufahl

Story by Capt. Andrew Daane
You can find additional information at http://militarypay.defense.gov

BlendedRetirement Sources: Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, 

sections 631,632, 634, and 635

THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM: RESERVE COMPONENT 

The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provides our military force with a modernized 

retirement plan built for retirement savings. Beginning in 2018, Reserve Component service members 

can get automatic and matching Thrifts Savings Plan contributions, a mid-career compensation 

incentive, and if they obtain 20 years of service, monthly retired pay for life starting at age 60.* 

All service members under the current system are grandfathered into today’s retirement system. 

MORE THAN 4,320 

RETIREMENT POINTS

remain under the 

legacy plan

NEW ACCESSIONS AFTER 

JANUARY 1, 2018

automatically enrolled 

in the new BRS plan

LESS THAN 4,320 RETIREMENT POINTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017

Opt in to new BRS plan, 

or stay in the legacy plan

RETIREMENT SYSTEM SELECTION FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS

SERVE 

YOUR COUNTRY

SAVE

FOR YOUR FUTURE

Editor

The Falcon

79th Theater Sustainment Command 

Public Affairs Office

4201 Saratoga Avenue

Los Alamitos, CA. 90720