30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team

Story by Spc. Ruth McClary

BAGHDAD – Soldiers of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team's Headquarters and Headquarters Company may not have the convenience of a large department store in Iraq, but the supply section on Forward Operating Base Falcon covers their basic needs.

The supply section is responsible for inventory of all equipment issued to Soldiers, including weapons, uniforms and boots, according to Company supply sergeant Staff Sgt. Frederick Murray.

"Each Soldier is issued up to $5,000 worth of equipment and clothing for deployment," said Murray, of Rose Hill, N.C. "We keep records on everything issued to them."

Soldiers also receive a $125 monthly clothing allowance to replace worn out items, and Murray has to approve each request.

Murray also stocks everyday items such as sunscreen, foot powder, hand sanitizer and office supplies for the company's nearly 260 Soldiers, many of whom who come to the office for things other than supplies.

On a recent day, Staff Sgt. Vernon Hayes, of Lexington, N.C., entered the supply office carrying a wood two-by-four, looking for an electric saw. Murray helped him cut the wood to the correct measurements and completed the project when Hayes left to go out on a mission.

"I don't mind helping people with projects," said Murray. "I attached the wooden pieces to the base of the desk. It took about 30-minutes to knock it out."

Helping with projects is not on the duty roster in supply; Murray does that out of the kindness of his heart. That attitude led to an addition to his team.

"I had to get something from supply and he [Murray] was a nice guy so I asked to work with him," said supply clerk Sgt. Mariano Rosa, of Medellin, Colombia.

Rosa does several tasks for the brigade, apart from his regular duties of transporting supplies and securing weapons.

"I feel like the brigade's horse," said Rosa. "It's okay though, I don't mind doing what I can for others."

The brigade's supply sergeant left in June 2008 and Murray, who received a full-time North Carolina Army National Guard supply sergeant's position a month later, was the obvious replacement.

"I knew this position would be challenging, but I enjoy it," said Murray. "I'm learning a lot, and the other brigade supply sergeants help guide me along."

Spc. Julia Clark, of Fayetteville, N.C., was a supply specialist on active duty for nine years and Murray said she is the backbone of the section.

"There is a new adventure in supply every day," said Clark.

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