10th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

Story by 1st Lt. Elsa Gerdes

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 96th Transportation Company deployed in October 2008, and now the Soldiers of the 96th Trans Co. have begun to transition with their incoming unit, the 1483rd Trans. Co. of the Ohio National Guard.

The 96th Trans Co. wants their replacements to be successful while supporting the final draw down of the Army's footprint here in Iraq as they have been throughout the year of their deployment.

The 96th Trans Co, Heavy Truck, has worked non-stop during this deployment and the Soldiers know they have performed their entire mission with outstanding success in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nevertheless, it is time to pass along their experiences and lessons learned to the new guys.

The unit's work load increased since they put boots on ground in 2008, and the Soldier's dedication to mission accomplishment never wavered. During the year, the unit has worked relentlessly in support of the Security Agreement in January, the urban withdrawals in June, and now, the recent force draw down.

The 96th has helped move and close several joint security stations in the Baghdad area. Moreover, the 96th Transportation has moved thousands of MRAPs, tanks, and other items around the theater in support of all transitory efforts within the MNC-I.

Over the year much has happened both exciting and enduring, but the unit's success goes to all the Soldiers, NCOs, Officers and the support of family and friends back home. All the officers in the unit have been promoted, junior leaders have become leaders, and many NCOs have advanced in their ranks. The Soldiers have learned and grown together as a family. Their dedication to team work has enhanced their experiences, skills, leadership, and professionalism. This cohesion is a part of the legacy of the 96th as this marks the sixth time the unit has redeployed since OIF in 2003.

"If it were not for the families, friends and organizations who supported the unit this deployment could have seemed a lot longer and harder to endure," said truckmaster, Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Cunningham, originally from Indianapolis. "I am extremely grateful for those who showed their appreciation for our service and supported us in this effort. The operators did an excellent job transporting important and needed loads to different places all around Iraq."

In the midst of the transition, Soldiers have begun to plan activities upon their return.

Spc. Keith Ryan, a truck driver, from Holtsville, N.Y., says, "I am an avid bike enthusiast; it's the only vehicle I own. I just love the free feeling of the open wind blowing against me as I cruise down the highway."

"I'm going to be driving to Chicago," said Spc. Jerome Poindexter, a truck driver from Chicago. "I am going to see my friends and visit my brother. I plan on eating at all of my favorite restaurants and ordering my favorite meals. My most favorite meal is the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings."

Others have simple requests when they return. For instance, Sgt. Oscar Jimenez, a truck driver and native of Harker Heights, Texas, just wants to, "Hug my wife and kids."

Overall, the unit has come together as company, platoon and a family to accomplish many missions. The 96th put 500,000 miles on the trucks, many wheels to the pavement, and many loads on our trucks.

"We moved it all. We made a difference out here in Iraq by supplying the war fighters with the tools they needed to be successful," said Spc. Donald Sombat of Fresno, Calif. "If it needed to be moved, 96th Transportation moved it. Heavy Truck!"

The 96th Transportation Company is based out of Fort Hood, Texas. They are currently deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq, and Victory Base Complex. The unit serves as a combat multiplier through its ability to transport heavy pieces of equipment over long distances.

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