3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Story by Pfc. Amanda Tucker

Col. Robin B. Akin has brought a variety of experiences to her new position as commander of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Akin, joined the quartermaster corps after graduating from the University of Tennessee. Since then, she has consistently been assigned to combat arms posts that provided her new opportunities.

"I was typically the first woman at each of these jobs," Akin said. "It always seemed to be a new challenge."

Originally Akin wanted to work in the aviation field but when she was assigned to the quartermaster corps, she was thrilled that it provided her the chance to go to airborne and riggers school. Recently taking command of the 3d ESC, she has picked up their mission of resetting for their next deployment.

Although she didn't return with the 3d ESC, Akin just returned from Iraq as well. During her time spent in Iraq as the chief of logistics for Multi-National Force-Iraq headquarters, she was able to interact with 3d ESC Servicemembers.

"I was in Balad five or six times, never knowing that I was going to command the 3d ESC," Akin said. "I got to observe and really see what the 3d ESC was making happen."

Akin consistently encourages Soldiers in the unit to reach out to the community and thank them for their support during the deployment. Akin attributes her motivation with this project to growing up with a father serving in Vietnam.

"I remember as a kid growing up, all the people that would come back from combat would just fold right back into the community and really wouldn't talk much about it," Akin said."Most didn't like the fact that they were there."

Akin believes that the mentality during that time attributed to losing a "base line of mentors." She insists that during the time the 3d ESC is using to get restaged for the next fight overseas, her Soldiers share their experiences with others.

"The military represents one percent of what we call our American Citizens," Akin said. "We need to talk about our story."

Akin applies her "hooah" mentality to her Family as well. Married to another colonel, the dual military couple raised two children together.

Akin's son decided to follow his parent's footsteps and is enrolled at Texas A & M with a four year Army scholarship and wants to be a logistician. Akin's daughter is married to a "coastie" and going to college in New York. She recently asked Akin for her permission to enlist into the National Guard as an officer as well.

"I'm proud of both of them," Akin said. "The military to me is not a job, it's a profession. It is one that I would reach out and discuss with anybody."

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