Courtesy Photo | Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Donohue takes part in the Peachtree Road Race held in Kuwait...... read more read more
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By Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – When a young Pvt. Thomas Donohue served in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970, he wore the original 1st Corps Support Command patch. Fast-forward more than 37 years later, the now command sergeant major wears the same patch at his current assignment in Kuwait.
The old 1st Corps Support Command, better known as COSCOM, transformed into 1st Sustainment Command, (Theater), or 1st TSC in 2006.
"Well, it surprises me that I have been with the service that long and that after all that time, it looks like I will close out my years of service with almost the same command that I started with 37 years ago," said Donohue, who is the 475th Quartermaster Group (Petroleum) command sergeant major.
His area of responsibility includes managing troops from quartermaster units in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. "Basically I have moved around and I have 'punched my ticket,' as they say, throughout my career, going from a platoon sergeant to instructor to first sergeant, then finally getting appointed as a CSM (command sergeant major) in 1996," he said.
Donohue, 56, a native of Williamsport, Pa., "Home of the Little League", spends a lot of time on the road when he is engaged in reserve affairs. The 475th Quartermaster Group is based in Farrell, Pa.
"Where I live and where my assignment is is over 200 miles away (from each other). My weekends are on the road traveling to different units," said Donohue, who had to change units and positions numerous times in order to receive the top enlisted rank of sergeant major and be appointed as command sergeant major.
Early in his career, Donohue said he wanted to make a difference for Soldiers and not be just a number in a unit, but to go out and see the troops.
"Back home I made it a point to try and get to every (Army Physical Fitness Test). I always carried my (physical training) uniform, and if they were going to do PT, I would be involved," said Donohue.
The sergeant major also likes to be visible by getting out and spending time with his Soldiers. "When I was an E-4, E-5 and E-6, I never saw the command sergeant major, and I made a promise to myself that my Soldiers were going to know me if I was wearing civilian clothes on the street," he said.
Over the years, Donohue grew up understanding that taking care of Soldiers is top priority.
"I want to be out there and talk to Soldiers, make them relax and open up and feel free that they can talk to me," said Donohue, who wears dual hats as an Army Reserve Soldier and a military technician/government civilian employee. "When you are in the first sergeant or command sergeant major positions, your time is devoted to your Soldiers. If you have command sections under you, it takes a lot of your own time to do it."
As the petroleum CSM, Donohue manages the military's jet fuel, diesel and gasoline in Kuwait. He tracks all movement of the petroleum. He took over the petroleum operation after an active duty unit completed their mission and returned to the United States.
"We are an enduring mission and we (the 475th Quartermaster Group) have been here for three years," Donohue said. "We have had our flag here for three years and we are seizing the flag and taking it back with us when we leave in August."
Donohue will not be alone when he returns to the United States next month. That is because Master Sgt. Crystal Michael, and Staff Sgt. Allan Polasko, who have worked alongside him for nearly a year will join him. Michael and Polasko will finish up their one-year tour in Kuwait next month.
"If there is one thing I can say, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart, it is that command sergeant major Donohue will work day and night to make sure Soldiers and mission are taken care of," said Michael, who has worked with Donohue for more than 20 years as supervisory military technician.
Pulasko, a quality assurance sergeant for petroleum added, "Sgt. Major Donohue has been a good leader. He is easy going, yet professional and he will listen to you instead of just telling you what to do."
Polasko, 32, a native of Madison, Ohio, is responsible for inspecting all of the tanks and if there is a problem he updates the (storage) bags.
Michael, 49, a petroleum operations non-commissioned officer, from Williamsport, Pa., analyzes petroleum requirements and distribute it throughout the theater. Michael and Donohue are responsible officers for separate fuel farms containing more than seven millions gallons of fuel.
Once Donohue completes his assignment in Kuwait, he will return to the 475th Quartermaster Group as command sergeant major, where he hopes to pick up his last assignment. Afterward he will join the military's retirement ranks with his brother, retired Sgt. Maj. Frank Donohue.
Over the years, Donohue served in a variety of units such as the following: 411th Smoke Generating Company (squad leader) June 1972-Aug. 1973; 303rd Civil Affairs Group, April 1974- Dec. 1976; U.S. Army Reserves School Instructor Feb. 1984 – July 1987; and several others to include his current assignment in Kuwait.
While the years have passed by and Donohue has racked up numerous awards for his military service in Vietnam and different campaigns and operations, he faintly remembers serving with the old COSCOM in 1970.
"I think I was part of the 1st Logistical Command right before I departed Vietnam. They had taken over the logistical command in Vietnam," he said pointing at his military record which listed his former unit. Donohue will continue to wear the original COSCOM patch as his combat patch in Kuwait where he is part of the Third Army (Forward) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2007 11:15 |
| Story ID: | 11287 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 362 |
| Downloads: | 222 |
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