371st Sus. Bde. transfers authority to the 108th Sus. Bde. at Camp Arifjan

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill | Col. Gregory W. Robinette, the brigade commander of the 371st Sustainment Brigade and a Bowling Green, Ohio native, and Command. Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Barga, the brigade command sergeant major and a Versailles, Ohio native, case the brigade colors during a transfer of authority ceremony on Feb. 18, 2014 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The 371st Sus. Bde., based out of Springfield, Ohio, was deployed for nine months to Camp Arifjan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

02.18.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hill 

371st Sustainment Brigade

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The 371st Sustainment Brigade transferred authority of support operations in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to the 108th Sustainment Brigade during a transfer of authority ceremony on Feb. 18, 2014 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

“I have to say how proud I am of a group of soldiers and leaders who helped foster an atmosphere and a culture of success,” said Col. Gregory W. Robinette, a Bowling Green, Ohio native and the commander of the 371st Sus. Bde.

The transfer of authority process began when the108th Sus. Bde., based out of Chicago, arrived at Camp Arifjan to replace the 371st Sus. Bde. in the beginning of February, 2014. The 371st Sus. Bde., based out of Springfield, Ohio, was in charge of support operations since June, 2013

“I’m here today a better commander, a better officer and a better soldier because of the members of the 371st Special Troops Battalion, 371st Sus. Bde.,” said Lt. Col. Mark A. Raaker, the commander of the 371st STB, 371st Sus. Bde.

The Ohio unit was responsible for support operations in Southwest Asia, a region that includes 8 countries with units operating throughout the area, said Col. Thomas E. Haidet, a Westerville, Ohio native and the deputy commander of the 371st Sus. Bde.
The soldiers of the 108th Sus. Bde. shadowed their 371st Sus. Bde. counterparts for two weeks to learn their daily tasks and responsibilities, to include logistical, administrative and operational support during the deployment.

“The shadowing was helpful, I’ve never worked in joint visitor’s bureau before this deployment and it was an eye-opening experience,” said Capt. Michael Davidson, a Park Forest, Illinois native and the joint visitor’s bureau officer in charge with the 108th Sus. Bde.

The 371st Sus. Bde. has deployed in support of WWI, WWII and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and their current deployment to Kuwait marks the brigade’s third deployment in 10 years.

“At our peak the 371st Sus. Bde. had soldiers executing operations in eight countries, at sea and at every port in the theater, and while executing those missions, we stood ready to support a number of contingency missions,” said Robinette. “So be proud of what you’ve accomplished and when you go home proudly tell your stories to your families, friends and your communities.”

• Date Taken: 02.18.2014
• Date Posted: 02.20.2014 06:13
• Story ID: 120876
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW