Photo By Tulara McCauley | Soldiers with the 351st Military Police Company, a Reserve unit from Ocala, Fla.,...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – The 351st Military Police Company, a Reserve unit from Ocala, Fla., departed from Silas M. Copeland Arrival Departure Air Control Group, bound for Afghanistan, on a mission to assist retrograde operations, here, July 6.
The 351st 1st Sgt. Jeremiah Kelly, from Gainesville, Fla., was looking forward to the unit performing a wide spectrum of missions including retrograde and detainee operations. The majority of the time the unit will conduct combat-support duty, such as, escort supplies, provide security details for construction engineers, accompany convoys and ensure base security. Kelly was confident that his troops will excel at the variety of multi-purpose jobs that are typically tasked to MP companies.
Kelly praised the mobilization process, which prepared the unit for deployment. “DoMaD and all the support elements of Fort Bliss were very good to us,” said Kelly. “We were happy with our two months here.”
Spec. Frederick P. Thomson, from Clearwater, Fla., also noticed an increased efficiency with the mobilization process. Thomson mobilized through DoMaD two years ago when he was assigned to the 320th MP Company. “There are a lot of great improvements from last time I was here,” said Thomson. “DoMaD paid attention to detail and processed paperwork in advance of our movement, which decreased our Soldier Readiness and Resilience Process time by 60 percent.” Thomson studies biology and interns at the Veterans Administration, working towards a goal to become an Army doctor.
Although Thomson recently transferred to the 351st, he feels a tight bond with his new unit. The standards for the 351st “Outlaws” are set high to ensure that everyone puts forth their best effort at all times. “My fellow Soldiers are my family,” said Thomson. “My leadership leads from the front, which gives me total confidence that I will become a good leader.” Thomson is the first in his family to join the Army and appreciates the opportunities to learn and to travel. After seeing the many benefits of being in the service, Thomson’s younger brother is following his example and by enlisting after high school.
According to Sgt. Adam Nelson, who works as an electrician in his civilian life, the 351st is a tight-knit group of Soldiers from a variety of backgrounds. “We’ve grown a lot since we came together,” said Nelson. “We have a very diverse group of leaders from the infantry, scouts, Navy and aviation. Everyone has different perspectives, which they bring to the table.”
Spec. Cara Fahlman, driver, originally from Cleveland, agreed that the unit is prepared to do their best. “We’re ready to go,” said Fahlman. “DoMaD has been very accommodating to us from the chow hall to transportation.” Without any real expectations for her first deployment, Fahlman is going with an open mind to allow flexibility with unexpected changes in the mission. “The deployment is harder on our families than it is on us,” stated Fahlman. “Each and every day is a sacrifice for them. All of our families support us and we appreciate them.”
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2014 11:37 |
| Story ID: | 136140 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | CLEARWATER, FL, US |
| Hometown: | CLEVELAND, OH, US |
| Hometown: | OCALA, FL, US |
| Hometown: | VALDOSTA, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,595 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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