10th Mountain Division; Making a difference in New Orleans one convoy at a time

Courtesy Photo | 10th Mountain Division vehicles move in a convoy through New Orleans. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tanya Van Buskirk) hkat  

09.08.2005

Courtesy Story

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Story and photos by SPC Tanya Van Buskirk
Third U.S. Army PAO

"The 10th Mountains, climb to glory unit, is definitely alive and well in New Orleans, " said Lt. Col. Michael C. Howitz, 94th Brigade Support Battalion Commander, 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Polk, LA.

In support of Task Force All American, these soldiers are ready to deliver whatever is needed to support Joint Task Force Katrina and the city of New Orleans.

"When we saw the hurricane approaching from the South Gulf Coast of the U.S., we leaned forward and put soldiers and this package together," said Howitz, a Tucson, AZ native.

The 94th BSB package includes 60 vehicles, water, fuel, and 143 highly motivated Soldiers.

"I think these are the best Soldiers in the Army," said Capt. Paul R. Davis, B Company Commander, 94th BSB, 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. "Hands down, the best mechanics and the most motivated drivers," said the Hershey, PA native.

The 94th BSB was officially notified of their mission to provide assistance to the evacuees on Saturday at 1600 for a start time of 1000 Sunday.

"It is really amazing. From notification to "go" time, we left Fort Polk in 12 hours," said Davis. "These Soldiers are making it happen. They are mission focused. They want to help the people of New Orleans and are happy to support this mission. We are here to make it happen," said Davis.

When they arrived at the New Orleans Airport they were the first support unit to arrive in the operation and immediately the BSB was tasked to deliver 32 pallets of MREs, 8 pallets of water, and 2 Hemet fuel tankers of gas to the 82nd Airborne conducting operations from the Naval Air Station in New Orleans.

"My Soldiers hit the ground on Monday and they have been pushing convoys ever since. We have established our base here at the Airport and have improved it every day. We built our own latrine facilities and have tried to put a 10th Mountain home in our little neck of the woods here in Louisiana," said Howitz.

Many of the Soldier's of the 94th BSB are Louisiana natives who want to give unlimited logistical support in the effort to restore New Orleans to the city it was before Katrina came to town.

hkat

• Date Taken: 09.08.2005
• Date Posted: 09.08.2005 21:58
• Story ID: 2945