13th ESC troops make moves in Iraq

Photo By Spc. Naveed Ali Shah | Three Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), are awarded Army Achievement Medals for exhibiting selfless service by going above and beyond the call of duty by the Deputy Commander of the 13th ESC, Col. Knowles Atchison Sept. 30 at Joint Base Balad.  

BALAD, IRAQ

10.10.2009

Story by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah 

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — This week, Provider Soldiers earned promotions, received awards, and re-enlisted in the Army, all while helping to maintain sustainment operations throughout Iraq.

Three Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), were promoted for their exceptional service.

"The secretary of the Army has espoused special trust and confidence in the fidelity, valor and personal courage of..." read 1st Sgt. Francis Halmsteiner, senior noncommissioned officer for HHC, 13th ESC, while each supervisor stepped forward and promoted his Soldier.


Spc. Rodmond D. Maddox, the mail clerk for HHC, 13th ESC, had his specialist rank pinned on by Sgt. Steven Perez, the mail room supervisor for HHC.

Sgt. Juan R. Zuniga, who works in the training room, joined the NCO corps when his supervisor, Staff Sgt. Marcus Johnson, training room NCO, pinned Zuniga's stripes on him.

Johnson added a rocker to his stripes when his rank was pinned on by Staff Sgt. Fernando Flores, the company operations NCO.

"It feels great because I've known Johnson since he was an E-4," said Flores. "From the motor pool to the orderly room to the training room, he's been getting ready for this and I'm really proud to see him get the rank he deserves."

Three Soldiers from the headquarters were also awarded Army Achievement Medals for exhibiting selfless service by going above and beyond the call of duty.

Zuniga received his AAM for meritorious service while fulfilling his duties as environmental compliance NCO for the unit. According to his citation, Zuniga serves as a model for environmental excellence.

Cpl. Mariah Robins, a supply clerk, received her award for service in the unit's orderly room and for acting as the unit supply sergeant during the change of command inventory.

Her citation read, "Cpl. Robins' initiative and professional abilities contributed significantly to the successful transition of property."

Halmsteiner said the awards are beneficial for Soldiers as more than an additive to their uniform.

"Every Soldier deserves an award for something they've earned, for going above and beyond the call of duty," said Halmsteiner. "Its great for the command to even recommend somebody for an award. Having Soldiers be proud of their unit, that's important too."

• Date Taken: 10.10.2009
• Date Posted: 10.10.2009 18:11
• Story ID: 39936
• Location: BALAD, IQ