Annual Texas Supply and Maintenance Conference Improves, Connects

Photo By Master Sgt. Daniel Griego | Bruce "Buck" Baker, Texas Physical Security Office Program Manager, discusses physical security inspections during a class at the 2010 Texas Army National Guard Supply and Maintenance Conference.  

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES

04.08.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego 

Texas Army National Guard (Texas Military Forces)

HOUSTON, Texas - "They don't know the questions to ask to get the right information," said Master Sgt. Frank H. Arellanes of contemporary Texas Army National Guard supply sergeants. "They are not alone; if they'd just be willing to ask for help, they'll get it."

The wealth of information necessary to function as a supply sergeant is daunting and oftentimes overwhelming. From transfers and requisitions to inventories and inspections, it is among the most mentally demanding positions within the military. Each year, these taxed servicemembers come together for three days to discuss their mission, goals and procedures. For this year, they did more than that as the 2010 Texas Army National Guard Supply and Maintenance Conference convened to rewrite the book on how best to service our troops.

Held April 6 — 8, this year's conference welcomed supply sergeants, property book officers and brigade supply representatives from across the state to the InterContinental Hotel in the Galleria area of Houston.

"My office pulls together all the supply maintenance personnel from around the state and brings them together for a week of training and networking," said Col. Ronald G. McLaurin, director of Logistics and officer in charge for the conference. "It allows them to catch up on all the latest supply and maintenance issues as well as update their computers and update their procedures."

If this year's conference had a theme, it would likely be standardization and uniformity. In an effort to streamline supply operations and create a new system for the entire state, the property book officers spent the conference together collaborating on a single plan for all brigades.

"We've been tasked to rewrite the external property book officer standing operating procedures," said CW2 Tracey L. Ference, PBO for the 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. "We're thrilled to actually be able to sit down and hammer something out."

Meanwhile, supply sergeants enjoyed round robin lectures from the subject matter experts in various fields of supply actions.

"I just think that it was great the way they broke the classes down," said Staff Sgt. Ricky Williams, supply sergeant for the headquarters company of the Standing Joint Interagency Task Force. "The training was a lot better I think this year than last year."

"This year's big focus for the conference is training," said McLaurin. "The next important thing is the networking, they get to meet their contemporaries and if they have an issue they can pick up the phone."

Lt. Col. Benjamin S. Johnson, surface maintenance manager for Texas, spotlights the maintenance side of the conference. "My role," he said, "is to bring in all the various field maintenance shop chiefs and give them an update on the status of the future endeavors within the maintenance community."

Attendees also had a special opportunity to meet with vendors and patrons from throughout Texas who might fill their supply and maintenance needs. One such vendor, the Chemax Corporation, offers cleaning and chemical supplies applicable for military use.

"We help active duty military and National Guard with their deployment supplies, fuel training supplies and motor pool supplies," said Connie Klug, sales manager for Chemax. "I have several of my customers that wanted me to come share with the rest of the National Guard the products they have already used and trust."

A greater attendance this year accompanied the heightened priorities for training and procedures. Up from 135 last year, the 267 attendees in 2010 represent an increased attention to this invaluable field.

"I think that it was a very good turn-out," said Arellanes. "I think there were a lot of fresh faces eager to learn and I think it is incumbent upon us that are older to continue to teach them and give them an environment where they can learn."

• Date Taken: 04.08.2010
• Date Posted: 04.14.2010 17:29
• Story ID: 48154
• Location: HOUSTON, TX, US