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    Bulk fuel specialists receive awards for accomplishments

    Bulk fuel specialists receive awards for accomplishments

    Photo By Cpl. Mark Garcia | Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas, a bulk fuels specialist with Marine Wing Support...... read more read more

    CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

    06.10.2011

    Story by Lance Cpl. Mark Garcia 

    I Marine Expeditionary Force

    Five Marine bulk fuel specialists were recognized by the American Petroleum Institute for their excellence in fuels management during a ceremony here, June 8.

    The API is an internationally recognized petroleum trade organization that recognizes activities and personnel of all four branches of service that have made the most significant contributions to the Department of Dense bulk fuel operations, petroleum supply chain management and fleet fuel support. During the ceremony Maj. Gen. Melvin G. Spiese, the deputy commanding general for I Marine Expeditionary Force, gave the recipients their awards and thanked them for the effort they had put forth.

    “Being Marines, we don’t really look for the praise.” said Gunnery Sgt. Damien Anderson, 36, from Opelousas, La., and bulk fuel specialist with 1st Marine Logistics Group. “Sometimes it’s a thankless job, but I think it’s a great honor that my senior leadership took the time to recognize me and put forth the effort to nominate me.”

    Anderson was awarded by the API as the staff non-commissioned officer of the year for his efforts while deployed to Afghanistan with 1st MLG (FWD). Anderson filled an officer’s billet from February 2010 to March 2011. He also served as an advisor to 1st MLG (FWD)’s commanding general for all fueling issues within the operating area. While deployed, Anderson developed a four-phase plan to increase the amount of fuel available to Marines. The plan included expanding fuel sites, contracting individuals to deliver fuel directly to bases, using specific units to focus tactical deliveries of fuel, and using convoys to protect host nation truck fuel deliveries. Anderson’s efforts helped increase the combat fuel capacity by more than 1.2 million gallons.

    “It’s a big honor within my military occupation specialty. It’s pretty much the highest honor within the bulk fuel community,” Anderson said of his award."

    Sgt. Kevin Hicks, 29, of Richmond, Va., and a bulk fuel specialist with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, received the runner-up award for NCO of the year. Hicks received the award for his efforts while deployed to Afghanistan, where he redesigned and re-evaluated the combat fuel system to make it more efficient. After completing his assessment of the fuel system, he conducted surveys of specific areas to increase fueling abilities which helped to enhance the combat readiness of the coalition forces.

    “It takes a lot to accomplish the mission,” Hicks said. “This award is a big accomplishment in the bulk fuel community, and I just want all the Marines to know that anybody can do it.”

    Other award recipients included Staff Sgt. Christopher Thomas from Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Luc Brennan from I Marine Expeditionary Force. MWSS-372 and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar also received awards for their contributions during their deployment.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.10.2011
    Date Posted: 06.10.2011 17:38
    Story ID: 71914
    Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US

    Web Views: 183
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN