Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alexander Burnett | Spc. Kevin Paulson, right, a mortuary affairs specialist assigned to the 54...... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Capel, the International Security Assistance Forces command sergeant major, visited with soldiers from Task Force Resolute on Kandahar Airfield, Jan. 17.
The trip to Kandahar Airfield marks the first visit with the brigade since Capel’s assumption of responsibility for ISAF and afforded him the opportunity to learn more about the logistical battle in southern Afghanistan. The visit began with an operational brief from the TF-Resolute senior enlisted staff including an overview of the brigade’s mission and capabilities including airdrop, convoy operations, supply and Afghan Transportation Network contracting.
“I think Command Sgt. Maj. Capel walked away with a better understanding of what the logistical fight in Regional Commands South, Southwest and West entails,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Escalona, the TF-Resolute command sergeant major. “He’s seen some of the hardships soldiers face, how we overcame the closure of some supply routes and how we are supplying the warfighter every day.”
The visit continued on to the 623rd Quartermaster Company's special troops rigger detachment. The brief tour of the “Supply from the Sky” company included a glimpse of rigger operations, bundle load lanes and plans for the future. Capel took the opportunity to give a few words of mentorship for the future.
“Logistics is such a big deal for the future of the Afghan National Army,” Capel said. “As we move forward in the fight, we need to see the Afghan soldiers start leading the way, which means teaching them. In the future, I hope to see Afghan riggers working alongside you so they can take over.”
The ISAF command sergeant major’s visit with TF-Resolute concluded with a tour of the mortuary affairs collection point. The soldiers of the 54th Quartermaster Company, STB explained the procedure for preparing the remains of a fallen soldier and their belongings to return to U.S. soil.
“What you soldiers do is by far one of the most important missions here,” said Capel. “You make sure that our fallen brothers and sisters make it home with dignity and for that I thank you.”
Capel left the soldiers of TF-Resolute to visit with some of the other units on KAF. He promised he would return in the following months.
“This visit went extremely well,” Escalona said. “I think he [Capel] will see continued progress in the logistics mission in Afghanistan as we start to transition responsibility to our Afghan counterparts.”
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.18.2012 01:01 |
| Story ID: | 82497 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 507 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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