From streets of Harlem to sands of Afghanistan, Marine maintains accountability with high motivation

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Michele Hunt | Sgt. Edward Gonzalez, supply chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), is on his second combat deployment supporting the war fighters throughout Helmand Province, Afghanistan with needed supplies. “Someone has to keep track of what assets are out here and where they need to go,” he said.  

AFGHANISTAN

08.24.2012

Story by Sgt. Michele Hunt 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Some say success is harder to achieve for kids raised in inner city neighborhoods. Though there may be more obstacles to overcome, success is still attainable, and for Sgt. Edward Gonzalez, growing up in Harlem did not define whom he would become.

“My friend’s uncle was a major in the Marine Corps,” said Gonzalez, supply chief, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “He was one of the few people that got out of the hood. We went to see him in Quantico, and he had a nice house and car; I wanted that. He was a good influence.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, Gonzalez, a Manhattan, N.Y. native, is working on his naturalization package.

“I haven’t been back to DR since 2007 but I miss the food and the people,” said Gonzalez. “My dad has wanted me to get my citizenship since I’ve been in [the military].”

Before enlisting, Gonzalez worked for an accounting firm. When he decided to join the Corps, he signed up for the supply job field with hopes to continue the work he had already been doing.

“I thought I was going to do accounting, which is what I wanted to do,” said Gonzalez. “But for the first seven years I didn’t do it at all. I didn’t start accounting until I got here.”

Now deployed to Afghanistan for a second combat tour, Gonzalez is responsible for keeping accountability of all supply items in 1st Maint. Bn. (-) Rein.

“All this stuff is out here and somebody has to keep track of it,” said Gonzalez. “Someone has to keep track of what assets there are and where they need to go. When we arrived here, we had 19,000 pieces of serialized gear, and we got rid of every single one of them through retrograde or redistribution.”

Being a senior sergeant and the supply chief, Gonzalez said his officer-in-charge has helped him excel throughout this deployment. First Lieutenant Jeffrey Kisla, supply officer, H&S Co., 1st Maint. Bn. (-) Rein., works directly with Gonzalez, sharing his knowledge of their field.

“He knows his job better than any [supply officer] I have ever worked for, and the way we do things is by the book,” said Gonzalez.

During this deployment, Gonzalez contributed to multiple shop accomplishments in support of the mission in Afghanistan.

“We closed out an account which is probably the hardest thing you can do in my [military occupational specialty],” said Gonzalez. “We did it successfully, and we did it accurately. A lot of the things we did, we were the first unit to do. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

As the war in Afghanistan continues, the needs of Marines in various locations persist as well. Gonzalez said being deployed adds a greater sense of accomplishment to be able to fill his role.
“What we do here with supply is more important than back at Camp Pendleton,” said Gonzalez. “When we first got here, a lot of guys at the [Forward Operating Bases], all they wanted were foot lockers. It’s something so simple, but it’s the little things that count. Being able to provide them with what they need – it makes you feel like you’re important, like your job out here is important.”
With a love for Marines and fulfillment in his job, Gonzalez plans to stay in the Corps until retirement. He has worked to make himself competitive to pick up the rank of staff sergeant and will find out within weeks if he gets selected for promotion.

“If I don’t get selected, I’ll take a shot again next year,” said Gonzalez. “They’re going to have to kick me out because I’m not getting out. I love Marines.”

• Date Taken: 08.24.2012
• Date Posted: 08.24.2012 02:59
• Story ID: 93725
• Location: AF