SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – Approximately 20 soldiers from the 14th Construction Management Team and the 15th Explosive Hazards Team, both from the 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, were recognized during a redeployment ceremony here today after serving approximately nine months in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Both units brought unique capabilities to the mission in Afghanistan.
The 14th CMT partnered with Navy Seabees to train the Afghan National Army’s National Engineer Brigade in basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, while the 15th EHT traveled throughout Afghanistan to assist in route clearance of improvised explosive devices and train Afghan Nation Army Explosive Ordnance specialists.
“Every day was hard for both teams,” said Lt. Col. Anela Arcari, the commander of the 130th Engineer Brigade (Provisional). “The 14th [CMT] filled a critical gap and overcame every obstacle to establish a world class training program that will have a lasting effect on the Afghan National Engineer Brigade as well as the country of Afghanistan.”
She said that similarly the 15th EHT’s important analysis led to updated approaches to IED trends and probable targets ensuring even greater security and assured mobility throughout the country.
In addition to the 14th CMT and 15th EHT, approximately 45 soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Eng. Bde., who also recently redeployed were recognized.
The remaining members of the HHC are still serving in Afghanistan as the lead of the Theater Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Sapper, providing theater combat engineer support throughout the country.
Erika Gronenthal, the unit’s Family Readiness Group leader, and Sgt. First Class Richard Martinez, a military intelligence noncommissioned officer, also received surprise recognition during the event for their contributions to the unit and the Army.
The 130th Eng. Bde., is part of the 8th TSC which is the senior Army logistics command in the Pacific, responsible for logistics and supply for land operations throughout the theater, employing 167 different skill sets, with 35 unique capabilities, to include Military Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Army Watercraft, Dive and Engineer operations.