FORT KNOX, Ky. – Third Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) family and friends gathered at Harris Hall to say goodbye to advance echelon, or ADVON soldiers departing for Kuwait, April 12.
Third Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Rear Detachment Commander, Lt. Col. Steven Toth, explained why ADVON soldiers are so vital.
“We’ve got some folks launching ahead of the rest, to set conditions for success for the main body. ADVON employment can involve anything from communications and operations to headquarters and headquarters company functions.”
Third ESC G2 Military Intelligence Analyst, Staff Sgt. Ryan Clark explained ADVON in his own way.
“I’ve got to get kick started in my job, and get everyone else set up so they can hit the ground running.”
Clark was seen off by his wife, Vanessa, and their 20-month-old daughter, Khaleesi. This is the Clarks’ second deployment. Vanessa, who is seven months pregnant, shared her deployment strategy.
“The plan is to stay busy and make the time go by, until Daddy comes home.”
Toth was impressed with the ADVON soldiers’ motivation. “Many of the Soldiers here in the ADVON stated that the sooner they leave, the sooner they can get to their mission, and get back safely.”