CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— Soldiers with the 15th Transportation Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), decided Aug. 28 to support Operation New Dawn by cleaning up the same staging lanes they depart from on every mission at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
Since taking on this team-building exercise, the unit decided that it will become a weekly event, officially called “Adopt a Ditch.” The soldiers will be armed with gloves, reflective belts and trash bags to ensure that the lanes will continue to be clean when they roll out.
“Police call” has been a staple in the military for a long time. Like any other event or mission in which soldiers are engaged, there needs to be active engagement in keeping areas clean and in proper order. Safety plays a large part in ensuring that the staging lanes are clear.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the intuitive thinking behind this project,” said Staff Sgt. George Warren, a platoon sergeant with the 15th Trans. Company, and a Hampton, Va., native.
“When trying to come up with a team-building exercise for the squad, the focus was not on something that would be chosen by the most popular vote, but rather something that would eventually show that teamwork is an important foundation to one’s overall well-being, both on and off the road,” said Staff Sgt. Cherlanda McKeaver, a squad leader with the 15th Trans Company.
“I am really enjoying the opportunity to be able to do something different,” said Pvt. Bryon McFarland, a heavy wheeled vehicle operator with the15th Trans. Company, and a Jasper, Texas, native, said he enjoyed the opportunity to be able to do something different.
First Lt. Daniel Reep, executive officer of the 15th Trans. Company, and an Oxford, Miss., native , added that Soldiers will remain motivated for the exercise in the future.
“The squad’s reaction has been a pleasant surprise to the unit’s leadership,” said Reep. “The soldiers have all taken a positive stand on the exercise. Although some of the soldiers were skeptical at first, they now have a sense of pride and accomplishment.”