By: 2nd Lt. Patrick Maloney
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Senior leaders within the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command showed support to the 15th Transportation Company, 749th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 310th ESC prior to departing for a mission at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
When tasked with missions, soldiers from the 15th Transportation Company expect to load, stage and roll out. Prior to their last mission, key leaders paid the soldiers a special visit.
Command Sgt. Maj. Erik Frey, the command sergeant major for the 4th Sustainment Brigade and a Pierce, Neb., native, went to the staging lanes with Command Sgt. Maj. Paulo Vaka, the command sergeant major for the 749th CSSB, and a Palo Alto, Calif., native. Together, they represent the senior-enlisted leadership for 15th Transportation Company.
“It is important for senior leaders to share the same hardships as their soldiers,” Frey said. “Going on missions with the soldiers gives me situational awareness and more of an understanding in order to advise the commander.”
The senior leaders were able to get an update on unit welfare, morale and capabilities and to gain insight to further adapt their command strategies.
“It’s good to see key leadership from the brigade and battalion coming out to support the soldiers when going out on combat logistical patrols,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Franz, a platoon leader with the 15th Transportation Company and an Orlando, Fla., native. “The visibility from brigade and battalion helps the soldiers see what they’re doing really matters.”
Frey advised his soldiers on everything it takes to be a deployed soldier and how to accomplish the mission in Iraq.
“Stay focused, but stay in touch with family, friends and also fellow soldiers,” he said. “Soldiers need to stay away from pity parties.”
Frey said he has completed his 30-day assessment of the brigade and is pleased with what he has found.
“The units within the brigade have high morale and should be proud of their historical deployment.”