MCE Liaison Officer Makes Impact for U.S. Army Europe

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Evans | Capt. Jason M. Spalding (top center), 21st Theater Sustainment Command liaison officer, Mission Command Element (MCE) helps unload furniture at the MWR building in Poznan, Poland Feb. 13, 2018. Spalding has transported large quantities over the last few months throughout the Atlantic Resolve area of operations to improve the quality of life. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans, Mission Command Element-Atlantic Resolve, 4th Infantry Division)  

POZNAN, POLAND

02.26.2018

Courtesy Story

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

By Staff Sgt. Scott J. Evans
MCE Liaison Officer Makes Impact for U.S. Army Europe
4th Infantry Division

POZNAN, Poland – A Mission Command Element liaison officer assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command was recognized for his contributions to the Atlantic Resolve mission at the MCE headquarters Feb. 19, 2018.

Capt. Jason M. Spalding was awarded an Army Commendation Medal by Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division, for his work of improving conditions for the service members currently serving here.

“Whether its gym equipment or furniture and supplies for our MWR, Capt. Spalding has contributed an incredible amount for the quality of life of this organization,” said Thigpen.

Spalding, originally from Stuarts Draft, Virginia, now a logistics officer assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command based in Germany, has been assigned in Europe at different points in his career, and he has experience handling what can be tedious paperwork and other administrative requirements that ensure border crossings for cargo and transportation are up to standard.

He has served with 21st Theater Sustainment Command since September 2017 and was assigned as a liaison officer with the MCE in Poznan, Poland, November 2017 in order to facilitate a closer working relationship between the two units. He handles supply coordination between 21st TSC and 4th ID MCE and subordinate brigades ensuring that items such as water, fuel, and ammunition reach training areas throughout the Atlantic Resolve area of operations. He ensures mission accomplishment and improves the quality of life of service members.

During his time at the MCE, Spalding drove approximately 2,500 miles and delivered $1.1 million worth of equipment to subordinate unit locations in an effort to build more capacity, said Maj. Christian Gatbonton, the 4th Inf. Div. MCE transportation officer.

Because of Spalding’s efforts, service members stationed at locations such as the Mission Command Element have been able to maintain physical readiness.

“Being able to have these types of facilities with various types of fitness equipment is definitely helpful with keeping us in shape,” Staff Sgt. Brian Pierce, originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, now the section chief post node for 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 2nd Signal Brigade said.

Due to working in various countries, regulations for U.S. Army Europe can be very different from what supply offices encounter back in the United States. As a liaison officer, Spalding provides the subject matter expertise in areas that fall outside the scope of the typical division supply experience.

Still, he appreciates the camaraderie he finds each time he gets the opportunity to serve here.

“I find that Soldiers tend to be closer abroad than back home,” Spalding said. “It seems that it’s because we have to rely on each other more to get by.”

• Date Taken: 02.26.2018
• Date Posted: 02.26.2018 08:34
• Story ID: 267146
• Location: POZNAN, PL
• Hometown: BAUMHOLDER, RP, DE
• Hometown: GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE
• Hometown: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE
• Hometown: CINCINNATI, OH, US
• Hometown: FORT CARSON, CO, US
• Hometown: STUARTS DRAFT, VA, US