By Sgt. Nathan Hutchison
1st Theater Sustainment Command
MOSUL, Iraq - What makes a person the Most Valuable Player on a team? When you hear 'team player' what comes to mind?
For one Military Transition Team in Mosul, Iraq, the MVP award goes to the man who keeps them fed, fueled and fit to fight.
Sgt. 1st Class Brad A. Martin, a Memphis, Mo. native, was originally trained as a truck driver, but when he was reassigned to a Military Transition Team his job changed.
"Martin's basic job on the team is working as the logistics non-commissioned officer," said Master Sgt. John L. Ada, intelligence NCO for their MiTT in Mosul. "Primarily he has two main focuses, welfare, finding food and amenities we need to carry out our mission and with his Iraqi army counterpart he plays a critical role in getting their logistics system up and running."
Martin had to use his nearly 20 years of military experience rather than job-specific training to make his mission a success.
"Being a people person is a good trait to have in this job," said Martin. "You have to have the initiative to go out, research and actually talk to the supply folks."
This 'people person' trait also worked with Martin's teammates who appreciate the way he handles his job.
"The best thing he does to accomplish all of this is through contacts and getting to know people," said Maj. Ryan H. Whittemore, executive officer and civil affairs advisor for the MiTT. "He has a working relationship with the weapons guy, maintenance guy, welder and ammo guy; everybody we get support from."
According to Ada, Martin's initiative goes farther than research and talk.
"If he sees something is not getting done, he'll take over and make sure it gets done," Ada said. "Lots of times someone will ask him about something and he's already started the process or he's already fixed it.
He's already three or four steps ahead of the person asking for something."
This dedication makes Martin an important part of the team. His support provides supplies for safety along with sustainment.
"He takes care of a lot of the force protection stuff," Whittemore said.
"He's gone above and beyond to get us ammo and equipment for all kinds of training."
Whittemore said Martin was placed on the team once they reached Fort Raleigh for training.
"Within the first week it was obvious he was the right guy for the job," Whittemore said. "He's the MVP by far."
| Date Taken: |
01.05.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
01.05.2009 10:47 |
| Story ID: |
28473 |
| Location: |
MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: |
240 |
| Downloads: |
207 |
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This work, Most Valuable Player in Military Transition Team mission, by MSG Nathan Hutchison, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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