Supply and demand: Soldier furnishes needed equipment to frontline troops

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins | Army Spc. Francisco Rivera Gonzales from Utuado, Pureto Rico, fills out supply forms at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan. Rivera is the supply clerk for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and is responsible for making sure all supplies are accounted for and Soldiers have what they need.  

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.21.2009

Story by Spc. Brandon Sandefur 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — As a supply clerk, it's Spc. Francisco Rivera Gonzales' job to get essential equipment to the frontline troops when they need it most.

The job is both important and enjoyable, said Rivera, because he knows he is helping his battle buddies in some of northeastern Afghanistan's most remote and rugged environments.

Although he is trained as a Cavalry Scout, Rivera is currently serving as a supply clerk for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan. Even though he's not directly out on the line, he still plays an integral role in the brigade's combat mission.

"Even though I didn't get the chance to do my [job as a Cavalry Scout], I get to help other Soldiers on the ground, however I can, so they can accomplish their mission," said the native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, who is on his first combat deployment to Afghanistan. "It could have been me out there with them, so I understand how important this supply job is."

Rivera is responsible for supplying more than 192 Soldiers in addition to Marines, Airmen, Sailors and contracted civilians. Some of the supplies he orders include radios, radio batteries and weapon lights giving Soldiers in dangerous areas a tactical advantage over enemy fighters.

"It makes me feel good to know that I supplied guys that were fighting in the middle of the mountains with [their equipment]," he said. "I want to make a difference in the world however I can. I always wanted to be a Soldier and wear a uniform."

Rivera is slated to return to his home base of Fort Hood, Texas, within the next month.

• Date Taken: 05.21.2009
• Date Posted: 05.21.2009 03:49
• Story ID: 33886
• Location: NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AF