Photo By Spc. Maurice Galloway | "Giddy Up!," Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, 308th Brigade Support Battalion commander and...... read more read more
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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRAH, Iraq – The U.S. Military has a long-standing reputation of excelling while reaching its goals. Many service members join the military to give themselves a sense of direction.
Twenty years ago, one Soldier embarked on a journey that would contribute to the success of his decision-making process.
Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, 308th Brigade Support Battalion commander and native of Monaca, Pa. recalls the beginning steps of his goal to run 10,000 miles.
"I can remember my first Army run vividly. I was in the University of Dequesne ROTC program. The downpour of rain and the icy wind made for the worst possible conditions imaginable. As I thought to myself how much I hated the cold, hated the rain and especially hated running, I will never forget the words that broke my train of thought," said Phillips.
"You have to be out here and you're going to run, so you might as well get something out of it," said the instructor.
"That day the only goal I could think of was finishing that run and getting out of the freezing rain," Phillips said.
Phillips's soon developed a passion for running which has turned into a goal-oriented philosophy that has trickled down through his battalion, known for its motto 'Pride in Performance.'
"We encourage our Soldiers to set goals for themselves and to strive for development," said 1st Sgt. Vinson Washington, Bravo Company, 308th BSB First Sergeant and native of Augusta, Ga.
Washington said during counseling's, each Soldier is asked to list goals and develop a detailed plan to achieve them.
"Our leaders are assisting each Soldier in their goals, whether its getting their associate's degree or achieving the maximum score on the physical fitness test," said Washington.
The 308th BSB approaches their deployment to Basrah province with that same goal-oriented mentality.
Phillips said he asked each section in his battalion to evaluate their goals for the mission and the response was remarkable.
The unit completed over 1300 missions, drove over 65,000 accident-free miles, moved eight million bottles of water, six million pounds of ice, and three million pounds of other supplies such as vehicles, medical supplies, and mail throughout the Thunderbolt brigade's operational environment.
The Red Lion battalion accomplished this on top of managing a dining facility that has served over 1.8 million meals at the dining facility.
Phillips said he approached every run with the mentality that it would draw him closer to his goal.
"I set bench marks for myself in my running which keeps me focused. I applied these techniques towards our deployment, which allowed us to achieve so much," said Phillips.
Phillips's reward is only the satisfaction of knowing he accomplished his long-awaited goal.
The 308th however, received a more tangible reward. The unit was recognized in September 2009 by the U.S. Navy Theater Electronic Warfare as the best Electronic Warfare Team in Iraq and was selected as the 2010 Quartermaster Corps Distinguished Unit of Regiment.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2010 04:22 |
| Story ID: | 50042 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 591 |
| Downloads: | 353 |
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