Photo By Staff Sgt. Renee Crugnale | U.S. Army Capt. Patrice Haney, left, commander of the 104th Maintenance Company,...... read more read more
Just minutes from the U.S. Capitol, echoes of Soldiers turning torque wrenches and welders soldering steel can be heard inside the 104th Maintenance Support Company motor pool, transforming broken equipment into mission-ready assets – and military training into lifelong civilian careers.
Under the leadership of U.S. Army Capt. Patrice Haney, born and raised in D.C., the 104th at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling has dramatically boosted readiness while setting its Soldiers up for success long after they hang up their uniforms.
“We took our operational readiness rate from approximately 55 percent to 71 percent in equipment readiness,” Haney said. “Everything from Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to servicing the M17 pistols.”
The gains are critical as the team continues its high-visibility support to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission – ensuring the nation’s capital remains both secure and pristine.
Haney, who serves as a grants officer representative in her civilian role, brings the same meticulous attention to detail from the fiscal world to the motor pool.
“Being the commander and doing grants on the civilian side – we definitely help keep the organization afloat,” she said. “But right now, we’re in the process of revamping the entire motor pool; getting rid of outdated equipment and 100 percent accountability,.”
The real game-changer, however, has been turning routine maintenance into a pipeline for commercial driver’s licenses through the Military Skills Test Waiver Program. Qualified Soldiers with experience operating vehicles equivalent to commercial motor vehicles can bypass the CDL skills training – a benefit that saves money and training.
“I was just in the process of transferring three Soldiers over to CDL licenses,” Haney said.
U.S. Army Spc. James Ray is one of those Soldiers cashing in on the opportunity.
“It waives all the requirements to go to school since you’ve already taken the training here,” Ray said.
U.S. Army Pfc. Ugonna Nwachukwu, a tactical power generation specialist, explained how she maneuvers a 10,000-pound forklift during equipment logistics and how she has gained confidence and experience through her job.
“At first I was very hesitant about maintenance,” Nwachukwu admitted. “But the people I’ve met and the bonds I’ve built are really good. Plus, you can use everything you learn here on the outside.”
Like Nwachuku, Haney lights up when talking about the satisfaction of hands-on work.
“I just love bringing something in that’s broken and getting it back to fully mission capable,” Haney said. “I’m fascinated by that process.”
That fascination is shared across the shop floor, where four Soldiers and one inspector complete an astounding 70 work orders a day, keeping every weapon ready.
The culture of ownership Haney has instilled keeps standards high and morale higher. And the unit is growing. With the advantage of developing a civilian career while in service, benefits of the career field can appeal to prospective recruits.
“Right now we’re authorized over 145 personnel but only have around 100,” Haney said. “I’m definitely in need of [wheeled vehicle mechanics]. If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and want a skill that pays the minute you take off the uniform, this is the unit for you.”
The 104th Maintenance Support Company isn’t just keeping the D.C. National Guard ready today. They’re also building tomorrow’s veterans one repair, one license, and one fully mission-capable vehicle at a time.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2025 15:43 |
| Story ID: | 551031 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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