AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq — A great Christmas is sure to be had by all as the 138th Quartermaster Support Company from Brazil, Ind., under the care of the 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, prepares to depart Al Asad Airbase just in time for the holiday season. Their celebration began during their end of tour awards ceremony after nearly eleven months of supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The ceremony was filled with memorable moments as Soldiers watched two video productions prepared by Sgt. Jay Burgo-Ramirez, a Terre Haute, Ind., native and the company's video producer and Spc. Andrew Brewer, from Bain Bridge, Ind., and the assistant video producer. The ceremony concluded with the Soldiers receiving their awards. Celebrations continued after the ceremony by cutting into cakes provided by the Ripper dining facility artisans under the direction of Brazil, Ind., native, Sgt. Sue Piper, the Ripper DFAC administration non-commissioned officer.
"There is nothing more rewarding than watching these Soldiers who have worked so hard and done miraculous work enjoy each other and be rewarded for their accomplishments," said Capt. Laura Pratt, the 138th QM Spt. Co. commander, and a Wheaton, Ill., resident. "We are so proud."
As the 138th QM Spt. Co. prepares to leave Iraq, many preparations beyond celebrations are taking place in the rear for their arrival, according to Pratt. "With the support of the 519th CSSB and the Family Readiness Group, all measures to provide a quality homecoming for the Soldiers is being organized. Soldiers will have the opportunity to meet with family and friends upon departure from the plane before they arrive at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center to complete the demobilization process," Pratt said. She continued to say that Camp Atterbury is also aware of the urgency the 138th Soldiers are feeling as they wish to be home for Christmas. "With the new mobilization facilities at Camp Atterbury, the process has become more efficient as Soldiers transform back into civilians."
"We cannot thank Camp Atterbury enough for their professionalism and extenuating efforts in support of our Soldier and family teams," said Pratt.
According to 1st Sgt. William Stough, from Brazil, Ind., and the first sergeant for the 138th, transforming back into civilians for this National Guard unit will be a smoother transition through the Yellow Ribbon Program designed by the Army National Guard. He said that Soldiers will return in 30-60-90 day increments for briefings and evaluations of how they are acclimating back to their civilian lives. "Such topics covered will be health care, employment opportunities, and counseling sessions will be available for families."
"I believe the state of Indiana, starting with Maj. Gen. Martin Umbarger, the adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard and Command Sergeant Major of Indiana, Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Rhoades, have done a great job implementing the J9 — family readiness program," said Stough.
"They have all the right personnel in place to support our Soldiers returning from deployment," Stough said.
Although the flight dates have changed left and right many times since the awards ceremony, the 138th QM Spt. Co. looks forward to finding a seat on the plane and the opportunities that await the Soldiers at home. "The sooner we get on the plane, the sooner I can see my family, said Sgt. Jamie Raulston, assistant supply sergeant for the 138th, and a Cory, Ind., resident. Their spirits are as high from the support they have been given and are about to receive. The holidays will be all the sweeter this year as the 138th keeps within their motto of 'Livin' the Dream'!