CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette, deputy commanding general-support, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, recognized Spc. Andy Naseman as the Sustainment Hero of the North for April during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, April 19.
Pasquarette presented Naseman with an Army Achievement Medal for his outstanding dedication to his mission of accounting for and repackaging of Task Force Devil’s excess ammunition.
Naseman, a New Knoxville, Ohio, native, currently serves as an ammunition specialist with Company B, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division during Operation New Dawn.
Pasquarette explained that Naseman’s efforts likely saved the U.S. Army thousands of dollars and reflects well on him, his leadership, and his unit.
“Most of the time in the Army we don’t even see what these soldiers are doing behind the scenes,” Pasquarette said. “So we designed this award to recognize these soldiers that do a great job but don’t usually get noticed.”
While all soldiers assigned the task of handling ammunition at COS Warrior do their job well, Naseman stands out as a meticulous, forward-thinking soldier, said Staff Sgt. Douglas Smith, section chief, basic load ammo holding area.
“All of my soldiers play a big part in our mission and I would never want to dismiss their efforts,” said Smith, who hails from Green Bay, Wis. “But Naseman plans ahead; he comes up with ways to make things better and expedite the mission.”
Smith said he looks forward to seeing Naseman grow as a soldier and a leader.
“He is the epitome of a warrior and a role model for all soldiers to emulate,” said Smith.
Naseman said it meant a lot that Pasquarette took the time out of his busy schedule to honor a junior soldier.
“Gen. Pasquarette actually came down to the check point and thanked us for what we are doing,” Naseman said. “It’s a great moral booster when our senior leaders take the time to recognize the Joes who aren’t necessarily out there on the line.”