Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Valerie G. Morris, the property book and supply section non-commissioned...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Lazo
214th Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – When she's on the job, the Georgian, El Salvadoran, Lithuanian and American forces can sleep easy, knowing all of their equipment is good to go.
"We're the heartbeat of all these veins," said Staff Sgt. Valerie G. Morris, 214th Fires Brigade property book officer and supply section non-commissioned officer in charge, as she points to all the different countries annotated on her tracking chart.
The Fort Worth, Texas, native is responsible for fulfilling all the supply demands on FOB Delta.
Normally, the job requires a property book officer, three NCOs, and two junior enlisted Soldiers, but not here.
"It's just me," said the soft-voiced Morris.
Her typical day begins at 8 a.m., when she checks her e-mail and prepares for the day's meetings and appointments. Her work schedule varies day to day, with tasks ranging from issuing supplies to verifying every coalition units hand-receipts the other. All these events typically keep her at work until 10 p.m., but she understands the importance of her job, she said.
Any item her unit requires—from uniforms to ammunition, vehicles, furniture and even the paint troops use to identify their living areas—comes through her office.
"She is responsible for $400 million worth of supplies for five different Coalition countries and the 214th FB," said Maj. Dewayne K. Bailey, the brigade sustainment officer in charge for the 214th FB.
This includes ensuring every country's supply documents and records are in order.
"I make sure their books are straight," said Morris.
Any mistakes or inaccuracies would freeze every account on the FOB, halting all supplies, she said.
Morris has new help with the addition of Spc. Aaron Fletcher, a data system specialist whose job is to direct artillery fire for the Howitzer and Paladin.
Fletcher, from Beckley, W.Va., picks up and issues supplies and organizes the supply storage area.
"He helps tremendously. It's unbelievable," said Morris. "He does a lot of driving and stuff that kept me out of the office. The more time I spend out of the office, the later at night I have to work.
Fletcher said the job offers him independence and the opportunity to work outside.
"He's a really big help," Morris said. "I tell him I appreciate him every day."
Morris also works with representatives from other countries to translate and coordinate for the various coalition partners on base to fulfill their requests.
Unlike other sections that fell in on the prior unit's work area, Morris and her liaison officers set everything up at FOB Delta.
"We had to build this from the ground up," Morris said.
In the beginning, she would issue all day and catch up on paperwork at night. Although the section is fully functioning now, Morris proactively seeks new ways to improve.
She is currently establishing a reissue program where coalition forces on the FOB can trade in their old uniforms for new ones.
"She pays attention to coalition forces," said 1st Lt. Gediminas Aliauskas, the Lithuanian platoon commander. "If I find I need something, I go straight to Staff Sergeant Morris."
"She is one of the most professional people I've worked with here," he added.
Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, recognized Morris's professionalism with a commander's coin in August.
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2008 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 18660 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 339 |
| Downloads: | 309 |
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