Courtesy Photo | 601st Aviation Support Battalion Soldiers track parts signed out in the Company A,...... read more read more
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Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division
IRAQ – The Supply Support Activity platoon of Company A, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, works around the clock to deliver all aviation parts and equipment to its customers with the help of the transportation platoon.
The SSA warehouse consists of five sections: receiving, issue, turn-in, storage, and stock control. The team is made up of quartermaster Soldiers and civilian contractors said, "Every Soldier and civilian knows the importance of their role here in Iraq. No aviation mission in theater is possible without the parts that we process. It's that critical," said 2nd Lt. Duane D. Dumlao, the SSA platoon leader.
At the heart of the SSA is stock control, which deals with every shop and tracks every part, from a washer to a helicopter blade.
"My average day is a long one, consisting of helping customers with walk-thru's (a walk-in request for a part), processing orders, daily stock control functions, and helping the other sections throughout the day," said Sgt. Mary J. Callejas, a stock control sergeant at the SSA. "It keeps my hands full. Thankfully, I have Pfc. (Jason A.) Beasley to help me with everything I do."
The SSA has built up a strong reputation in both customer satisfaction and efficient service. Pvt. Felicia M. Forgette, who works in the issue section, ensures that the 601st ASB's SSA is more than what it can be, ensuring that orders are met and no moment is wasted.
"Our mission is endless: 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It's very tiring, but if the Soldiers of the SSA were not here to support the Combat Aviation Brigade, how would the overall aviation mission be accomplished?" asked Forgette.
"Even the Soldiers at the lowest level know the importance of our work here. It is their dedication to this duty which guarantees the customers leave more capable than they arrived," said Dumlao.
"Staff Sgt. Karl H. Gedeon, the SSA warehouse non-commissioned officer in charge, has been with the unit since its movement from Germany to Fort Riley, Kansas, to Iraq. He has seen the operation and the personnel evolve to meet the demands at hand and ensure the accomplishment of the mission. His guidance and mentorship has been essential in the development of the SSA, as both a functional warehouse and a team," Dumalo continued.
"Sometimes it seems like the shipments will never stop, but when there are moments of calm in the storm, it gives us all a moment to breathe and realize that we are one day closer to being home with our families," said Forgette. "Actually, it's the pace that makes the time fly, so we welcome the work with open arms."
| Date Taken: | 01.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.07.2008 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 15240 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 64 |
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