Photo By Maj. Jesse Manzano | Soldiers assigned to the 138th Transportation Company conduct Preventive maintenance...... read more read more
Miramar, Fla. – The state of Florida officially became the third largest state in the Union, based on population, a few months ago, and in preparation to meet the demands of a growing state, the Florida Army National Guard added a new unit to its roster.
Headquartered at the Miramar Readiness Center in Broward County, the 138th Transportation Company is a medium truck company that uses the M1088 Tractor Truck as its main mobility asset. Since starting to drill in October of 2020, the unit’s leadership has been busy welcoming new Soldiers and equipment to their home in South Florida.
“At our first drill, we only had eight Soldiers,” said First Lt. Freddy Herrera, commander of the 138th Transportation Company. “But in less than a year, our recruitment numbers have grown steadily. We are close to 80% strength, and I am confident we will be at 100% before the end of the fiscal year.”
Standing up a new unit is no easy feat during normal operations. However, doing so in the middle of a global pandemic can present unique challenges. Less than five months after starting operations, for example, Soldiers from the 138th were called up to support the state’s COVID-19 response in Florida’s southwest coast.
“We are proud to have provided support during COVID operations,” Herrera said. “But now our focus is going to be on driver’s training. We are working on getting our drivers licensed on all our vehicles.” His goal is for the 138th to be mission ready by September of 2022.
The recruiting success of the 138th is a source of pride for the 254th Transportation Battalion, the company’s higher headquarters.
“I’m thrilled to have another transportation company in the 254th,” said Lt. Col. Nathan Adams, commander of the 254th Transportation Battalion. “Our recruiting and retention battalion is doing a fantastic job getting this unit filled with young Soldiers who are eager to make a difference. Lieutenant Herrera, First Sgt. Gerena and their team of NCOs and officers are doing a tremendous job molding these Soldiers into a cohesive team that is already contributing to the success of the Florida Army National Guard.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2021 10:57 |
| Story ID: | 409244 |
| Location: | MIRAMAR, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,288 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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