Photo By Sgt. Ryan Scribner | U.S. Army Spc. Jessica Dismey, a material control accounting specialist with the 369th...... read more read more
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Over 250 Harlem Hellfighters with the 369th Sustainment Brigade (SB), a historical unit in the New York Army National Guard, complete their nine-month deployment and are set to return home from Kuwait.
The Soldiers in the brigade were sent to Southwest Asia to support United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) operations Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
The brigade headquarters provided command and control of five direct reporting battalions. The brigade achieved repeated mission success while running distributed mission command in the most widely dispersed formation operating in the USCENTCOM area of operation. The area of operation has over 2,800 Soldiers spread across 12 countries in 30 locations.
The Harlem Hellfighter Soldiers in the brigade, battalion and headquarters and headquarters company collectively earned over 300 awards.
Staff Sgt. David Licorish, a CBRN sergeant with the brigade, received one such award for completing air assault school—the Air Assault Badge.
The challenges that the ten-day school attendees faced included an obstacle course—which eliminated several of the participating Soldiers, written tests, aircraft load inspections and a six-mile road march, said Licorish.
Indeed, the ten-day school program’s intensity and rigors pushed Licorish physically and mentally. These experiences helped him cultivate various skills helpful to him in the civilian world.
“One of the skills they teach you in Air Assault school is how to repel,” Licorish said. “In the civilian world, I am a federal law enforcement officer, and one of our units has a SWAT team, and they do rappelling operations, so it’s good to have this skill on my resume.”
Successful organizations are experts at hiring, developing and motivating their people. Therefore, USCENTCOM strives to hire and retain the best people by treating them with dignity and respect.
The emphasis on dignity, respect and personal development at USCENTCOM carries significant implications for the Soldiers serving there. A prime example of this is Spc. Jessica Dismey Monegro, an automated logistics specialist within brigade support operations, general supply operations. She was promoted to specialist from the rank of private first class early in the deployment.
With the promotion came an increased set of responsibilities, where Monegro demonstrated adaptability into her enhanced leadership role that involved educating people on specific aspects of Global Combat Support System-Army, an integral part of theatre and warfighting logistics.
“I like developing my leadership skills,” Monegro said. “I like meeting new people and I like teaching them.”
Leadership development is a crucial aspect of military service.
Spc. Frederic Naré, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 369th SB, specialist in charge of supply at the brigade tactical action center in Saudi Arabia, similarly expressed that his deployment experience enhanced his leadership skills and prepared him for the unexpected.
“Sometimes, even when planning occurs, changes with personnel, as one example, take place,” Naré said. “It’s essential to stay vigilant to help fellow Soldiers through uncertainty.”
Naré meticulously ensured the welfare of Soldiers, helping resolve supply concerns in their work environments and maintaining their barracks conditions.
Equipment and technical resources are essential, but ultimately, the people move an organization forward and ensure its competitive advantage. People are USCENTCOM’s greatest asset.
Sgt. Oscar Lozada’s recent achievements in completing the basic leader course (BLC) and securing the prestigious Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Quarter title with his battalion contribute directly to the readiness of future Soldiers, underscoring the vital role of dedicated personnel in driving organizational success.
Lozada, a human resources sergeant with the brigade personnel section, said that as a newly promoted sergeant and recent graduate of BLC, he understands that he has a unique opportunity to lead Soldiers, the sons and daughters of U.S. parents, and he does not take that opportunity for granted.
“I want every Soldier who I am responsible for to return to their family,” Lozada said. “When I ensure my readiness by practicing my warrior tasks during the NCO of the Quarter competition, I am better able to ensure the readiness of my Soldiers.”
Spc. Alana Johnson, a healthcare specialist with the 369th Special Troops Battalion, showcased her commitment to self-improvement at the junior enlisted level of the same battalion competition. Despite not securing a win, her involvement illustrated the spirit of competition.
Johnson further demonstrated her capabilities during the track event at the 2023 Scimitar Challenge, held at the Kuwait Olympic Center. “Interacting with Kuwaiti athletes was rewarding,” Johnson said. “Although competitive, everyone’s support for each other lent the event a friendly atmosphere.”
The Scimitar Challenge embodies the enduring bond between the U.S. and Kuwait.
Staff Sgt. Jiali He, a driving instructor with HHC 369th SB, partook in the table tennis event. Despite a defeat against a Kuwaiti competitor, he remained optimistic. “The team was highly skilled,” he noted, “No shame in losing after giving it our all. The main goal is building relationships with Kuwaitis.”
Likewise, Uba Eme, a culinary specialist with HHC 369th SB, echoed this sentiment about the soccer match, where a flag exchange underscored mutual respect before kick-off. “The Scimitar Challenge is more than a competition,” Eme emphasized, “It’s a bonding experience.”
Eme recounted his team’s competitive performance against the Kuwaiti team. The U.S. Army team initially led the match, but the Kuwaiti team ultimately won.
While the Scimitar Challenge is now a part of these Soldiers’ past, its impact remains. The lessons learned, the memories forged and the friendships formed continue to shape the Soldiers’ journeys within the Harlem Hellfighters and their dedication to readiness through a more interconnected relationship with the world.
The strong and storied bond between the U.S. and Kuwait has been forged over decades of partnership, enhancing peace and stability in a critical region of Southwest Asia.
Moreover, as the 369th Sustainment Brigade passes the torch to the 371st Sustainment Brigade, the Harlem Hellfighters prepare to demobilize after gaining new friends and experiences. Amidst these transitions, the enduring partnership between USCENTCOM and Kuwait remains steadfast, ensuring a continued and unwavering bond.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2023 08:40 |
| Story ID: | 448475 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN , KW |
| Hometown: | NEW YORK, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Harlem Hellfighters Return Home After Deployment Success, by SGT Ryan Scribner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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