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Some support mission by 'hauling brass'

Photo By Capt. Monika Comeaux | Soldiers from the Army Reserve's 452nd Ordnance Company from Aberdeen, S.D., inventory...... read more read more

01.26.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers sort through worn ammunition around a large table at the north Ammunition Supply Point of Logistical Support Area Anaconda. They inspect the clips and bullets to establish whether they can be reissued or need to be destroyed.

This is just one of the many tasks they do on a daily basis, in order to support the warfighting mission theater-wide. Their unit, the Army Reserve's 452nd Ordnance Company from Aberdeen, S.D., is also responsible for issuing ammunition. They often ship out ammo to Coalition and joint forces in the Iraqi theater through combat logistics patrols or by air.

"Sometimes we do re-palleting and re-banding. Shipments going on Air Force pallets sometimes require a lot of physical work," said Sgt. Michael J. Bell, an ammo handler from the 452nd.

The unit operates the north and south Ammunition Supply Points as well as the Basic Load Ammunition Holding Area on LSA Anaconda. The entire complex is often referred to as the Corps Storage Area.

"We're handling everything from [M136] AT4s to 9 mm. The Soldiers are getting a chance to look at and handle a variety of ammunition that they may never see again," said 1st Lt. Tamera A. Greshik, the company executive officer. She was one of several cross-levels who joined the unit shortly before they deployed.

The company arrived in Iraq in late October with approximately 120 Soldiers, 30 percent of whom were cross-leveled into the unit. The original unit members and newcomers meshed together quickly, Greshik said.

Spc. Georgeanne I. Hinkle, an ammunition specialist also cross-leveled into the 452nd, said that she only had the chance to really get to know her fellow Soldiers once they had arrived in theater. This is her second deployment to Iraq. The first time she deployed as a fuel handler and spent most of her time in Tallil.

"I just really volunteered for any position that was available over here. I lucked out. I really like this MOS [military occupational specialty]. I just wanted to get back over here," Hinkle said.

Bell said the newcomers to the unit are doing well. Despite most of them having only gone through a four-week version of the advanced individual training for ammunition handlers, they're doing great and are learning a lot on the job.

The unit works around the clock, splitting their personnel into three shifts.

"We try to do the best we can for our customers," said Sgt. 1st Class Dan B. Karst, one of the platoon leaders. Back home he teaches 8th-grade students and coaches baseball, basketball and football. He said he often uses his coaching skills on the deployment.

"When you coach baseball, some people need a hug, some need a kick in the pants and the same principles apply over here," Karst said.

The deployment has its challenges for all. Greshik found that being away from her home and family and getting along with each other may be a little hard sometimes.

"It was a challenge at first to establish our battle rhythm," Greshik said.

By now the company runs everything with confidence, allowing them to start rotating their troops for leave.

"What we have going for us is that a lot of us have been through it twice. Some of us have been through it three times," Karst said.

He has been in the Army for 17 years. Karst has deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, then to Hungary and now Iraq.

For Karst, each deployment has been a family affair. His dad was the first sergeant on his first deployment. He deployed to Hungary with his brother, who also accompanied him on this tour to Iraq.

Hinkle's family had a hard time dealing with her coming over to Iraq for the second time. "They knew it was something I wanted to do. I believe in the reason why we are over here," she said.

All the Soldiers described their teamwork as excellent within the company. They have a close-knit crew.

"The feel for the unit is very similar to a family, where you have siblings that squabble and fight. But you go to picking on any one individual from an outside entity, the whole unit turns and attacks," Greshik said.

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