SupBnNewsltrMay2010

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Dear family and friends of 1st Supply Battalion, greetings!

I would like to use this opportunity to reflect on our mission in both here as well as forwarddeployed. I would also like to share with you some of our mission accomplishments the

intermediate level supply and distribution support we provide to I Marine ExpeditionaryForce (I MEF).

First, know that we have a very diverse family of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the BN. Each MOSoffers a very unique capability. For example, our Marines and Sailors currently deployed to Helmand Province,Afghanistan are a representation of this mix of MOSs. They are providing intermediate level supply and distributiosupport to I MEF FWD. As of today, all reports from forward are that they are performing superbly and delivering aquality level of support throughout the battle space. They represent us and they are doing it because its the rightthing to do. This is a worthy sacrifice so please continue to share with them the good news from the home front, spictures of the family and loved ones back here, and remind them that we truly appreciate what they do for us all.Truly, they are making a difference in a very difficult part of the world and we are extremely proud of them!

Second, know that the BN is engaged in significant challenges back here because of our mission requirements heat Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, Miramar, and Yuma Arizona. Because of this, every time we source a detachmentdeploy to Afghanistan or other parts of the world, we have to continue doing our job here with fewer Marines andSailors. You may have heard some of these challenges already but I needed to share with you so you know they anot only real but they affect everyone in the BN. However, a benefit of dealing with challenges is that they force usrethink what we do on a continuous basis in search for efficiencies and better practices we need to work smarternot harder! We do this by continuously reviewing current ways of doing business and exploring new technologies.report to you that we are doing just that.

For example, Supply Company is embarking on an ISO 9001 certification that will set standards for intermediate lesupply across the Marine Corps. Among other things, they are also working two projects through Black Belt Lean Sigma certifications that will help us improve customer service and shipping processes across I MEF. AmmoCompany is working a similar project to improve the forecasting and management of ammunition inventory to bettesupport the MEF. Medical Logistics Company is partnering with Deloitte Consulting LLP in order to explore theimplementation of better business practices in order to improve the medical logistical support they provide. And labut not least, our Headquarters and Service Company continues providing the higher headquarter oversight and

support that helps realize the complete effort.I know I am getting a little technical here but I have to share with you the level of innovation currently taking place 1st Supply BN and the reason this is happening with fewer personnel and limited resources is because of the quaof the people we have. And please know you are part of that team! By providing us your unwavering support, dayand day out, regardless if we are forward deployed or right here at Camp Pendleton, you allow us to tackle theseprojects and better our support. And for that, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to you the families andloved ones of 1st Supply Battalion Without you, simply, this would not be possible!

Finally, please know that we will continue pressing and doing all we can to keep our Corps the premier fighting forcin the world. Also know that your continuous, unconditional support helps us overcome significant challenges alonthe way and accomplish our mission. Thanks again for all you do and for what you will continue doing for us Gbless to each and every one of you!

Very Sincerely,

J. O. COLLAZOLTCOL USMC

1stSupply Battalion NewsBienvenidos a la familia de 1st Su l Battalion! 1 May, 2010

Message from the Commanding Officer

Commanding Officer:LtCol J. O. Collazo

Executive Officer:Major M. Akers

SgtMaj C. Belle

Battalion Chaplain:

LT D. Bradley(760) 763-6148

Family Readiness Officer:

Sergeant major:

Marty K. Rector

(760) 405-7730

Battalion Officer of the DayPhone (after 1800):760 213-7052 cell760 763-5482 office

CONGRATULATIONSTO SUPPLY

COMPANY, P3!Winner of theDepartment of

Defense Packaging

Achievement Award.P3 (Preservation,

Packaging & Packing)beat out numerous P3

sections from allbranches of the Armed

Forces Services.The award recognizes

outstanding jobperformance of a sectionover a period of a year.OUTSTANDING JOB!!!

Marines, Sailors and 1st Supply Battalion Families,

SgtMaj Belle will be on a temporary assigned duty for approximatelynine weeks. It is my extreme privilege and pleasure to serve as theBattalion Sergeant Major in her absence.

Semper Fidelis,1stSgt Hutto, C.H

From the SERGEANT MAJOR


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L.I.N.K.S

It stands for Lifestyle, Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills. This is a program for spouses, parents, an

children of Marines and Sailors who would like to know about the Marine Corps lifestyle, benefits, pay system

deployments, moving, getting along with your Marine mate, staying Marine and traditions and history of th

Corps. For more information or to sign-up for L.I.N.K.S. please call (760) 725-9052, or go to this webpage

www.mccscp.com

Camp PendletonPass & ID Locations:

San OnofreBldg 510930730-1530Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri0730-1430 Thursday763-6476/6471

Joint Reception Center(JRC)Bldg 1301320600-1800 Mon-Fri725-2442/2106

Main GateBldg 202550730-1530Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri0730-1430 Thursday725-2768/2865

Important Information &ResourcesAmerican Red Cross619-542-7400Supply BN Chaplain(760) 725-6148

Health:

TriCare (800) 874-9378Hospital Info (760) 725-4357United Concordia(800) 866-8499Family Vision Center(760) 763-1757DEERS (760) 725-2768

Family Services:Family Child Care: 725-7631Resource & Referral: 725-9723W.I.C. 1-800-500-6411Relocation Assistance725-3802/5704L.I.N.K.S.(Lifestyles, Insights,Networking, Knowledge andSkills):725-9052Psychological CounselingServices:Information/Referral: 725-9051Substance Abuse CounselingCenter Appointments:725-5538 or 725-5539

Base:Military Police (760) 725-3888Pass and ID (760) 725-2442Base Legal (760) 725-6172

Base Housing (760) 725-5995DEERS Enrollment(760) 725-2768Vehicle Registration(760) 725-210

Battalion Leadership, continued. Page 2

Chaplains Corner

One evening while watching TV, one of those commercials promoting the value of goldcame on, and it reminded me to remain faithful to God. You are probably thinking Huh?Hows that Chaps? Well, if we trust God to see us through the trials that come into ourlives, we can know for certain that the outcome will be gold! When gold is put into the fire,not only will it come out still gold, but it will come out purer and more luminous. If you andI go into the furnace of affliction as righteous and faithful people, we will not only

come out the same, but better, more pure, and stronger. Fire does that; it burns off all the dross and makes gold, purer, and more valuable. Your trials will have a clarifying effect on your life, and in the end, make you evmore valuable to Him. Let us then praise God for all He places in our lives, both the good and bad, so that come forth as gold. Pure gold.

Blessings,Chaplain David R. Bradley

Marines, Sailors, families, and friends of 1st Supply Battalion,

The 101 days of summer are almost here, so it is once again, time to practice goodjudgment and common sense to avoid some of the ailments and injuries the warmweather might bring. Along with practicing safety when participating in water sports,the following should be taken into consideration:

SunburnThe problem: Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, but especially people with light skin color, light hair or eye colfamily history of skin cancer, chronic sun exposure, a history of sunburns early in life, or freckles, according toAmerican Cancer Society.What you can do: limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Sunscreen should be ap30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen with aprotection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Heat Related IllnessThe Problem: During heat illness, the body's cooling system shuts down. Body temperature goes up, which inhthe ability to sweat.What you can do: Try to partake in strenuous activities during early mornings and evenings when it's coole

you're outside for long stretches of time, carry a water bottle, drink fluids regularly, and don't push your limPeople who play sports should wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink water or sports drinks before, during,after activity.

Burns form Fireworks and GrillsThe Problem: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 8,800 people were treateemergency rooms in 2002 for injuries associated with fireworks. Most injuries involved the hands, head, and eyeWhat you can do: Stick with public firework displays handled by professionals. Children should always be closupervised when food is being cooked indoors or outdoors. Be aware that gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfpropane tanks cause most gas grill fires and explosions.

SnakesThe Problem: warm weather brings out the snakes, many of which are venomous.What you can do: Pay attention! Snakes do not go out of the way to harm you. Keep grass cut short aroun

house, and when you are walking through trails, be alert and wear sturdy hiking boots that cover your lower leyou have dogs, be sure to give them the Rattle Snake vaccine.

Semper Fidelis,Major Michelle Akers

From the Executive Officer
http://www.mccscp.com/http://www.mccscp.com/


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AMMO Company

Ammunition Company has been extremely busy since the last news letter. Ammunition Detachment in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom 10.1 departed and the training for 10.2 began. We continue to send our Marines tospecialized MOS training to ensure the proper skill sets and Ammunition knowledge is in place to support OCONUand CONUS operations. Marines of Ammunition Company recently completed a series of training and readinessevents, received certificates for the Technical Transportation of Hazardous Materials, attended the AmmunitionSupply Administration course, AMMO-43 Inter-Modal Dry Cargo/CSC Re-inspection Course and AMMO-62 Technical

transportation of Hazardous Materials to name a few. The Marines of Ammunition Company continue to set the pacein all areas of ammunition support meeting or exceeding mission requirements. The company would not be assuccessful in supporting the demanding deployment cycles and day to day work schedules without the love andsupport of our families and friends.Changes in leadership:

Company News Page 3

1st Supply BattalionIs on Face book.

Search for Supply

Battalion CampPendleton & send afriend request!

Headquarters and Service Company

H&S has provided outstanding support to those Marines and Sailors deploying with CLR-15 FWD.

Many nights and weekends were spent organizing logistical efforts and administratively preparingthe Marines and Sailors to spend their next 6-7 months in Afghanistan. Their hard work wasacknowledged and appreciated by all who successfully deployed. Thank you to all families of thoseMarines who worked these long hours in preparation. Your understanding was a key component toour success.

H&S Company has been busy this quarter in other areas such as the Logistics ReadinessEvaluation, which evaluated our armory, motor-transport and supply sections. In many areas, wewere recognized as an example for the entire Marine Logistics Group to emulate. We continue toevolve and improve our processes in preparation for another inspection in May!

Our Company also participated in a Battalion Field Meet in March. Unfortunately, we did not takehome the trophy, but we were just warming up! We will get it next time.

Lastly, we welcome a new Company Gunnery Sergeant to our Company: SSgt Livings. He will

definitely have his hands full while 1stSgt Hutto stands in for SgtMaj Belle as the Battalion SergeantMajor for two months.


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Company News, continued Page 4

Supply Company

Dear Family and Friends of Supply Company,

On the 5th of March it was my pleasure and honor to take over as yourcompany commander. I am not new to the company, as I served as youroperations officer for the last 6 months and look forward to this new

challenge of serving your Marines. During the month of March, 190 Marinesdeployed with Maj Doug Burke to Afghanistan. They are doing well andhave already improved the supply support of the Marines and Sailors in Afghanistan. They have raised the bar of excellence. The FRO, MartyRector, is a great POC for those who have questions about the deploymentof your loved ones.

Supply Battalion had their Field Meet last month and your Marines fromSupply Company took home the Supply Battalion Commanders Trophy!Throughout the month your single Marines have been moving into brandnew barracks that are affectionately called the Hilton or Marriott; thesebarracks are awesome. On 23 April we bid farewell to MSgt David Austinafter 26 years of faithful service. Please oin me in wishing MSgt Austin andhis wonderful family fair winds and following seas in retirement. Luz, thank

you for your incredible support to your husband for all these years, youfinally get him all to yourself! MSgt Austin, Once a Marine Always a Marine!Semper Fi, brother.

Your Marines have been working really hard and sometimes long hours tocompensate for the Marines from our company who are deployed. The MEFstill needs supplies and expects the same level of support despite ourdecreased numbers. In addition to normal work duties, our Marines havebegun their pre-deployment training so that they can replace our brothersand sisters in Afghanistan. I accurately report that Uncle Sam is gettingevery dollar worth out of the Marines of Supply Company and they areenjoying themselves at the same time.

I ask that you continue to communicate with each other as well as to ask

questions of what your Marine does on a daily basis, as they are too humbleto tell you out right. The work of the Marines of Supply Company isincredibly important to the sustainment of I MEF, which would literally shutdown very quickly if we missed a beat. I congratulate them on a great monthand thank you for your continued support!

Semper Fidelis,Maj Luke Holian, USMCCommander, Supply Company

Supply Company celebrates their 3rd consecutiveField Meet Victor !

Medical Logistics Company

The Company has been staying busy with trackingand preparing surgical materials for MedicalBattalions deployment to Afghanistan this year.


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Family Readiness News Page 5

Some of the 1st supply BN Family Readiness Volunteers at therecent Camp Pendleton Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. What agreat group of Ladies!!!

Hooray! We had two of our spouses graduate fromthe LES (Leadership Education Seminar) & the COswife was a rou leader for the course

[email protected]: (760) 468-7618

Office: 760 725-1841

Hello Marines, Sailors, Family and Friends of 1stSupply Battalion:

Here is an article the Commanding Officer wanted me to share with you. If youve ever heard the term River City and were confused about its meaning, thearticle below will explain it to you. This article if from a news story by Chris Lawrence that appeared on CNN; it can be found at the following link:http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/you-wont-find-river-city-on-a-map-in-afghanistan/

CNN: You won't find 'River City' on a map in AfghanistanBy: Chris Lawrence

Northern Helmand Province - U.S. Marines stationed in Now Zad only have one link to home - a small wooden shack in the middle of their base. Inside, theycrowd around five or six telephones and around eight computer stations. This is where troops connect with their families and friends, and find out what'shappening in the world beyond Camp Cafferetta.

While embedded with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Alpha Company, it's also where we go to call back to our desk in Atlanta or reply to emails - only, ofcourse, when there is a free phone or computer that the Marines aren't using. The tiny room is crowded - Marines literally pushed against each other to wiggleinto the small spaces in front of the computer screens. One Marine is on Skype, with a grainy video image of his wife and kids on screen. His wife is telling thevery young children to look into their camera back home, and "tell Daddy you love him." Most of the younger Marines are pouring into their Facebook pages,their primary way to keep up with friends - and most especially girlfriends - back home. A few feet away, you can hear the constant overlapping chatter from fourto five Marines on the phones, talking to folks back home.

And then - a gunnery sergeant bursts into the room and says "River City! We're in River City, let's go!" And just like that, Marines hang up their phones. Severtheir Skype connections. And shut down their Facebook pages. There was maybe time for a very quick goodbye, but it literally takes seconds. Within a minute,the room is empty, and the sergeant takes out the bank of phones and locks the door to the Internet room.

Then I learn why it's taken so seriously: "River City" means a Marine has been seriously wounded or killed. But after a call of 'River City,' the place clears andthe equipment is locked away.

"River City" is a communications status, Reduced Communications. It's an expression used to cut all contact with the outside world until the dead or woundedMarine's family can be notified. 1st Sgt. Michael Bass explains that there were times when an incident would happen - someone gets shot, or caught in an IEDexplosion - and his fellow troops would, quite naturally, call home to talk with their own families about what happened. A lot of these communities are very tight-knit, and Bass says there were instances where families back home were being alerted to their loved one's death by other friends or military spouses.

That's not the way it's supposed to work, and the military has a very strict process of family notification, one that involves a personal visit from a military officialwho is trained in how to deal with grieving families. That official then stays with the family throughout the process of the Marine's remains coming home, thefuneral and burial.

So the communications blackout prevents, for example, a perhaps well-meaning wife back home from calling another wife to offer her condolences, andinadvertently breaking the news of a husband's death. Another Marine told me on rare occasions the blackout is imposed when no troops have been hurt. Thatusually happens if Marines are sending out too much sensitive information - perhaps saying too much about how the base is staffed, or describing futuremissions in too much detail.

Honestly, I thought River City was an actual place. And one Marine on his first deployment says, "Don't worry - so did my wife." The first time the base went intothe alert, he had been talking with his wife back home in California. When the sergeant yelled "River City!" the Marine quickly told his wife: "Damn honey I gottago right now - we're in River City! Don't know when I can call again!" This apparently made his wife worried sick, and spent hours on the Internet, trying to findwhere the hell this "River City" was on a map of Afghanistan.

The blackout can last as little as a few hours, or as long as a week. Normally it's two or three days. During our stay with Alpha Company, River City wassounded four times. And only once, when the Marines were a bit slow getting off their computers, did the sergeant have to say, "Hey, get the hell off. And don'tbe mad! Don't be complaining you can't call home - that means someone just got hurt!" Now if you ever hear the term "River City," you'll know not to look for iton any map. But it probably means a Marine has been hurt or killed, and a family somewhere is grieving.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/you-wont-find-river-city-on-a-map-in-afghanistan/http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/you-wont-find-river-city-on-a-map-in-afghanistan/http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/you-wont-find-river-city-on-a-map-in-afghanistan/mailto:[email protected]

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