Story by Sgt. 1st Class Luis Saavedra
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Sgt. Gregory A. Pollack, a Bagram Ammunition Holding Area non-commissioned officer in charge assigned to the 395th Ordnance Company Wisconsin Army Reserve, 10th Special Troops Battalion, was recognized as a unit hero June 11, 2012 for extraordinary performance during his yearlong deployment.
The 10th STB provides aerial delivery, finance, human resources, customs, ammunition, and retrograde support to Regional Commands North, East and Capital as well as provide signal, administrative and logistical support to the 10th Sustainment Brigade.
Pollack has been recognized as an outstanding soldier and leader. During his deployment, he received an increase in duty positions and areas of responsibility multiple times. He served as the ground shipping team leader, shipping and receiving NCOIC, operations and ammunition supply point NCOIC, and finished his tour as the Bagram Ammunition Holding Area NCOIC.
“It feels good being recognized for something you do well,” said Pollack. “It’s definitely appreciated”
Command Sgt. Maj. Mark E. Phillips, the senior enlisted advisor assigned to the 10th STB, said Pollack is one of his “go-to” soldiers. Before he asked the company first sergeant for a recommendation, he already had Pollack in mind.
Work ethic was one of the qualities that set Pollack apart from his peers.
“I never like to leave a job unfinished,” said Pollack. “I take a lot of pride in my work.”
Pollack worked long hours to ensure thousands of soldiers had serviceable ammunition in a timely manner in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has completed his second combat tour and has served in the Army Reserve for more than eight years.
Phillips said it is good to recognize Reserve component soldiers because active component soldiers are not the only ones getting the job done; reservists are also part of the team and they are an integral part of the mission.
Pollack was recently selected for promotion to staff sergeant and as a good leader, gave his soldiers some advice.
He wanted to let the soldiers know that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed; it pays off in the end. When the mission is complete you should hold your head up high knowing you did everything you could.