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NEWS | Nov. 29, 2016

Sealing Victory

By Sgt. Christopher Bigelow 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

The 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), an Army Reserve unit from Coraopolis, Pa., cased its colors and guide on in preparation for its third deployment in 10 years today.

"Casing our colors is a symbol of all the things the Soldiers from this command have accomplished so far," said Brig. Gen. Robert Harter, Commanding General of the 316th ESC.

"When our mission is accomplished we case our colors prior to moving to our next objective, and our mission here at Fort Hood, Texas, is complete. We are leaving here trained and ready to sustain our war fighters throughout the Central Command's (CENTCOM) area of operations," said Harter.

On January 17, 2006 the 316th ESC was redesigned as the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The 316th ESC was the first Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to be constituted in the Army Reserve.

As a logistics command the 316th ESC was the first ESC from the Army Reserve to deploy when they deployed in support of contingency operations to Iraq in 2007-2008 and Kuwait in 2012-2013.

"The professionalism of the Soldiers within this team can be seen in the brief but rich history of our command," said Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny McPeek, the 316th ESC Command Sergeant Major.

In Iraq 2007-2008, the 316th ESC synchronized and provided logistical support to U.S. units over 165,000 strong, multi-national coalition partners and Iraqi forces. For their outstanding service the unit was awarded the meritorious unit citation.

In Kuwait 2012-2013, the 316th ESC provided superior logistical support operations throughout the CENTCOM Theater and repeatedly demonstrated that they could accomplish difficult and complex missions in an evolving, high paced, and complex environment. The support the 316th ESC provided warranted the awarding of a second meritorious unit citation.

"The success and unit citations awarded during our commands previous two tours are a direct reflection of the skills that Army Reservists and 316th ESC Soldiers bring to the fight," said McPeek.

Harter stated that the Soldiers from the 316th ESC face a daunting task in the Middle East as the priorities of supplies and responsibilities will be constantly shifting as they adjust and plan sustainment operations throughout CENTCOMS dynamic, evolving and very complex environments.

"The 316th ESC is prepared and ready to accomplish our upcoming mission as a team and as a family in Kuwait," said Harter.

"I look forward to uncasing our colors in Kuwait and beginning a chapter in our Units history," Harter added.