Capt. Ruth Hughes, support operations, 401st Army Field Support Battalion-Qatar, is an Army Reserve Soldier activated to support the sustainment mission of Army Prepositioned Stocks-5.
Her most recent project was to oversee facility improvements as work crews repaired roofing on several of the warehouses. Work crews had to move the APS-5 equipment to make room for improvements intended to protect the equipment from the elements.
“Even as efficient as our team is, there’s so much stuff here it takes weeks to move and reset,” said Hughes. “We’re taking the opportunity to reassess the configuration of the warehouses to maximize issuing speed if necessary.
“And while we do, we also verify the equipment’s readiness and correct any problems we find.”
Hughes is also the lead contracting officer representative (COR). CORs are responsible for overseeing and verifying work in accordance with contract requirements.
While not activated, Hughes said she is a full-time mom who works hard at staying current on Army qualifications and standards.
“The Army Reserve has given me a career that allows me to be with my family most of the time,” she said. “Being activated validates all the work I put in to stay current, and it helps financially – but I definitely look forward to seeing my husband and kid again.”
Hughes started her career as an enlisted Soldier with the Pennsylvania National Guard, where she later received her commission. She transitioned to the Army Reserve in 2013.