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QUOTE
It is loud. It is dark. And, it is cold, real cold. Yep, I am once again flying hundreds of feet in the air in a C130 military aircraft. But, this time, instead of Iraq, I’m headed for a new home at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Honestly, I can not help but wonder what life will be like for the next year. However, shortly after landing, I quickly see a familiar face wearing a friendly smile and extending a firm handshake, saying, “Welcome to Kandahar, Chief!” And, another Army adventure begins.
That friendly face belonged to one of the Army’s newest Quartermaster Master Sergeants and our great Joint Logistics Command (JLC – KAF) Property Book NCOIC, MSG Robert Canterbury. Having arrived a few hours before me, MSG Canterbury had already “prepped the battlefield.” He had aggressively made contact with our 10th Mountain Division counterparts, secured lodging, and acquired transportation, quickly whisking us away to our new “mission.” More importantly, a few short hours later, our most essential member of our team arrived, Sergeant Christina Santos, Property Book NCO. I am extremely proud to be a part of this great team. I am Joel Lockhart, Chief Warrant Officer, Property Book Officer, and, clearly, the weakest link of our team.
After getting started with the transfer of authority (TOA) with 10th MTN DIV PBO, we quickly realized that we would have our hands full for awhile. Although Warrant Officer Gary Brown, the outgoing PBO, had done a good job, we still recognized and accepted a constantly growing, changing, and, quite frankly, a very challenging property accountability mission. Basically, we manage property accounts for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Broncos), Task Force Diamondhead (Aviation), and Task Force Saber (Cavalry), and numerous non-divisional units. Roughly, we manage over 486 million dollars worth of property supporting over 63 primary hand receipts located all over the battlefield.
Although we stay very busy doing our Nation’s bidding, we all miss our families: The Canterbury’s, the Santos’, and the Lockhart’s. However, we are firmly committed to executing the orders of our Commander-In-Chief to the best of our abilities. Moreover, I am personally honored to serve with some our Nation’s finest sons and daughters; people like MSG Canterbury, SGT Santos, and numerous other great Soldiers. You should be proud of your loved ones. I am.
UNQUOTE
In closing, the team and I want to say, “Aloha” and "Mahalo" to everyone, both in Hawaii and the mainland, for their continuing support. Keep the faith. Lightning Support! Tropic Lightning! (this paragraph was edited)
The Army newest Quartermaster Master Sergeant, Robert Canterbury, eating some sweet promotion cake!
CW3 Joel Lockhart and MSG Robert Canterbury are “preparing” (that is code for joking around as usual) shortly before MSG Canterbury’s promotion ceremony.
MSG Canterbury and SGT Santos are preparing to conduct a physical training run. Running Quartermasters! Hooah!
Page Last Edited 07/27/2004