BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2004 — While many Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division have been doing their part in Operation Enduring Freedom for more than six months, the Joint Logistics Command has played a role for an even longer period of time.

To recognize that, and their ongoing efforts, Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, Combined Joint Task Force-76 commander; along with the task force's Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe, presented the members of the joint logistics command with the shoulder sleeve insignia for former wartime service and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

"No organization has made more lasting and significant changes and contributions to CJTF-76," said Olson to the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen standing in formation at Bagram Air Base Sept. 28.

Built around the 25th Infantry Division Support Command, the JLC is responsible for providing logistical support throughout the Combined Joint Operations Area. This role began even before division units stepped foot in Afghanistan.

"We tracked all the (25th Infantry Division) equipment all the way around the world," said Capt. Kimberly D. Nash, JLC plans officer in charge. That was just the start of the mission for the JLC.

"We provide continued and improving support to the units throughout the CJOA," said Spc. Douglas Andrews, an administrative specialist for the Distribution Management Center, one part of the JLC.

Now, and for the past six months, the approximately 1,000 members of the JLC have ensured warfighters throughout Afghanistan, both U.S. and Coalition, have the food, ammunition, equipment and repair parts necessary to take the fight to the enemy. They also provide medical, financial and administrative support.

"No organization has made more lasting and significant changes and contributions to CJTF-76," Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, Combined Joint Task Force-76 commander

"Our troops have built Salerno, not to mention (Regional Command) East, into logistics hubs," said Nash. "In a matter of days, we built RC West into a hub able to support more than 1,500 people.

"The JLC initiated the (Mobile Maintenance Support Team)," she added. This non-doctrinal team was created because of the "diversity of the mission."

"The MMST provides direct support-level maintenance to the very front lines," explained Nash. "They save the military millions of dollars. And, more importantly, fix broken pieces of equipment for the warfighter at the frontline."

By providing all this support, the members of the JLC are continuously reaffirming their commitment to Operation Enduring Freedom. In honor of this, they will proudly wear the patch of the 25th Infantry Division not only on their left shoulder, but also their right to serve as a symbol of the sacrifices and efforts they have all made.

"This patch identifies me as member of a team that not only supports the warfighter daily, but is currently deployed as far forward as any of our fighting troops," said Nash. "Our logistics support personnel have come back with blood on their boots - there are no lines here."