1st Supply Battalion News

Bienvenidos a la familia de 1st Supply Battalion! 1 May, 2010

Message from the Commanding Officer

Dear family and friends of 1st Supply Battalion, greetings!
I would like to use this opportunity to reflect on our mission in both here as well as forward
deployed. I would also like to share with you some of our mission accomplishments – the
intermediate level supply and distribution support we provide to I Marine Expeditionary
Force (I MEF).
First, know that we have a very diverse family of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the BN. Each MOS
offers a very unique capability. For example, our Marines and Sailors currently deployed to Helmand Province,
Commanding Officer:
Afghanistan are a representation of this mix of MOSs. They are providing intermediate level supply and distribution
LtCol J. O. Collazo
support to I MEF FWD. As of today, all reports from forward are that they are performing superbly and delivering a
Executive Officer: quality level of support throughout the battle space. They represent us and they are doing it because it’s the right
Major M. Akers thing to do. This is a worthy sacrifice so please continue to share with them the good news from the home front, send
pictures of the family and loved ones back here, and remind them that we truly appreciate what they do for us all.
Sergeant major: Truly, they are making a difference in a very difficult part of the world and we are extremely proud of them!
SgtMaj C. Belle
Second, know that the BN is engaged in significant challenges back here because of our mission requirements here
Battalion Chaplain: at Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, Miramar, and Yuma Arizona. Because of this, every time we source a detachment to
LT D. Bradley deploy to Afghanistan or other parts of the world, we have to continue doing our job here with fewer Marines and
(760) 763-6148 Sailors. You may have heard some of these challenges already but I needed to share with you so you know they are
not only real but they affect everyone in the BN. However, a benefit of dealing with challenges is that they force us to
Family Readiness Officer: rethink what we do on a continuous basis in search for efficiencies and better practices – we need to work smarter,
Marty K. Rector not harder! We do this by continuously reviewing current ways of doing business and exploring new technologies. I
(760) 405-7730 report to you that we are doing just that.
For example, Supply Company is embarking on an ISO 9001 certification that will set standards for intermediate level
Battalion Officer of the Day supply across the Marine Corps. Among other things, they are also working two projects through Black Belt Lean Six
Phone (after 1800): Sigma certifications that will help us improve customer service and shipping processes across I MEF. Ammo
760 213-7052 cell Company is working a similar project to improve the forecasting and management of ammunition inventory to better
760 763-5482 office support the MEF. Medical Logistics Company is partnering with Deloitte Consulting LLP in order to explore the
implementation of better business practices in order to improve the medical logistical support they provide. And last
but not least, our Headquarters and Service Company continues providing the higher headquarter oversight and
support that helps realize the complete effort.
I know I am getting a little technical here but I have to share with you the level of innovation currently taking place at
1st Supply BN – and the reason this is happening with fewer personnel and limited resources is because of the quality
of the people we have. And please know you are part of that team! By providing us your unwavering support, day in
and day out, regardless if we are forward deployed or right here at Camp Pendleton, you allow us to tackle these
projects and better our support. And for that, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to you – the families and
loved ones of 1st Supply Battalion – Without you, simply, this would not be possible!
CONGRATULATIONS
Finally, please know that we will continue pressing and doing all we can to keep our Corps the premier fighting force
TO SUPPLY
in the world. Also know that your continuous, unconditional support helps us overcome significant challenges along
COMPANY, P3!
the way and accomplish our mission. Thanks again for all you do – and for what you will continue doing for us – God
Winner of the
bless to each and every one of you!
Department of
Defense Packaging Very Sincerely,
Achievement Award. J. O. COLLAZO
P3 (Preservation, LTCOL USMC
Packaging & Packing)
beat out numerous P3 From the SERGEANT MAJOR
sections from all Marines, Sailors and 1st Supply Battalion Families,
branches of the Armed
Forces Services. SgtMaj Belle will be on a temporary assigned duty for approximately
The award recognizes nine weeks. It is my extreme privilege and pleasure to serve as the
outstanding job
Battalion Sergeant Major in her absence.
performance of a section
over a period of a year.
OUTSTANDING JOB!!! Semper Fidelis,
1stSgt Hutto, C.H
 Battalion Leadership, continued. Page 2

Important Information & From the Executive Officer

Resources
American Red Cross
619-542-7400
Supply BN Chaplain
(760) 725-6148
Health:
TriCare (800) 874-9378
Hospital Info (760) 725-4357
United Concordia
(800) 866-8499
Family Vision Center
(760) 763-1757
DEERS (760) 725-2768
Family Services:
Family Child Care: 725-7631
Resource & Referral: 725-9723
W.I.C. 1-800-500-6411
Relocation Assistance
725-3802/5704
L.I.N.K.S.(Lifestyles, Insights,
Networking, Knowledge and
Skills):
725-9052
Psychological Counseling
Services:
Information/Referral: 725-9051
Substance Abuse Counseling
Center Appointments:
725-5538 or 725-5539
Base:
Military Police (760) 725-3888
Pass and ID (760) 725-2442
Base Legal (760) 725-6172
Base Housing (760) 725-5995
DEERS Enrollment
(760) 725-2768
Vehicle Registration
(760) 725-210
Marines, Sailors, families, and friends of 1st Supply Battalion,
The 101 days of summer are almost here, so it is once again, time to practice good
judgment and common sense to avoid some of the ailments and injuries the warm
weather might bring. Along with practicing safety when participating in water sports,
the following should be taken into consideration:
Sunburn
The problem: Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, but especially people with light skin color, light hair or eye color, a
family history of skin cancer, chronic sun exposure, a history of sunburns early in life, or freckles, according to the
American Cancer Society.
What you can do: limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied
30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Heat Related Illness
The Problem: During heat illness, the body's cooling system shuts down. Body temperature goes up, which inhibits
the ability to sweat.
What you can do: Try to partake in strenuous activities during early mornings and evenings when it's cooler. If
you're outside for long stretches of time, carry a water bottle, drink fluids regularly, and don't push your limits.
People who play sports should wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink water or sports drinks before, during, and
after activity.
Burns form Fireworks and Grills
The Problem: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that about 8,800 people were treated in
emergency rooms in 2002 for injuries associated with fireworks. Most injuries involved the hands, head, and eyes
What you can do: Stick with public firework displays handled by professionals. Children should always be closely
supervised when food is being cooked indoors or outdoors. Be aware that gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled
propane tanks cause most gas grill fires and explosions.
Snakes
The Problem: warm weather brings out the snakes, many of which are venomous.
What you can do: Pay attention! Snakes do not go out of the way to harm you. Keep grass cut short around the
house, and when you are walking through trails, be alert and wear sturdy hiking boots that cover your lower leg. If
you have dogs, be sure to give them the Rattle Snake vaccine.
Semper Fidelis,
Major Michelle Akers

Camp Pendleton Chaplain’s Corner

Pass & ID Locations:
One evening while watching TV, one of those commercials promoting the value of gold
San Onofre came on, and it reminded me to remain faithful to God. You are probably thinking “Huh?
Bldg 51093 How’s that Chaps?” Well, if we trust God to see us through the trials that come into our
0730-1530 lives, we can know for certain that the outcome will be gold! When gold is put into the fire,
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri not only will it come out still gold, but it will come out purer and more luminous. If you and
0730-1430 Thursday I go into the furnace of affliction as righteous and faithful people, we will not only
763-6476/6471
come out the same, but better, more pure, and stronger. Fire does that; it burns off all the dross and makes the
gold, purer, and more valuable. Your trials will have a clarifying effect on your life, and in the end, make you even
Joint Reception Center
(JRC) more valuable to Him. Let us then praise God for all He places in our lives, both the good and bad, so that we
Bldg 130132 come forth as gold. Pure gold.
0600-1800 Mon-Fri
725-2442/2106 Blessings,
Chaplain David R. Bradley
Main Gate
Bldg 20255 L.I.N.K.S.
0730-1530 It stands for Lifestyle, Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills. This is a program for spouses, parents, and
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri children of Marines and Sailors who would like to know about the Marine Corps lifestyle, benefits, pay system,
0730-1430 Thursday
deployments, moving, getting along with your Marine mate, staying Marine and traditions and history of the
725-2768/2865
Corps. For more information or to sign-up for L.I.N.K.S. please call (760) 725-9052, or go to this webpage:
www.mccscp.com
 Company News Page 3
AMMO Company
Ammunition Company has been extremely busy since the last news letter. Ammunition Detachment in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom 10.1 departed and the training for 10.2 began. We continue to send our Marines to
specialized MOS training to ensure the proper skill sets and Ammunition knowledge is in place to support OCONU
and CONUS operations. Marines of Ammunition Company recently completed a series of training and readiness
events, received certificates for the Technical Transportation of Hazardous Materials, attended the Ammunition
Supply Administration course, AMMO-43 Inter-Modal Dry Cargo/CSC Re-inspection Course and AMMO-62 Technical
transportation of Hazardous Materials to name a few. The Marines of Ammunition Company continue to set the pace
in all areas of ammunition support meeting or exceeding mission requirements. The company would not be as
successful in supporting the demanding deployment cycles and day to day work schedules without the love and
support of our families and friends.
Changes in leadership:

1st Supply Battalion

Is on Face book.
Search for “Supply
Battalion Camp
Pendleton” & send a
friend request!

Headquarters and Service Company

H&S has provided outstanding support to those Marines and Sailors deploying with CLR-15 FWD.
Many nights and weekends were spent organizing logistical efforts and administratively preparing
the Marines and Sailors to spend their next 6-7 months in Afghanistan. Their hard work was
acknowledged and appreciated by all who successfully deployed. Thank you to all families of those
Marines who worked these long hours in preparation. Your understanding was a key component to
our success.

H&S Company has been busy this quarter in other areas such as the Logistics Readiness
Evaluation, which evaluated our armory, motor-transport and supply sections. In many areas, we
were recognized as an example for the entire Marine Logistics Group to emulate. We continue to
evolve and improve our processes in preparation for another inspection in May!

Our Company also participated in a Battalion Field Meet in March. Unfortunately, we did not take
home the trophy, but we were just warming up! We will get it next time.

Lastly, we welcome a new Company Gunnery Sergeant to our Company: SSgt Livings. He will
definitely have his hands full while 1stSgt Hutto stands in for SgtMaj Belle as the Battalion Sergeant
Major for two months.
 Company News, continued Page 4
Supply Company

Dear Family and Friends of Supply Company,

On the 5th of March it was my pleasure and honor to take over as your
company commander. I am not new to the company, as I served as your
operations officer for the last 6 months and look forward to this new
challenge of serving your Marines. During the month of March, 190 Marines
deployed with Maj Doug Burke to Afghanistan. They are doing well and
have already improved the supply support of the Marines and Sailors in
Afghanistan. They have raised the bar of excellence. The FRO, Marty
Rector, is a great POC for those who have questions about the deployment
of your loved ones.
Supply Battalion had their Field Meet last month and your Marines from
Supply Company took home the Supply Battalion Commanders Trophy!
Throughout the month your single Marines have been moving into brand Supply Company celebrates their 3rd consecutive
Field Meet Victory!
new barracks that are affectionately called the Hilton or Marriott; these
barracks are awesome. On 23 April we bid farewell to MSgt David Austin
after 26 years of faithful service. Please join me in wishing MSgt Austin and
his wonderful family fair winds and following seas in retirement. Luz, thank
you for your incredible support to your husband for all these years, you
finally get him all to yourself! MSgt Austin, Once a Marine Always a Marine!
Semper Fi, brother.
Your Marines have been working really hard and sometimes long hours to
compensate for the Marines from our company who are deployed. The MEF
still needs supplies and expects the same level of support despite our
decreased numbers. In addition to normal work duties, our Marines have
begun their pre-deployment training so that they can replace our brothers
and sisters in Afghanistan. I accurately report that Uncle Sam is getting
every dollar worth out of the Marines of Supply Company and they are
enjoying themselves at the same time.
I ask that you continue to communicate with each other as well as to ask
questions of what your Marine does on a daily basis, as they are too humble
to tell you out right. The work of the Marines of Supply Company is
incredibly important to the sustainment of I MEF, which would literally shut
Medical Logistics Company
down very quickly if we missed a beat. I congratulate them on a great month
and thank you for your continued support! The Company has been staying busy with tracking
and preparing surgical materials for Medical
Semper Fidelis, Battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan this year.
Maj Luke Holian, USMC
Commander, Supply Company
 Family Readiness News Page 5

marty.k.rector@usmc.mil
Cell: (760) 468-7618
Office: (760) 725-1841
Some of the 1st supply BN Family Readiness Volunteers at the Hooray! We had two of our spouses graduate from
recent Camp Pendleton Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. What a the LES (Leadership Education Seminar) & the CO’s
great group of Ladies!!! wife was a group leader for the course

Hello Marines, Sailors, Family and Friends of 1st Supply Battalion:

Here is an article the Commanding Officer wanted me to share with you. If you’ve ever heard the term ‘River City’ and were confused about its meaning, the
article below will explain it to you. This article if from a news story by Chris Lawrence that appeared on CNN; it can be found at the following link:
http://afghanistan.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/07/you-wont-find-river-city-on-a-map-in-afghanistan/

CNN: You won't find 'River City' on a map in Afghanistan

By: Chris Lawrence

Northern Helmand Province - U.S. Marines stationed in Now Zad only have one link to home - a small wooden shack in the middle of their base. Inside, they
crowd around five or six telephones and around eight computer stations. This is where troops connect with their families and friends, and find out what's
happening in the world beyond Camp Cafferetta.

While embedded with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines Alpha Company, it's also where we go to call back to our desk in Atlanta or reply to emails - only, of
course, when there is a free phone or computer that the Marines aren't using. The tiny room is crowded - Marines literally pushed against each other to wiggle
into the small spaces in front of the computer screens. One Marine is on Skype, with a grainy video image of his wife and kids on screen. His wife is telling the
very young children to look into their camera back home, and "tell Daddy you love him." Most of the younger Marines are pouring into their Facebook pages,
their primary way to keep up with friends - and most especially girlfriends - back home. A few feet away, you can hear the constant overlapping chatter from four
to five Marines on the phones, talking to folks back home.

And then - a gunnery sergeant bursts into the room and says "River City! We're in River City, let's go!" And just like that, Marines hang up their phones. Sever
their Skype connections. And shut down their Facebook pages. There was maybe time for a very quick goodbye, but it literally takes seconds. Within a minute,
the room is empty, and the sergeant takes out the bank of phones and locks the door to the Internet room.

Then I learn why it's taken so seriously: "River City" means a Marine has been seriously wounded or killed. But after a call of 'River City,' the place clears and
the equipment is locked away.

"River City" is a communications status, Reduced Communications. It's an expression used to cut all contact with the outside world until the dead or wounded
Marine's family can be notified. 1st Sgt. Michael Bass explains that there were times when an incident would happen - someone gets shot, or caught in an IED
explosion - and his fellow troops would, quite naturally, call home to talk with their own families about what happened. A lot of these communities are very tight-
knit, and Bass says there were instances where families back home were being alerted to their loved one's death by other friends or military spouses.

That's not the way it's supposed to work, and the military has a very strict process of family notification, one that involves a personal visit from a military official
who is trained in how to deal with grieving families. That official then stays with the family throughout the process of the Marine's remains coming home, the
funeral and burial.

So the communications blackout prevents, for example, a perhaps well-meaning wife back home from calling another wife to offer her condolences, and
inadvertently breaking the news of a husband's death. Another Marine told me on rare occasions the blackout is imposed when no troops have been hurt. That
usually happens if Marines are sending out too much sensitive information - perhaps saying too much about how the base is staffed, or describing future
missions in too much detail.

Honestly, I thought River City was an actual place. And one Marine on his first deployment says, "Don't worry - so did my wife." The first time the base went into
the alert, he had been talking with his wife back home in California. When the sergeant yelled "River City!" the Marine quickly told his wife: "Damn honey I gotta
go right now - we're in River City! Don't know when I can call again!" This apparently made his wife worried sick, and spent hours on the Internet, trying to find
where the hell this "River City" was on a map of Afghanistan.

The blackout can last as little as a few hours, or as long as a week. Normally it's two or three days. During our stay with Alpha Company, River City was
sounded four times. And only once, when the Marines were a bit slow getting off their computers, did the sergeant have to say, "Hey, get the hell off. And don't
be mad! Don't be complaining you can't call home - that means someone just got hurt!" Now if you ever hear the term "River City," you'll know not to look for it
on any map. But it probably means a Marine has been hurt or killed, and a family somewhere is grieving.