U.S. Army Reserve

Coalition supports ISF Mosul offensive Story by Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Hoskins, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces began the offensive to retake Mosul Oct. 17, 2016, with support from the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command – Operation Inherent Resolve. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the major operation to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The top Coalition general in Iraq, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky, highlighted the leading role played by the Iraqis in the operation. “Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready. They’ve been waiting to liberate Mosul for two years, and today is the day,” said the commanding general of CJFLCC-OIR and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “The Coalition is proud to support the Iraqis in the liberation of Mosul,” he said. “The Iraqis have been building momentum from liberating Hit, Fallujah and Qayyarah. Mosul will be the next operation and we are confident they will succeed.” The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is leading a coalition of 19 nations to support the liberation of Mosul from ISIL. This operation encompasses years of progress by the ISF in order to defeat ISIL. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/212154/coalition-supports-isf-mosul-offensive Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, made the following statement regarding the start of the Iraqi offensive to liberate Mosul, Oct. 17, 2016. #CJTF #OIR #OperationInherentResolve #DefeatISIL

Congratulations to Army Reserve Spc. Joseph B. Lantz, fiscal law paralegal with the 451st ESC, for receiving the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Soldier of the Week recognition, Oct. 15, 2016 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Hackett, commanding general of the 451st ESC, presented the certificate to Lantz, while Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis J. Thomas presented him a CSM’s coin during the ceremony. Lantz's ability to adapt to any situation and provide sound regulatory guidance has helped the command complete over 83 administrative investigations; many requiring extensive legal research. Lantz’s positive attitude reflects clearly in his daily tasks as well as his interactions with soldiers outside of the CJA office.

Maj. Gen. Paul C. Hurley, commanding general of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, promoted Spc. MacGregor MacGregor, therapy dog at Camp Arifjan, to sergeant during a ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 13, 2016. MacGregor has been helping service members since 2010. Congratulations Sgt. MacGregor!

The 969th Quartermaster Det. completed its 9-month tour in Kuwait and transferred authority to the 13th Quartermaster Det. Oct. 8, 2016. The 969th QM Det assisted the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command with fuel operations in Afghanistan, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Congratulations to Spc. Melissa Wietzel, brigade operations noncommissioned officer with the 595th Transportation Brigade, 1st Theater Sustainment Command – Operational Command Post, for receiving the 1st TSC-OCP Sustainer of the Week recognition. Army Reserve Bruce E. Hackett, commanding general of the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command, presented the award to Wietzel Oct. 8, 2016 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Wietzel has been an invaluable resource to the Soldiers of the 1TSC-OCP Iraqi Security Forces-Equipping Cell. As the 595th Operations NCO, her guidance in seaport operations improved the overall in-transit visibility of Iraq Train and Equip Fund cargo inbound from the United States. ITEF is a Congressional program with the purpose of preparing the Iraqi forces with equipment and training needed to help defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Her perseverance during times of challenging circumstances has resulted in an increase of cargo movement in ITEF operations.

The 969th Quartermaster Det. and the 451st Expeditionary Sustainment Command fuel operations team pose for a group photo at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 7, 2016.

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Army Reserve Capt. Daniel Vogel (right), plans officer with the 451st ESC, renders the Oath of Enlistment to Sgt. 1st. Class Keith Schonherr (left), senior human resources sergeant with the 451st ESC, during the reenlistment ceremony Oct. 6., 2016. Schonherr is reenlisting for an additional six years in the Army Reserve. He has completed 13 years in the Army and has been on three deployments during his military career. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Lynette Forslund, human resources sergeant major with the 451st ESC, and Staff Sgt. Jason Huynh, with the 336th Combat Service Sustainment Battalion, held the American flag during the ceremony.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We must all live by the Army core values to build healthy and strong relationships. Don't let individual or Family stress escalate into domestic abuse. If you or someone you know is being abused, call law enforcement immediately or contact your unit's Family Advocacy Program. For confidential help and additional support, contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Soldiers with the 1st Theater Sustainment Command - Operational Command Post graduate from the Basic Leaders Course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 3, 2016. Congratulations to Army Spc. Austin D. Ball, automations specialist; Army Reserve Spc. Daniel S. Walker, radar repairer; and Spc. Andrew D. Smalley, cable systems installer, all with the 1st TSC-OCP. BLC is an intense course required to prepare junior enlisted Soldiers to be future noncommissioned officers in the Army. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis J. Thomas, senior enlisted advisor of the 1st TSC-OCP, attended the graduation and was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This is a dedicated period of time to review our individual responsibilities of safeguarding and protecting Army Reserve assets and capabilities on information systems. Stay vigilant and protect all information against attacks!

Soldiers and civilians attended the Hispanic Heritage Month cultural awareness event at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 1, 2016. The event provided historical information and facts about Hispanics in the United States of America; highlighted a few Latin countries, dance performers, and art displays; and facilitated information tables for Soldiers to learn more about other Hispanic and Latino-American cultures. The 1st Theater Sustainment Command-Operational Command Post's equal opportunity leaders coordinated the activities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The U.S. observes this month of cultural celebration from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Congratulations to Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Tyler Ford for earning the distinction of this week's "Sustainer of the Week!" Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Hackett, the 451st ESC's commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis J. Thomas, the 451st ESC's senior enlisted advisor, highlighted Ford for his dedication and hard work toward mission accomplishment. His ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment in Iraq saved the government more than $750,000.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to recognize the significant contributions American workers with disabilities make each and every day. The theme for this year is “#InclusionWorks.” It is an opportunity for us to reaffirm the Department of Defense’s (DoD) commitment to recruit, retain, and advance people with disabilities throughout our workforce.

Brig. Gen. Bruce E. Hackett, the 451st ESC's commanding general, presents the Army Commendation Medal to Col. Edward L. Van Oeveren at a private ceremony on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Van Oeveren received the award for exemplary service while serving as the command's surgeon for the past three months. Command surgeons serve on rotational 90-day tours in theater.

In addition to the command's cake of the week, the 451st ESC's voting assistance officers serve pieces of cake to emphasize the importance of voting during Absentee Voting Week. Absentee Voting Week takes place from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3, and each dining facility on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait served a similar cake to the one pictured here. VAOs pictured (left to right): Capt. Pamela Fleming-Farmer, Maj. Becki Moore, Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Reeves, and Master Sgt. Lynette Forslund. Staff Sgt. Daniel Freeland also assists Moore in cutting the cake.