Army

GAFFNEY, S.C. — When Tropical Storm Helene hit South Carolina, it brought widespread damage and left communities like Gaffney, South Carolina, grappling with power outages, flooding, and a shortage of basic necessities. Amid the chaos, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Garcia, a Gaffney resident himself, stepped in to serve his neighbors in a unique capacity — both as a protector and a community member.

On Oct. 2, 2024, Garcia found himself distributing water and supplies to Gaffney residents, many of whom he grew up with. “It feels good,” Garcia said. “I enjoy helping the community where I can.”

Garcia is an Army tank commander in Bravo Company, 1-118th Infantry Regiment, Armored Brigade Combat Team. He has been in the military for 13 years, starting with five years on active duty before transitioning to the National Guard. For him, the Guard was an ideal fit, allowing him to continue serving his state and nation.

“I joined the National Guard because I wanted to continue being a soldier and serve the country,” Garcia explained. “But it’s also about being there for my community. When I see people in need, it gives me a sense of purpose.”

On the ground, Garcia and his fellow Guardsmen handed out water and food rations to those who had been affected by the storm.

“It’s good to see that people are grateful,” Garcia said, noting how a simple gesture—providing essential supplies—had a profound impact on the community’s morale. “Seeing people’s smiles and their gratitude in a time of need is the best part.”

For Garcia, serving in this capacity is personal. Beyond the uniform, he is a proud member of his local church and sees his service as an extension of his faith.

“I’m a Christian and a godly man,” he said. “Being able to provide for others, especially those who can’t get out of their homes, fills my heart with joy.”

Garcia mentioned how local churches had partnered with the National Guard the day before to ensure that homebound residents received food and water.

“It was awesome to see that people have the heart to put others before their own needs,” he said, clearly moved by the collective effort of the community.

For this 13-year military veteran, the opportunity to give back to the town where he grew up is something he doesn’t take for granted. Garcia plans to continue serving his full 20 years in the National Guard, but on days like this, the pride he feels for both his uniform and his hometown are on full display.

“Helping out here in Gaffney just means more,” Garcia said. “It’s home.”

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – After a career of breaking barriers, Lt. Col. Custodio retired from the Air Force without taking part in one last tradition among pilots: her fini-flight. Team Beale celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural presentations, dancing, food and a visit from the first female Hispanic pilot in the military, retired Lt. Col. Olga Custodio. Originally from Puerto Rico, Custodio served 24 years between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

“I have over 40 years’ experience as a pilot and aviator, I continue to stay in the profession because I feel it’s important to stay visible and accessible to students,” said Custodio. “You can’t share what you know with them otherwise.”

Custodio spoke for Beale Air Force Base’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. She discussed her heritage and career, bringing up the 23-year career of her father in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II and being a member of the-all Hispanic 65th Infantry Division during the Korean War.

Custodio had the privilege of accompanying her father to multiple posts around the world which taught her both respect for other cultures, and an appreciation for the opportunities provided in the United States. She graduated high school at 16 and went back to Puerto Rico to discover an appreciation and love for her own culture.

While attending the University of Puerto Rico, Custodio was denied entry into the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. It was a decade later when the Air Force began actively seeking female pilot candidates. This opportunity finally allowed Custodio to pursue her passion and fulfill what she considers to be the best job in the Air Force: becoming a pilot.

“My husband was active duty at the time, and we had a four-year-old,” said Custodio. “He said, if this is what you want to do then I’m here to support, and it’s been a great journey ever since. I love every second of it.”

Custodio was the first Hispanic woman to graduate from U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training and went on to become the first female T-38 Talon flight instructor and later an instructor of T-38 flight instructors. She was awarded the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Aviation Safety Award for superior airmanship after executing a safe heavy weight landing in weather minimums during an engine failure bird strike emergency. Custodio left her active-duty commission to fly for American Airlines, however, continued to serve her nation in the Reserves as an Officer Training School instructor.

While her children were growing up, Custodio would regularly visit Puerto Rico so they too could learn about their culture. Custodio learned how to play the cuatro, an instrument similar to a guitar, and started a Puerto Rican folk dance group at home in San Antonio. She spent the last 20 years finding ways for different Latino cultures to contribute to Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Everyone, no matter what your heritage is, you need to be proud of that, you need to understand and learn it, and pass it on,” said Custodio. “That’s a legacy you can share with your family.”

Custodio took a moment to recognize the many different cultures and heritages that make up the Air Force, as well as other cultures of her own heritage. She stressed the importance of respect and appreciation for one’s own heritage as well as the heritage and cultures of others.

Custodio also spoke at Roseville High School, sharing her experiences and lessons with students. Her persistence and commitment served to inspire both service members in the midst of their careers and youth looking to their future.

Custodio is also an active advocate for Project Quesada, an Air Force outreach to engage diverse youth groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation and Math (STEAM) fields and the availability of being a part of such fields while serving their nation in the Air Force.

Beale had the privilege of bestowing upon Custodio her own fini-flight on a T-38, honoring her remarkable service.

“I got to experience something I haven’t done in many decades and get in the seat of a T-38,” said Custodio. “It was like riding a bike, I got in and it felt just like I had done it yesterday. It was a dream come true; I am so grateful.”

Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) specialists from the 317th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and the Bulgarian Armed Forces collaborated in a multinational training exercise Sept. 25 to Oct. 3, 2024. The goal of the training was to identify individual participant’s strengths and weaknesses, explore the unique skills each military can contribute, and enhance teamwork to become a more effective force.

During the training, participants navigated a confidence chamber, operated drones for reconnaissance, detonated a Bulgarian smoke canister, conducted chemical agent and radiation detection tests, performed sampling missions, exchanged equipment knowledge to showcase capabilities, and submitted a CBRN 3 report with their findings and coordinates via radio to higher echelons. They also conducted decontamination procedures to ensure safety.

A CBRN 3 report is a military document that gives important information about CBRN threats. It is used to alert other units and leaders about where and when the threat happened, what type of hazard it is, and how large the affected area is. These reports help military leaders make decisions to keep their service members safe.

“We know how we fight and train, but we aren’t always the only ones in the fight,” said 1st Lt. Nicholas Williams, a platoon leader with 317th BEB. “Knowing that we have partner forces with capabilities that may bridge the gaps where we fall short is reassuring.”

Bulgarian 2nd Lt. Teodor Petrov, the officer-in-charge of a Bulgarian Armed Forces CBRN reconnaissance platoon, echoed Williams’s sentiments. “Nations need to remain flexible to work well together and share experiences,” he said. “By coming together, we can learn from one another, whether it’s through picking up new languages or understanding different cultures, which helps build stronger connections.”

Throughout the training, participants conducted reconnaissance missions to identify contamination and assess its extent. They employed detection equipment, analyzed weather data, and utilized their knowledge of various agents that could cause contamination.

“Our biggest accomplishment so far has been interoperability and understanding each other’s capabilities,” said Williams. “We know how we can improve our training based on what we’ve observed. Even though there’s a language barrier, the Bulgarian forces have been welcoming and professional. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how smoothly we’ve been able to work together, and they’re always eager to demonstrate their capabilities on missions.”

Military CBRN units are essential for protecting Soldiers and civilians from dangerous threats such as harmful chemicals, deadly viruses, radiation, or nuclear attacks. These units are trained to handle emergencies that may exceed the capabilities of regular Soldiers. They ensure safety, manage hazardous materials, and help prevent the spread of contamination during missions or disasters. Training like this ensures that U.S. service members with V Corps — the Army’s only forward deployed warfighting headquarters — can work alongside partners and allies during training and real-world missions.

CAMP ZAMA, Japan — Located near the cities of Zama and Sagamihara in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, Camp Zama is about 25 miles southwest of Tokyo on the main island of Honshu.

Camp Zama is home to U.S. Army Japan, I Corps (Forward), U.S. Army Aviation Battalion Japan, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion, 78th Signal Battalion, 765th Terminal Transportation Battalion, Japan Engineer District (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), and the Bilateral Coordination Department and 4th Engineer Group of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

USARJ facilitates multilateral cooperation with regional partners and allies through engagements, training, and exercises; partnering with the JGSDF to enhance interoperability, capability and capacity while coordinating through United States Forces Japan for forces, footprints and agreements between the U.S. Government and the Government of Japan to set conditions for successful deterrence and execution of contingency operations.

USARJ is not structured as a conventional command, as it is resourced as an economy of force operation, forward positioned in Japan for contingency purposes should circumstances require a larger U.S. Army presence within the region.

Under the Status of Forces Agreement, the Government of Japan contributes a portion of the resources necessary for the sustainment of U.S. Forces within Japan in the form of facilities, personnel, and utilities. U.S. Army Sustainment Command benefits from this agreement in the form of significantly reduced operating costs. LRC-Honshu’s workforce primarily consists of host nation Master Labor Contract employees fully funded by the Government of Japan.

LRC-Honshu provides maintenance, supply, transportation, and logistical support to USARJ, I Corps (Forward), U.S. Army Garrison-Japan, installation partner units, and Department of Defense activities within its area of responsibility to ensure mission readiness and quality of life for Soldiers, civilians, and families within mainland Japan.

LRC-Honshu reports to the 403d Army Field Support Brigade, headquartered at Camp Henry, South Korea, which is a subordinate unit of ASC whose higher headquarters is the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

The LRC-Honshu, Transportation Division, Area Transportation Office in Kure, near Hiroshima, Japan, 485 miles away from Camp Zama, provides area specific installation transportation through the utilization of non-tactical vehicles in several different fleet configurations coordinated by the Fleet Management Operations Office, including traffic management, general freight, oversized freight, intra-depot ammunition movement, and retail fuel points for Kure Ammunition Depot, an AMC special installation. On average, ATO Kure supports more than 220 intra-depot ammunition movements and 140 general cargo shipments per year.

Prior to August 2024, LRC-Honshu experienced challenges in executing its Installation Logistics Base Line Services in support of USAG-Japan at Kure Ammunition Depot. The Maintenance Division provides base operations maintenance support to Army-owned NTVs, tactical vehicles and non-standard equipment in support of installation services, as well as organic maintenance capability for units’ tactical equipment lacking organic authorizations.

The 10th Support Group performed these duties in Kure by overseeing 14 authorized host nation employees assigned to the 10th SG AD Equipment Branch but authorized on the Host Nation Table of Distribution and Allowances, facilities, and maintenance management functions for its assigned vehicles and equipment, as well as equipment for USAG-Japan and LRC-Honshu at Kure’s Akizuki, Kawakami, and Hiro Ammunition Depots.

Over the past two years, LRC-Honshu worked closely with 10th SG and USARJ G4, while keeping 403d AFSB staff informed, to initiate efforts to appropriately restructure maintenance support operations under LRC-Honshu in Kure in alignment with Army Regulation 750-1 and the ILBLS program guidance. LRC-Honshu coordinated with 10th SG to establish a series of working groups, developed and provided a final decision brief to the 403rd AFSB and 10th SG commanders, and conducted an on-site visit to Kure AD involving all stakeholders, culminating in in a briefing to the USARJ Steering Committee.

“Taking full responsibility for maintenance in Kure will greatly enhance our oversight of maintenance operations, ensuring that we can effectively meet the needs of USAG-Japan while enabling our partners to focus on their primary mission,” said Michael J. Moore, Maintenance Division Chief.

On Aug. 1, 2024, LRC-Honshu assumed overall responsibility of maintenance operations in Kure following the transfer of 14 authorized host nation positions from 10th SG to LRC-Honshu to and meet 403rd AFSB’s requirement of maintaining USAG-Japan and LRC-Honshu vehicles and equipment.

In September 2024, LRC-Honshu leadership from Camp Zama visited Kure to speak to the new employees, conduct a joint inventory of all associated tools and equipment, and coordinated with the USAG-Japan Department of Public Works to assign three major facilities and several sub-facilities used by mechanics in Kure’s Akizuki, Kawakami, and Hiro Ammunition Depots. By October 2024, LRC-Honshu will successfully achieve full operational capability of maintenance operations in Kure.

“By assuming full responsibility of maintenance operations in Kure, LRC-Honshu will improve oversight of maintenance procedures, increase overall equipment readiness rates, and streamline processes to better support USAG Japan,” said Sean B. Mager, director, LRC-Honshu. “This transition will allow the 10th Support Group to focus on their core mission, enhancing overall operational effectiveness in the region.”

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA – The U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity (USAMTEAC) carried out an operational test of a new version of the Field Portable Dental Furnace (FPDF) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, from September 21 to 23, 2024. The FPDF is a small, simple-to-use, durable, portable furnace that uses heat and vacuum pressure to harden, color, and glaze dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and inlays. It allows the dentist or technician to fabricate, finish, and repair dental prosthetics from ceramics.

The test was a team effort with the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity (USAMMDA) Medical Field Systems (MFS) Product Manager. It coincided with a week-long field training exercise for the 673d Dental Company (Area Support) (DCAS). The 673d DCAS cleared a meadow behind McClung Dental Clinic and set up a two-tent, ten-chair field dental clinic that provided several dozen exams, cleanings, and restorations to McClung Dental Clinic patients. The field dental clinic also included a sterilization/supply tent and a dental laboratory tent that hosted USAMTEAC during the FPDF test, all running off the unit’s generators to create an authentic experience of operational dentistry in a field environment. Col. Mark Church, commander of the 673d DCAS, said, “Helping to modernize the way we provide dental care in the field is one of the most impactful things we can do as a unit, from a long-term perspective. We were excited to have the opportunity to work with [USAMTEAC] and USAMMDA on this project.”

The 673d’s Biomedical Equipment Specialist navigated learning and the FPDF as the test’s maintainer while balancing their duties to keep the DCAS mechanically operational during their field training exercise. The 673d’s prosthodontist, three dental laboratory technicians, and a dental laboratory technician from the JBLM Dental Health Activity used the FPDF to perform some standard dental laboratory procedures that would arise in operational dentistry. For example, suppose a crown needs to be replaced. In that case, a dentist may have a dental laboratory fabricate a new crown from a ceramic material. The crown may need to be colored or reshaped, depending on the patient’s needs. The dentist or dental lab technician can add stains, glaze, or more ceramic to the crown to improve the color or shape. The crown is then fired to set or harden those alterations in a furnace.

The MTEAC test team collected valuable data on the performance of the FPDF while the test players performed several of these procedures using common crown materials. Sgt. 1st Class Cesar Sanchez, a MTEAC Data Collector, said, “I’m impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm demonstrated by these test players as they utilize the latest field-portable dental furnace. It instills confidence to know that the U.S. Army can deliver dental services across all operational areas, including contingency zones.”

Maj. Andrew Klish, chief dental officer of the 673d DCAS and the unit’s liaison for the test event, said, “We know that getting the equipment that will best accomplish our mission requires participation from us ‘end-users’ in the research phase, and we enjoyed filling that role for the FPDF. We learned a lot about the process and look forward to participating in more of these in the future.”

After the test, MTEAC will compile a detailed report for USAMMDA. This report will help decide if this new FPDF will replace the older model currently in use.

Aligned under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, USAMTEAC is the only independent operational test and evaluation agency of medical and medical-related materiel and information technology products, supporting of the Army and DOD acquisition process. To learn more about the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Activity and their mission visit https://medcoe.army.mil/usamteac.

Annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to commemorate the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans serving in all military branches.

This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the trailblazers paving the way for future generations and emphasizes the collective power of diversity.

For Minnesota National Guard Soldier, Spc. Connor Waddick, an air defense management system operator assigned to Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 34th Infantry Division “Red Bulls,” Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate his cultural heritage.

Currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command’s area of operations, Waddick shares his unique perspective on the significance of recognizing and embracing cultural diversity.

“The United States is a melting pot,” Waddick explains, “where immigrants from various countries come together, enriching us with diverse perspectives that make our nation stronger.”

Waddick’s connection to his heritage is deeply rooted in his Spanish ancestry, a lineage he takes great pride in. With relatives still residing in Spain, he finds joy in connecting with his family by participating in phone calls to Spain during the holiday celebrations and engaging in traditional Spanish customs.

Waddick admits that the flavors of Spanish cuisine may not be as readily available in his current surroundings. He is excited to return home and have traditional Spanish meals that his mom makes such as solomillo, one of his favorites.

Although geographical distance separates him from his relatives, Waddick never strays far from his heritage. Outside of his operational commitments, he continues to learn Spanish. Through language, he aims to achieve a deeper understanding of his ancestral roots.

Of all the lessons he has learned during this deployment overseas, Waddick believes the power of perseverance is critical to success, both personally and professionally.

“I have learned to remind myself that the sun will always rise and set, and to take it one day at a time,” Waddick shares. “Although the days may feel long, time is always moving.”

This perspective has guided him through challenging times, keeping him focused and motivated.

As Hispanic Heritage Month concludes, Waddick encourages everyone to join him in celebrating cultural differences, an aspect that Waddick believes makes America a strong nation. He believes that honoring one’s heritage plays a significant role in fostering a sense of unity and understanding among people. In Waddick’s view, acknowledging and embracing the richness of our diverse cultures can only lead to greater harmony and camaraderie among all Americans.

LOS ANGELES — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District, in partnership with the Friends of the Los Angeles River, or FoLAR, hosted a National Public Lands Day clean-up event Sept. 28 at the Sepulveda Basin.

National Public Lands Day’s 2024 theme was “Together for Tomorrow.”

“Today, we’re here to give back to the land; however, we’re also here to celebrate our green spaces and the privilege we have to enjoy them,” said U.S. Army Maj. David Paxton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District project manager, during his opening remarks. “The purpose of this joint event is not just to celebrate our public lands and their many uses, but also to inspire environmental stewardship.”

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, which organizes the event, “National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.”

During the event, in further collaboration with the California Native Plant Society and the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society, volunteers created seed balls to encourage the re-growth of native vegetation, picked up litter and participated in a nature/bird walk. They also removed black mustard, which is a non-native, invasive plant. The plant becomes very flammable during the dry season and can cause fires. When flowering, these plants also drop seeds that further their spread and do not support the local wildlife.

“FoLAR partners with the California Native Plant Society and the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society on this big restoration event called Habitat Restoration and we usually do two hours of restoration work,” said Kevin Jauregui, FoLAR Education and Community Programs senior manager. “[This collaboration was] perfect because [the Corps’] event is the fourth Saturday of September, and we do this every 4th Saturday of the month.”

The event was open to the public. Forty volunteers turned out, which resulted in 160 volunteer hours donated and $5,358.40 in savings.

“Today was absolutely a success —we would’ve liked to have seen more numbers, but the folks that came here today have been absolutely phenomenal and they have done some great work,” said Nicolas Figueroa, USACE LA District park ranger. “We are expecting to have picked up a couple thousand pounds of litter and vegetation.”