Missouri Guardsmen finding success moving supplies in Afghanistan

By Matthew J. Wilson
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

SHINDAND AIR BASE, Afghanistan - The Missouri National Guard's 548th Transportation Company has been busy moving supplies during its current deployment.

The Trenton-based unit is about halfway finished with its yearlong deployment. Its third platoon, formerly its Detachment 1, which was housed in the now closed armory in Centertown, fazed into the main unit before the deployment.

These third platoon Guardsmen from the central Missouri area, many from Jefferson City where the unit also has been located, have been contributing heavily to the company's overall success.

Third platoon has completed more than 60 missions where it has moved 2,500 tons of cargo over the course of 90,000 miles.

"We distribute all classes of supply, supporting more than 10 forward operating bases in the western Harat Province," said Sgt. 1st Class Scott Seib, third platoon's platoon sergeant. "Our longest run is around 240 miles one way, while our shortest run is around 20 miles through rough terrain, which may take over an hour one way. We have a continuous schedule of two to three missions a week."

Despite the volume, Seib said the missions have mostly been uneventful.

"We have been very blessed in the aspect of no enemy contact," said Seib, who lives in Jefferson City. "We have seen and heard of others not within the 548th Transportation Company having contact outside of the wire. As a whole, we know what we are doing and train for success."

Not only does third platoon, nicknamed the Penetrators, move supplies away from Shindad Air Base, but it also contributes on the base and provides additional local support.

"We support many local missions as the base is rapidly expanding," Seib said. "We have also been involved in helping local schools. There is a local school in which our battalion has taken it on themselves to help in restoration of the building, as well as handing out clothes, toys and school supplies."

Since deploying, 33 of the 41 members of third platoon have received their first combat patch.

Guardsmen have also been moving up in rank as 18 Soldiers were promoted to specialist, and another, Sgt. Joshua Mickels, who lives in Jefferson City, accepted a promotion to staff sergeant in another Missouri Guard unit.

Despite now being well within a deployment routine, Seib said the Guardsmen in third platoon are still excited and ready for any missions that come their way.

"This group has been together for a long time, and it is amazing to see how far we have come - not just from deployment training, but from the early days when we started at the blue armory in Jefferson City," he said. "Every individual has put everything they have into the success of this platoon. It is amazing to step back and see the cohesion of one group that has worked so hard to be successful."

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