Champions: A-35ers were certainly in good company at this year's Forum with Champions all the way around!

We began our time in Reno with a "Breakfast of Champions" on September 22, joined by two senior NDTA leaders--VADM Gordon Holder USN (Ret.), VP, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Mary Ann Wagner, President, XIO Strategies. They shared personal insight to guide us on our careers--a great way to kick off opening day at the Forum! That afternoon, A-35ers had the opportunity to participate in "Champions--on the Ground in Iraq & Afghanistan," a professional dialogue session. Mike Babiak, A-35er with McCollisters tion, made notes on lessons learned by our young leaders (remarks are paraphrased below). Thanks for your write up, Mike!

CHAMPIONS--ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN

Moderator: Major Jeff Babinski, USAF Commander Det 2, 730 AMS 

* Ms. Michelle Sabin, Federated Software Group (in support of TRANSCOM DDOC)

* Maj Barry Flack, USAF; 724th AMS (Deployed to Baghdad in support of MNSTC-I's Police Training Operations)

* 1 Lt Melanie Collins, 109th Transport Company (JLTF 1144. Camp Arifjan, Kuwait)

* SSG Veronica Dixon, 109th Transport Company (JLTF 1144. Camp Arifjan, Kuwait)

Michelle Sabin--We were faced with a BIG problem recently when hundreds of tons of Add on Armor Kits for vehicles began arriving at the port in Charleston for shipment into Theater. The lack of inbound notice was causing delays in getting them on outbound vessels. To expedite these critical shipments, a workgroup was formed with DLA and port leaders to brainstorm best practices from other areas--like the rapid distribution of MRAP vehicles. A process of consolidating the Add on Armor Kits in PA as they arrived from various locations was implemented. Once palletized, the kits were sent directly to the port in Charleston saving 24 to 72 hours in the process!

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Maj Bary Flack--I deployed with the Army for an "in-lieu-of" tasking, whereby Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines from a cross-section of all military specialties are required to perform nontraditional missions to provide temporary augmentation. To prepare for deployment, I attended a month of Combat Skills Training (CST) at Fort Sill, OK. This was solid mobilization training for Airmen who do not always train in the same areas as Army personnel. We also had received additional CST in Kuwait before traveling in to Iraq.

I deployed to support the Multi-National Security Transition Command--Iraq's (MN-STC-Is) Police Training Operations. One major challenge was helping the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior better communicate with the Ministry of Defense on acquisition and distribution operations. We helped the Iraqis set up a "mini DLA" to facilitate processes. We also coached the Iraqis on acquisition and foreign military sales purchases. One of the main counseling challenges I faced was helping them to distinguish between "Need" and "Want." By the end of my tour, I saw a 180-degree turn-around in how the Iraqis conducted acquisition operations.

Lt Melanie Collins--I was a kindergarten teacher before entering basic training and Officer Candidate School. I began this tour as a platoon leader of a gun truck company, and am currently serving as the executive officer. Gun Truck companies are not a standard unit, but are developed by mission requirements. Based in Kuwait, we escort incoming units and other convoys from the port to their Forward Operating Bases in Iraq. I was very happy to be able to use M115 Is instead of the Ml 114s because the up-armored Humvees are much better suited to the mission. I was responsible for tracking 136 personnel in my unit. I am proud to say that 100 percent made it home!

SSG Veronica Dixon--I went right from high school into Combat and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in six years. I've been on four OIF deployments since 2003 and was the leader on the ground for many of the Combat Logistics Patrols. Our missions varied in length from a few days to more than two weeks. As a Squad Leader, my role was to lead and train the soldiers, ensuring that everyone was proficient in convoy operations as well as in proper reporting, Medivac procedures, and the proper use of Blue Force Tracker.

These four Champions shared many more lessons learned from the front lines of current operations. It was great to hear their viewpoints and to learn what they have accomplished in OEF and OIF efforts.

LT Melanie Collins and SSG Veronica Dixon, representing the 109th Transportation Company, accepted the Army Active Duty NDTA Unit of the Year Award. The 109th (Medium Truck transport) distinguished itself as one of the premier convoy escort companies under most dangerous conditions. Congrats to all at the 109th!

For a wrap up of the Mentor-Protege Session, another professional development opportunity for A-35 Forum attendees, see page 35.

Ms. Lori Leffler, A-35 Chair

Manager, US Government Sales, The Hertz Corporation