Warrior's corner.

Surface Warriors, As always, I take pleasure in every opportunity that I can to address the members, families, and friends of our great team. As we close the chapter of the thrills and chills of 2004, we are glad to arrive in 2005. I welcome you to the first quarter of the New Year and hope you are excited as I am in taking on the challenges that lie on "The Road Ahead."

In echoing comments made by the Senior Army leadership, we need to embrace change, continue to look at how we can become better, and continue to be proud of our fighting forces, their families and all involved in the efforts--not only in places of conflict, but also in places of relief. I will continue to be the head cheerleader reminding everyone that there are no "Big I's" or "Little You's" in what we do. There are no little jobs in our business. From the Hoover Operating Technician to the Command Sergeant Major, we all have responsibilities that make us the success story we were, are and will continue to be.

I solicit your support in making our logo and motto known--"Surface Warriors--Let's Roll!" It tells who we are and what we do. I have provided you a copy of the Soldier's Creed, which regardless if you wear a uniform or not, you are a soldier of the SDDC mindset. It also contains the "Warrior Ethos" and description of how the motto came about. I ask that you display it in your respective work areas as a reminder in instilling espirit de corps.

I stand proud and salute you as we move into the new year. As we work through the bumps in the road and the stumbling blocks that arise, I believe the small steps we take forward will make us successful by leaps and bounds. Again, I applaud your efforts and I'm privileged to be part of the "One-Two Combination" of a "Knock Out" organization.

Until next time ...

"Let's--Roll!"

In our efforts to instill this spirit of Warrior Ethos throughout the command, we have adopted the cry of "Surface Warriors--Let's Roll." The cry of "Surface Warriors" is in exemplifying our position as the "Spearhead of Logistics." We lead the way in providing capability and sustainment to the War Fighters over the surface (rail, highway, and ocean) by Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and a civilian workforce that understands the meaning of Warrior Ethos and demonstrates the Warrior Spirit possessed by all who support and defend our country.

"Let's Roll" were the last words of Todd Beamer as heard by his wife on the cell phone call prior to storming the flight cabin in an attempt to wrest control of the plane from the hijackers on 9/11. That plane crashed shortly thereafter in Pennsylvania, killing all aboard. Todd Beamer was recognized, along with others, as true heroes. The slogan is simple, yet has a symbolic meaning for Transporters as well as others in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as it connects us from that fateful day--and all Americans--to the war we're fighting today. It hopefully serves to motivate the Soldiers to action as one team when they step out to answer the Nation's call.

Our logo is made up of a Soldier, a warrior, the most important and precious resource possessing the combat and technical skills to move the Forces, and the means in which we provide deployment and distribution ... by rail, by highway and by sea.

Together, when we get set out to do our part in a world wide mission supporting the War Fighter and their families, we will be "Surface Warriors" in our efforts and shout out "Let's Roll" as we move into action.

It is in this spirit that we, the members of SDDC adopt the following greeting and reply:

"Surface Warriors--Let's Roll"

The Warrior Ethos compels Soldiers to fight through all conditions to victory, no matter how long it takes and no matter how much effort is required. It is the Soldier's selfless commitment to the Nation, mission, unit and fellow Soldiers. It is the professional attitude that inspires every American Soldier. The Warrior Ethos is grounded in refusal to accept failure. It is developed and sustained through discipline, example, commitment to Army values, and pride in the Army's heritage.

It was in this spirit that we live and serve by "The Soldier's Creed":

            I am an American Soldier.

   I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve
   the people of the United States and live the Army
                        Values.

           I will always place the mission first.

                  I will never accept defeat.

                        I will never quit.

            I will never leave a fallen comrade.

      I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough,
      trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and
                           drills.

        I always maintain my arms, my equipment and
                           myself.

            I am an expert and I am a professional.

        I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the
        enemies of the United States of America in close
                            combat.

          I am a guardian of freedom and the American
                          way of life.

              I am a member of the Military Surface
              Deployment and Distribution Command.

                      I am a Surface Warrior.