Transporter receives battlefield promotion
By 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs
Jan 10, 2010 - 5:49:23 PM
Blackanthem Military News
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| 1st Lt. Mark Alfers (left), the executive officer for the 47th Transportation Company, 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and 96th Sustainment Brigade and Staff Sgt. Carl Woolridge (right), commodity manager and motor transport operator for the 47th TC are pictured pausing for a photo opportunity immediately following Woolridge's promotion ceremony to staff sergeant. According to Alfers, the battlefield promotion is a linchpin in Woolridge's drive and motivation to step up and reach beyond his already stellar leadership qualities. Under Woolridge's leadership as commodity manager the unit recently pushed one of the largest convoys of supplies since they deployed. |
AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq - Staff Sgt. Carl Woolridge, a motor transport operator supports the force as a transportation noncommissioned officer. His duties are diverse and until recently, the scope of his responsibilities used to reside above the rank he wore on his chest. Not any longer. On Dec. 1, 2009, Woolridge finally received his rocker.
Woolridge, a Washington native, in the 47th Transportation Co., 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade now performs his duties of squad leader and commodity manager as a staff sergeant. He was a seven year sergeant and a noncommissioned officer who has been holding positions of higher responsibility prior to and throughout his current deployment. The promotion was a culminating event and rejuvenation for his desire to lead Soldiers.
"This is something that will boost my level of leadership even higher and receiving this rank is something I take very seriously. To know that my superiors had this much trust and confidence in my leadership abilities and thought I was performing my duties as a staff sergeant level brings me much joy," Woolridge said.
The promotion is a direct reflection of his abilities, professionalism, and experiences drawn from his three previous deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"His experiences and knowledge prove to be invaluable to the unit as he was recently the acting commodity manger for one of the largest pushes of supply the company has convoyed since being deployed. It encompassed nearly one third of the company's personnel," said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Edwards, a Dallas, Texas native and the truck master for the 47th TC.
"We have come a long way ... it's nice to be winning the hearts and minds of the people and know that we are directly contributing to the rebuilding of Iraq. It's nice to know that I have an opportunity as a leader to pass down the experiences I have had to my Soldier's and fellow non-commissioned officers," Woolridge said.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Staff Sgt. Carl Woolridge, a Washington native, and a motor transport operator in the 47th Transportation Co., 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade stands outside the company headquarters expressing gratitude to his fellow comrades after receiving his battlefield promotion to staff sergeant. According to 1st Lt. Mark Alfers, the executive officer for the company and a Cincinnati, Ohio resident, Woolridge has been an invaluable asset as a squad leader and commodity manager. "His three previous deployments to Operation Iraqi Freedom have aided him in helping his fellow non-commissioned officers and Soldiers," Alfers said. |
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| 1st Lt. Mark Alfers (left), executive officer and a Cincinnati, Ohio resident re-enlists Staff Sgt. Carl Woolridge (right), a commodity manager and motor transport operator from Washington. In addition to receiving his battlefield promotion Woolridge re-enlisted days later in order to continue service to his country. Both Alfers and Woolridge are members of the 47th Transportation Co., 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, currently under the 96th Sustainment Brigade. |
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