Ohio National Guard News

1484th Transportation Company update:
Successes, challenges and holiday cheer

1484th Transportation Company Public Affairs


KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The holiday season proved to be a busy time for the 1484th Transportation Company, from North Canton, Ohio.

The unit's Soldiers bid farewell to the two sister transportation units that trained them when they first arrived in late July and welcomed the incoming replacements. Because the 1484th had now become the senior transportation company within the battalion, it took on the responsibility of training both new units, which had arrived in theater only a month apart.

Within 30 days between November and December, the 1484th commanded 33 combat logistical patrols (CLPs) in its efforts to train the new transporters. Soldiers found themselves returning late at night from one mission only to turn around the following day to prepare for the next CLP, and the unit's operations section worked hard to ensure every CLP had what it needed to succeed. A dedicated mission support team (MST), comprised of the 1484th's own Soldiers, provided hot meals and food for the road to Soldiers on the day of their mission and transported them to and from the motor pool. When Soldiers returned from their CLP, tired but successful in their mission, the MST gave the Soldiers and their gear the much appreciated ride back to their rooms.

In the midst of all their training, the unit dealt with the first true challenge Mother Nature gave them since arriving at Kandahar Airfield — the first flood of the winter season. Hours after it had last rained, water rushed in unexpectedly and seemingly from out of nowhere flooded the motor pools and the tactical operations center (TOC). Nearly a foot of mud and water covered the floors and the area surrounding the TOC. Soldiers quickly moved to clear the floors and bottom shelves of electronics and papers, and even went outside to help direct traffic. In the following days, everyone pitched in to clear out the lingering mud and also sent a team to assist the chaplain in cleaning up the resiliency center next door. Fortunately, little, if any, damage occurred to 1484th's equipment and supplies, and by the following week, all that remained of the flood were mud lines on some of the walls, which were left as proof of how high the water had been.

Even at their busiest, the Soldiers of the 1484th still found the time to celebrate the holidays. The TOC has been decked out for the season with lights, stockings and wrapped presents underneath the full-sized Christmas tree. Soldiers' rooms have been similarly decorated through donations of miniature trees, lights and garland. The unit even found the time in its busy schedule to take a company Christmas picture, complete with Santa hats. On Dec. 19, the unit hosted a holiday party where every Soldier received a personalized stocking filled with treats, books and letters. The scent of freshly grilled hamburgers and hotdogs filled the air along with the sounds of the Christmas music playing in the background. Fruit and vegetable trays along with the always popular homemade cookies completed the meal, and Soldiers were treated yet again with another stocking full of goodies. No one received coal in their stocking, so it would seem even Santa is pleased with the 1484th's performance this year.