FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
In conjunction with an award ceremony recognizing transportation instructors, U.S. Army Col. John P. Sullivan, U.S. Army Transportation School chief of transportation, hosted a town hall meeting with transportation personnel at Fort Eustis, Jan. 28, to discuss the current status and future of the Army Transportation Corps.
Three Fort Eustis Soldiers were awarded the Military Order of Saint Christopher award, which signifies outstanding contributions to the Army Transportation Corps and recognizes individuals who demonstrate high standards of moral character and integrity, professionalism and selfless dedication to the corps.
Col. Nancy J. Grandy, U.S. Army Transportation School assistant commandant, presented the Saint Christopher Awards to Sgt. 1st Class Darron Pittman, Staff Sgt. Erik Jordan and Staff Sgt. William Conroy, all Maritime and Intermodal Training Department instructors.
"The embodiment of this award, carrying the weight of the world, [is] what the U.S. Army Transportation Corps does - we carry the weight of the Army," said Pittman. "I'm very passionate about it. I challenge myself daily to be better. It's a great honor to receive this award, but what I do [daily], I don't do alone."
Before the town hall, Sullivan presented the Maritime and Intermodal Training Department Instructor of the Year awards to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason M. Peruccio and Sgt. 1st Class Dean M. Farr. Grandy also presented the Instructor of the Year award to Oscar Nadal.
"Our mission is to train, educate and deliver professional transporters and sustainers. That's why we exist," said Sullivan. "[We prepare them for the field] so when they get there, they are ready to do their jobs. Among all the instructors at the transportation school, these gentlemen, as judged not just by their superiors, but by their peers, came out on top for 2013."
As part of the town hall, Sullivan presented current and future topics relating to Army transportation, including training, manning and equipment advances, emphasizing Army watercraft capabilities.
According to Sullivan's presentation, developers are identifying key capabilities and analyzing various vessel designs to enable responsive and expeditionary waterborne delivery of mission-tailored war fighting formation packages in support of joint-force commanders.
"Army watercraft capabilities [don't just involve] moving supplies," said Sullivan. "We can move combat power as well, and that's our vision. We'll always have the capability to move sustainment, but we have to [promote] the capability of Army watercraft to move combat [power]."
Before closing, Sullivan expressed many thanks to the Maritime and Intermodal Training Department.
"I could not be more proud of the results of this team for 2013," he said. "And it has nothing to do with me - it's got everything to do with individuals sitting here this morning. Thank you for what you do every day."