CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT -- CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT - A Marine deployed with Marine Corps Logistics Command not only performs his mission of logistics support well, he also does so for every Marine deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan with out them knowing it.
Sgt. Roderick Phipps, Forward-in-Stores non-commissioned officer-in-charge, LOGCOM (FWD) Kuwait, from Atlanta, Ga., has succeeded in sending rapid support to those deployed in harm’s way every day, ensuring that warfighters get what they need.
“Basically what we are doing here is supporting the warfighter. Anything that is broken or out of service, we are replacing it with brand new material so the guys on the ground get good stuff,” Phipps said.
Phipps receives and processes requests from Marine units within Central Command’s area of responsibility, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I am in charge of replacing all the equipment or vehicles that are damaged or become non-serviceable,” Phipps said. “I wake up at zero seven hundred and start checking reports. I see what unit might need any new equipment, do all the paperwork up, and then ship it out to them via air. Once I get the paperwork done, within two hours the equipment is on the flight line ready to be shipped out to the combat zone.”
Phipps had previously been in Al Taqqadum, Iraq, for four months, but was transferred to Kuwait to assist with managing operations there. He is next scheduled to go to Afghanistan for two months to train others in the process he manages.
“I feel pretty good that I can get the equipment to those guys that need it to the flight line to be delivered within two hours,” said Phipps. “Getting equipment from here to Afghanistan can take two days. If the unit is in Iraq, it takes about a day. It is on the next bird headed to country. I then call the unit and let them know that the plane with their equipment is on its way and what time it should arrive.”
Phipps has a young child who he is able to talk to over the phone while deployed.
“It is a little difficult being away,” Phipps said. “But the best part about this is being a Marine, being in theater, and being the tip of the spear.”