Transportation Company helps celebrate Black History Month

By Sgt. Lassandra Key, 498th TC, 541st CSSB, 15th SBMarch 8, 2010

(Far right) Pvt. Gregory Albritton, a vehicle operator from Mobile, Ala., Spc. Keiana Hartzog, a dining facility cook from Prentice, Miss., Staff Sgt. Trevin Harvey and Cpl. Chaz Robinson, both vehicle operators and both from Pensacola, Fla., sit and...
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Far right) Pvt. Gregory Albritton, a vehicle operator from Mobile, Ala., Spc. Keiana Hartzog, a dining facility cook from Prentice, Miss., Staff Sgt. Trevin Harvey and Cpl. Chaz Robinson, both vehicle operators and both from Pensacola, Fla., sit and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
After the playing of the Silver Trumpets, the four Soldiers from the 498th, who participated in the play, take time to snap a photo. From left to right: Spc. Keiana Hartzog, a dining facility cook from Prentice, Miss., Cpl. Chaz Robinson, Staff Sgt. ...
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – After the playing of the Silver Trumpets, the four Soldiers from the 498th, who participated in the play, take time to snap a photo. From left to right: Spc. Keiana Hartzog, a dining facility cook from Prentice, Miss., Cpl. Chaz Robinson, Staff Sgt. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq-- Soldiers from the 498th Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), participated in a play in observance of Black History Month here Feb. 27.

The play, which was called Silver Trumpets, was sponsored by the 264th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion on and consisted of Soldiers from different units and different ethnic backgrounds.

"With our company relocating to COB Speicher just a couple of weeks prior to this event, it was a tremendous privilege for me to come out and support this event and also be there to support our Soldiers who each played an important role in this play," said Staff Sgt. Demetrick Gamble, a platoon sergeant from the 498th Trans. Co. and Rock Hill, S.C., native.

The four Soldiers who were chosen to participate in this play from the 498thTrans. Co. were Staff Sgt. Trevin Harvey from Pensacola, Fla., Cpl. Chaz Robinson also from Pensacola, Spc. Keiana Hartzog from Prentice, Miss., and Pvt. Gregory Albritton from Mobile, Ala.

The evening started with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and the National Negro Anthem as well as a performance by the local Ugandans. The room was filled with black and silver balloons, and props that included the flags of the United States of America and of Uganda.

The play was based on the concept of three elderly men who use the simple business concept of a barber shop to unite people from all walks of life. Their teaching consisted of basic values of life: love, respect, honor, unity, non-violence and family values.

Each Soldier from the 498th Trans. Co. played an important part during the play. Harvey, a vehicle operator, played a very opinionated client with an opinion on just about everything and everyone. Robinson, also a vehicle operator led the cast with an uplifting song at the end of the play. Hartzog, a dining facility cook, also had a vocal performance and Albritton, a vehicle operator, played the part of store patron.

"Being in the military not only means being a Soldier, but it also means that your able to participate in something that unites all different backgrounds: black, white, Asian, or Hispanic," said Harvey.