4th MEB hosts supply warehouse grand opening

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- More than 20 Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 193rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Manuever Enhancement Brigade, will now operate in a new facility on post thanks to Installation Management Command and the Department of Public Works.

The company hosted a grand opening of the new 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Supply Support Activity warehouse Jan. 15.

"These Soldiers are an integral agent for the brigade," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Britton, commander of the 193rd Brigade Support Battalion. "They provide 2,151 lines of authorized stockage estimated at approximately $1.5 million."

The commander said that he does not expect an increase in supply demand because of the new facility, but that the quality of life will undoubtedly rise.

"Our other facility was built during World War II," said 2nd Lt. Billy Holwick, SSA platoon leader. "It was dark and dreary, and it just wasn't up to snuff.".

In addition to exemplary lighting, Holwick said that the new building added about 3,000 square feet and provides an added bay for supply storage.

The supplies are stored and provided to units throughout the brigade depending on mission requirements.

"This is what many people see at face value, but it is only half the picture," said Capt. Timothy Gibbons, Alpha Company's commander. "Running the SSA warehouse is incredibly hard work, but I believe the most complicated piece to get right is the balance between warehouse time and Soldier time."

The SSA platoon maintains the highest Army Physical Fitness Test score in the company and has not had an alcohol or drug-related incident in two years.

"There couldn't be a more deserving unit and I'm proud to be part of this winning team," Gibbons said.

The 4th MEB SSA warehouse is located in building 2327 on Quartermaster St. and operates Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.