CRANE ARMY AMMUNITION ACTIVITY, Ind. (Aug. 7, 2009)-- It only takes one Soldier to keep a group of mechanics in synch so that a battalion full of transportation companies can accomplish their missions.
Staff Sgt. Walter Chambers, a family man and heavy equipment mechanic in his civilian life, is here supporting Golden Cargo operations for the fourth time. With so much mechanical expertise both with Golden Cargo and in his civilian career, Chambers' fellow Army Reserve Soldiers point to him as one of the key persons that keeps the convoys' tractor trailers rolling in Golden Cargo.
Without him, the 1015th Maintenance Company, Fort Gillem, Ga., wouldn't have been able to perform their mission, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jon Leland, team chief of the 1015th.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Chambers is a veteran role model who steps up to the plate to offer his expertise any time, anywhere.
"The troops here really look up to Chambers who has been more than willing to share his knowledge with not only the mechanics in our unit, but the transportation and ordnance units that are here too," said Leland.
Chambers works in a maintenance building next to the 812th Transportation Battalion tactical operations center here along with other members of his unit. Meanwhile, mechanics from others units either drive Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck recovery vehicles at the rear of convoys or work with CAAA installation service centers outside of the Golden Cargo exercise.
Even though others are quick to praise Chambers, he recognizes that he is part of a team that works together to accomplish a mission.
Every mechanic has a job here, and the other mechanics are doing just as important work, said Chambers.
Having worked during many Golden Cargo exercises, Chambers does bring something unique to the table; such as information on which mechanical issues are more prominent during this exercise than others.
"The M915 tractor trailers hold up fairly well being almost brand new," said Chambers while on his fourth Golden Cargo annual training exercise. "I've seen a lot of broken axles ... seized brakes ... even a transmission ... right now I'm replacing a fan clutch."
The heavy work comes easy to Chambers who travels from place to place around Atlanta, Ga., during his civilian career for Cowin Equipment Company where he performs mostly engine and hydraulic repairs.
"He's the main man," said Sgt. 1st Class Wiley Dawsey, also a mechanic who works as a bus driver back in Fort Rucker, Ala.
Although the repairs may vary and the missions may change, Chambers is dedicated to sharing his knowledge, training Soldiers, and keeping those convoys rolling during Golden Cargo.
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