WAEGWAN, Republic of Korea – The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command hosted Maj. Gen. Joseph D’costa, Eighth Army deputy commanding general for sustainment, on Camp Carroll as he recognized the United States Army Materiel Support Command-Korea (MSC-K) and the 551st Inland Cargo Transfer Company during an award ceremony on Jan. 31.
The 551st Inland Cargo Transfer Company won the operational category of the 2022 Secretary of Defense Sustainment Training, Advice, and Assistance of Foreign Military Forces Award (STAAFMF) and received coins from D’costa on behalf of the United States Secretary of Defense. The STAAFMF award recognizes teams or organizations that have excelled at providing training, advice, and assistance to the militaries of developing countries as part of U.S. foreign policy goals.
“I am here from the Eighth Army headquarters to recognize what you all have done. It is very impressive! I did not branch logistics, but the more I think about it – I should have,” D’costa jokingly said during his opening remarks.
The 551st Inland Cargo Transfer Company has sent shockwaves throughout the sustainment community and impressed strategic and organizational leaders within the Republic of Korea. During 2022, they completed over 35,000 miles (about 56,327 km), providing bulk distribution to all supported units within their assigned area of operations. The unit routinely trained in its technical and tactical proficiencies to maintain a high level of combat readiness throughout the year. Their performance has reinforced the level of excellence many know exists both in the Republic of Korea and within the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.
During the ceremony, D’costa also presented the 2022 United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) to the MSC-K transportation division’s Directorate for Supply and Transportation (D/S&T). The AAME recognizes exceptional accomplishments in maintenance and provides added incentives for major Army commands to compete.
“Winning matters! I am extremely proud of the hard work and determination of MSC-K and the 551st Inland Cargo Transfer Company,” said Brig. Gen. Frederick Crist, commander of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. “They have gone above and beyond; they deserve this recognition,” he added.
Before leaving, D’costa gathered the leaders of each organization in front of the auditorium. He stood there for several minutes answering thought-provoking and career development-type questions. He shared a few laughs and poured into their thirst for knowledge.
“We reward those who do the work, but then we forget to recognize leaders like yourselves,” he said. “I am recognizing you with my coin,” added D’costa.
D’costa explained that leaders serve as stewards of the military profession. Eighth Army will continue to invest in programs and initiatives to develop military and civilian leadership for future endeavors.
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