Meritorious service while serving as Container Handler, 489th Transportation Company (Seaport Operations), Jacksonville, Florida, from XXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXX. During this period, Sergeant Ariel B. Lutz provided the guidance needed to ensure his section was prepared for their next level of advancement. His timely disemmination of information to his Soldiers was directly responsible for their readiness and operational effectiveness during CSTX 19-03. Sergeant Lutz was a key factor in the success of the Company's mission and was responsible for all matters pertaining to Convoy Operations during Annual Training. After being identified as the SME due to his technical and tactical proficiency in both Reconnaissance and Security tasks, he provided effective leadership and guidance to over 60 soldiers. In addition, he represented the 489th TC with relentless dedication and maintained continuous security of the CRSP yard, protecting over $30 million in vital supplies and equipment. The remarkable accomplishments of Sergeant Lutz reflect great credit upon himself, the 489th Transportation Company and the United States Army.
Meritorious service as Regional Container Manager, HHC 136th Manuever Brigade, Task Force Centurion from XXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXX. During this assignment, Sergeant First Class George Swain's efforts were critical to transfering Camps Julien and Alamo to the Government of Afghanistan during the "Reduction of Force" phase in support of the International Security Assistance Force and Operation Enduring Freedom 12-13. SFC Swain initiated and supervised the consolidation, removal and retrograde of over 100 containers from within RC-Capital, Afghanistan, and accomplished this difficult task 60 days ahead of schedule. His attention to detail and orderly perseverance saved the U.S. Government more than ten million dollars in lost equipment. The outstandong achievements of Sergeant First Class Swain reflect great credit upon himself, the Joint Task Force 136 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and the United States Army.
When it became apparent that no one on-site, including the Load Handling System operators, knew how to pick up or drop Flatracks, he took the initiative and loaded the Flatracks onto the Load Handling System himself. He also tutored the operators on its operation and capabilities. He then proceeded to operate a rough terrain Container Handler and configured the loads in preparation for their transportation to the port.
Professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as Container Management NCOIC within Headquarters, 3d Marine Logistics Group (MLG), from October 2024 to October 2025. Corporal Leroy Hairston III distinguished himself through exceptional container management and a proactive approach to logistical challenges, significantly enhancing 3d MLG's readiness. Corporal Hairston expertly oversaw the maintenance of 291 containers, achieving $1,949,700 in cost savings through diligent preventative maintenance and resourceful application of logistical principles. Recognizing a critical training gap, he independently coordinated and executed In-Person Ammo-43-DL Dry Cargo CSC Reinspection certification for 25 Marines, ensuring the continued mission readiness of Container Control Officers/Assistants and directly enabling participation in vital exercises and operations including HADR, KMEP 24.2, Keen Sword, Fuji Viper, PD-68, Artic Habu, KMEP 25.1, Cobra Gold, Winter Workhorse, Resolute Dragon, Ulchi Freedom Shield, Container Propositioning, Agila Sunsetting, and Gator Ex. Demonstrating initiative and a commitment to operational efficiency, Corporal Hairston proactively redesigned the container lot layout, improving material handling equipment accessibility and streamlining container retrieval processes. This improvement directly supported faster unit responsiveness and enhanced logistical support. Furthermore, Corporal Hairston developed and implemented a comprehensive excel-based inventory system, dramatically improving logistical situational awareness and streamlining container tracking. This innovative system, developed in response to identified unit needs, significantly reduced container search times from 72 hours to 6-8 hours, vastly improving the efficiency of logistical operations. Corporal Hairston's resourcefulness, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to duty reflected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
