VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
The Virginia Army National Guard G4 hosted a logistics training workshop Aug. 14- 16, 2023, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The purpose of the workshop was to synchronize efforts of the supply personnel and maintainers across the state to improve logistical operations and planning at the company and battalion levels, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Rhonda L. Williams, senior enlisted advisor for the Virginia Army National Guard Deputy Chief of Staff G4.
“The LTW presents an opportunity for attendees to improve their understanding of unit, battalion and brigade logistical support through specific training from G4 subject matter experts to improve their metrics and meet regulatory requirements,” she said.
The guest speaker for this year’s workshop was Sgt. Maj. Ernesto Baez, assigned to the National Guard Bureau G4 Compliance Branch, which is responsible for the analysis and assessment of Command Discipline Programs and logistics processes at division, brigade and battalion levels.
Baez provided an update to the logistics and maintenance community regarding the updates to the three Command Discipline Programs - Command Supply Discipline Program, Command Deployment Discipline Program and Command Maintenance Discipline Program, according to Williams.
“These programs are essential to logistical readiness, demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and work ethics of each organization’s team of logisticians,” Williams said. “It also represents a strong commitment to preparedness and maintaining standards of excellence.”
In addition, several awards were presented to members of the logistics community. Staff Sgt. Caitlin Bellassai, unit supply sergeant for the Rocky Mount-based 229th Chemical Company, received the Sgt. 1st Class Donnie W. Clements “Taking Care of Soldiers” Award. This award recognizes a unit-level supply NCO for their commitment to taking care of the unit’s personnel beyond the normal everyday requirements. The nominee will have demonstrated qualities that best typify an NCO who is fully dedicated to Soldier care as the first priority. This award is named in honor of retired Sgt. 1st Class Donnie W. Clements.
Sgt. 1st Class Nicole L. Arbogast, senior supply sergeant for the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group, received the Lt. Col. Charles D. Taylor Award. This award recognizes a senior- level logistician of the Virginia Army National Guard for a career-long performance that has enhanced the VAARNG logistics community’s capabilities. According to Williams, this award is named for the late Lt. Col. Charles D. Taylor Jr., whose career was typified by excellence in Soldier support and logistics performance.