ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, Kuwait -- When it happens, it’s almost a blur. Walking into the Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center, personnel are greeted with Midwest hospitality and East Coast efficiency. Whether it's helmets, chemical suits or tactical vests—personnel are guaranteed to have what they need for their deployment and out the door within minutes.
However, none of this mission success happens without strong teamwork and clear communication. An example of this is the team’s recent tasking to support Ukraine.
“Everything happened so fast,” said Master Sgt. Terrance Duggan, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center superintendent. “It was all hands on deck, we were grinding, pulling vests and making sure that all the components worked and were good to go.”
“We did it assembly line style, because it was the most efficient,” said Staff Sgt. Iyana Milner, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Expeditionary Theater Distribution Center supervisor.
Working as one, hundreds of tactical vests were on their way to supporting Ukraine within 72 hours.
Milner said one of the best parts supporting that mission alongside her team was seeing the bigger picture.
“Knowing the impact of this makes you feel really good,” said Milner. “I’m a part of this and so is my family.”
Being one of the largest distribution centers in the area of responsibility, approximately 400 military personnel are processed through their office each week and it’s no secret how.
With their teamwork, superior customer service and efficiency, the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron supply team at the ETDC are able to ensure readiness is delivered right to the feet of every Airman.
And as if issuing lifesaving gear across the base wasn’t enough, like a multi-tool, they always have more tools at their disposal. They also act as a weapons storage unit for Airmen and coalition partners and frequently ship any surplus items they have to surrounding bases in the area of responsibility.
“Issuing this gear is important because you always need to deal with the unexpected,” said Duggan. “We always make sure that the base populace is equipped with the lifesaving gear that keeps them safe and allows them to continue doing what they need to do.”