Face of Defense: Supply Specialist Takes Charge

By Army Spc. Terence Ewings

U.S. Division North

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, Iraq, May 4, 2011 – Delivering, receiving, storing and maintaining accountability for equipment and documents are primary tasks for all Army unit logisticians.

Army Spc. Diana Ortiz, a 1st Cavalry Division supply specialist assigned to Company A, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, is doing her part here in support of U.S. Division North’s task to transition security missions to Iraqi-led operations.

“Ortiz has done a great job not only fulfilling her duties as a supply specialist, but going above and beyond to ensure all company logistics operations are taken care of,” said Army Staff Sgt. Sabrina Taylor, Company A’s supply sergeant.

During the deployment, Ortiz has overseen the turn-in of wheeled vehicles, military corrugated metal packing crates, and a palletized load system trailer -- equipment with a combined value of more than $3 million. Ortiz played an integral part of all turn-in processes and change-of-command inventories, where 4th Brigade soldiers inventoried more than $35 million worth of equipment with no losses, Taylor said.

In addition to her duties as a supply specialist, Ortiz is a company armorer, responsible for maintaining accountability of weapons, optical devices and other supplies within the company’s arms room.

“We are here to support the company by ensuring all their supplies and equipment are mission-ready and capable,” said Taylor, a native of Sumter, S.C.

Logistics specialists work long hours to ensure their fellow soldiers have the equipment they need to conduct the company’s support missions.

“Ortiz has experience in managing supplies, maintaining property and [facilitating] transactions that happen within the company,” Taylor said. “She’s a great asset to have, because she is that good at doing her job.”

Born and raised in Ecuador, Ortiz moved in with family members in Miami before joining the military in 2007. In 2008, after completing basic and advanced individual training, Ortiz was assigned to Company A, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, and deployed later that year with the brigade to Tallil, Iraq.

“My first deployment taught me a lot,” Ortiz said. “I got to my unit and learned how to do my job there. It was a good experience for me.”

Now on her second deployment with the unit, Ortiz supports her section sergeant in sustaining the company’s supply operations.

“I enjoy doing my job, because it allows me to support other soldiers here,” she said. “The soldiers here appreciate what we do.”

When Ortiz is not filing hand receipts and maintaining accountability of the unit’s tactical vehicles, weapons and equipment, you can find her taking online classes and continuing her undergraduate studies in business administration.

After returning to Fort Hood, Texas, Ortiz said, she plans to finish her studies and earn her bachelor’s degree. She eventually wants to attend Officer Candidate School.

“The Army has done great things for me so far, and I’m sure I have a lot to look forward to as I continue to do great things for the Army,” she said.