PS Magazine’s I Own This campaign is designed to recognize Warfighters who exemplify the highest standards of care for their assigned vehicles and equipment and contribute in meaningful ways to their unit's overall maintenance and supply posture. In short, they live and breathe readiness.
This month, we had two Warfighters nominated for this program. Both are deserving of this recognition. One was selected at random to get the spotlight placed on them. For September 2022, that Warfighter is SPC Brandon M Dugger, B CO, 1-68 Armor Battalion, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.
Spotlight Profile
SPC Brandon Dugger
US Army/Active
M1A2 SEPV2 Loader
B CO, 1-68 Armor BN, 3d BDE, 4th ID, Fort Carson, CO
Nominated by: SFC Justin Pingicer
How you came to know/observe the nominee's actions? After driving for a year through multiple field exercises and a rotation to NTC, SPC Dugger was recently promoted to the loader's position. The introduction of the new position brought on far more responsibility than that of the driver. In addition to the primary responsibility of loading rounds into the main gun in a timely manner, the loader is responsible for tank maintenance, communication equipment, assisting in guiding the tank and maintaining his personal M240C machine gun. SPC Dugger has taken great pride in his newly appointed position and is a great example for junior soldiers in the platoon.
Why does this individual deserve recognition? SPC Dugger has exercised initiative and motivation in his new position. He thoroughly trained his replacement driver in order for a smooth transition. He has maintained his personal M240C and the tank to a very high level. Due to his attention to detail throughout his time with this company, he was nominated as the platoon armorer so that he could maintain all of the platoon's weapons to the same standard that he maintains his own. Maintenance of the M1A2 platform is an everyday operation, and SPC Dugger understands the emphasis put on it. SPC Dugger is also responsible for the communication equipment inside the tank. Given this additional responsibility, he has excelled in making sure the equipment is ready and operational for every mission. Communication is critical and SPC Dugger understands the importance of communication on the battlefield and has maintained all equipment to standard. Chosen as driver and now loader for the platoon leader's tank, SPC Dugger has been successful in all the tasks that he has been given.
Also Nominated...
Soldier's Name: SSG Dominik A Piszczek
Unit: 542d Support Maintenance Company, JBLM, WA
Position/Title: Technical Inspector
Component: US Army/Active
NSN or End Item: M1088A1P2
Nominated By: WO1 Sean T. Sanders
Justification: As the automotive maintenance warrant officer of 542d SMC, I've worked alongside of SSG Piszczek for a period of twelve months. Serving as a maintenance professional in the Ordnance Corps for over 12 years, I've not come across a more knowledgeable maintainer than SSG Piszczek. SSG Piszczek’s attention to detail, emphasis of preventative and scheduled maintenance and his technical expertise have had a significant impact on the readiness of our equipment and the success of the organization. SSG Piszczek is the definition of a subject matter expert and leader. While forward deployed, SSG Piszczek has served as the maintenance NCOIC, leading a team of five junior Soldiers maintaining 25 pieces of theater provided equipment (TPE), as well as providing support across seven external UICs. SSG Piszczek consistently displays knowledge far exceeding his MOS and grade. He identified nine pieces of TPE with load tests delinquent by a period of two years. He coordinated the delivery of necessary equipment to complete the load test in accordance with the technical bulletin and returned the equipment within compliance. He has developed service plans for equipment, ensured all PMCS intervals are followed to standard and, through his technical expertise, has returned multiple pieces of equipment to a fully mission capable status, directly enabling the success of the organization's mission. SSG Piszczek consistently strives to develop others by sharing his knowledge and expertise. He is devoted to ensuring all equipment operators know the importance of PMCS and the benefit gained when properly completed. SSG Piszczek's level of pride, quality of work, and displayed level of technical expertise are unmatched.
