A combat engineer with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest) braces against a flurry of sand while filling HESCO containers at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, Aug. 12, 2013. A platoon of combat engineers and heavy equipment operators worked through the night and endured the constant sting of blowing sand to erect a new guard tower at the base.

Photo by Cpl. Paul Peterson

HESCO Master: Combat engineer revels in grind

1 Sep 2013 | Cpl. Paul Peterson 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- It’s a day-by-day brawl over mounds of sand, steel mesh, and heavy equipment, but he loves it.

Sgt. Adam Rehder, a Windyville, Mo., native and combat engineer with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), just walked off a 12-hour shift working on the perimeter at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, when he confessed he’d rather have a shower than eat food.

“I like to be clean,” laughed Rehder. “It’s a muddy mess.”

He’s spent nearly an entire month tackling infrastructure improvement projects at the base. His extensive work with HESCO barriers, wire-mesh containers reinforced with heavy-duty fabric, earned him the endearing title “HESCO Master” among his Marines.

“I’ve actually grown to like it quite a bit,” said Rehder, who supervises the installation and layout of the large, dirt-filled barriers. “It’s windy out here most of the time. You sweat, and you have that [heavy equipment] dumping that load, and its blowing right in your face … There isn’t anything you can do about it. It’s motivating, definitely.”

Rehder and his Marines stand on top of the HESCO barriers as earthmoving equipment fills the containers with load after load of gravel and powder-fine sand. By the end of their working period, the Marines are completely covered in said.

“They look like sugar cookies,” joked one observer.

The statement was accurate but deceiving. The sand works its way into the Marines’ uniforms and clings to the sweat on their skin. By the time they finish showering, a pool of orange mud clogs the drain. Sometimes they don’t even bother undressing before entering the shower.

“[It] takes a toll on your body,” confessed Rehder
The Marines alternate positions during the harshest parts of the construction labor and work at night whenever possible.

“It’s safer, to be honest,” said Rehder. “It’s easier on the Marines and not as hot out … I think we’re more proficient at night. During the day, [the heat] is going to draw that energy out of you.”

The August weather in Afghanistan is often hot even at night. It’s not uncommon for sand storms to spring up and engulf the Marines as they work. Somehow, they not only endure the harsh conditions but have enough energy to sing comical songs about their predicament as they trudge up and down sand berms or coil old concertina wire.

“It’s amazing, it really is,” said Rehder. “I’ve been a lot of places, and I just feel like right here is where I’m supposed to be. The motivation level is high, the experience level is high, and it’s just awesome … As far as where it comes from, I think it’s just knowing our job so well.”

For Rehder, part of the enjoyment is putting his crew’s extensive training to practical use. After more than a month of honing their teamwork in Twentynine Palms, California, the rhythm and communication within the unit began to solidify. It continued to grow from constant application in Afghanistan.

“We practice our [military specialty] quite a bit, which is awesome because I like [it],” said Rehder. “We’re pretty good at what we do.”

The improvements at Camp Dwyer are just the beginning for Rehder and his team. They will likely complete construction projects at numerous other bases throughout Helmand province over the next several months.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569