Fort Bliss Monitor

‘Tough ’Ombres’ end active duty
5035th Garrison Support Unit demobilizes

Capt. Theresa L. Donovan
5035th GSU PAO

The 5035th Garrison Support Unit processed 12,713 Soldiers for mobilization during its activation and 11,000 Soldiers for demobilization. Capt. Deliris Montanez, 5035th HHD commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Whitaker, center under plane’s wing, see off a deploying unit.

The 5035th Garrison Support Unit demobilized Jan. 11, thereby completing more than two years of active duty. The unit was activated Jan. 13, 2003 under the command of Col. Larry T. Kimmich and Command Sgt. Maj. Susan Whitaker with an initial 209 Soldiers. The unit known as the “Tough ‘Ombres” provided base operations support and command and control of mobilizing and demobilizing Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Department of Defense contractors and civilians, and Reserve and National Guard units in response to Operations Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Armored Falcon, Enduring Freedom and Clear Skies.

Although it is difficult to recount all of the 5035th’s accomplishments, the fruits of their two-year activation can be truly appreciated when converted into mere numbers. The 5035th GSU processed 12,713 Soldiers for mobilization and 11,000 Soldiers for demobilization. They loaded and unloaded 3,348 rail cars containing 7,390 pieces of equipment, 322 military containers, and arranged air transportation for more than 35,596 Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians. The unit also augmented the installation’s Military Personnel Office and the Soldier Readiness Processing Center and assisted in the processing of more than 51,926 DA civilians and Soldiers.

In addition, Soldiers from the 5035th also ran 1,000 ranges and managed 15.7 million rounds of ammunition. They provided billeting, rations, transportation and hauled more than 4,500 tons of food, water and ice for mobilizing units.

Though the 5035th successfully completed their mission, the need to support Fort Bliss’ operations continues with the activation of the 647th Area Support Group. The 647th, commanded by Lt. Col. Roger Heger and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph G. Considine, assumed the mission Nov. 1, 2004 and are now managing and operating Fort Bliss’ mobilization operations.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	January 27, 2005

	‘Tough ’Ombres’ end active duty 5035th Garrison Support Unit demobilizes Capt. Theresa L. Donovan 5035th GSU PAO The 5035th Garrison Support Unit processed 12,713 Soldiers for mobilization during its activation and 11,000 Soldiers for demobilization. Capt. Deliris Montanez, 5035th HHD commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Whitaker, center under plane’s wing, see off a deploying unit. The 5035th Garrison Support Unit demobilized Jan. 11, thereby completing more than two years of active duty. The unit was activated Jan. 13, 2003 under the command of Col. Larry T. Kimmich and Command Sgt. Maj. Susan Whitaker with an initial 209 Soldiers. The unit known as the “Tough ‘Ombres” provided base operations support and command and control of mobilizing and demobilizing Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Department of Defense contractors and civilians, and Reserve and National Guard units in response to Operations Iraqi Freedom, Noble Eagle, Armored Falcon, Enduring Freedom and Clear Skies. Although it is difficult to recount all of the 5035th’s accomplishments, the fruits of their two-year activation can be truly appreciated when converted into mere numbers. The 5035th GSU processed 12,713 Soldiers for mobilization and 11,000 Soldiers for demobilization. They loaded and unloaded 3,348 rail cars containing 7,390 pieces of equipment, 322 military containers, and arranged air transportation for more than 35,596 Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians. The unit also augmented the installation’s Military Personnel Office and the Soldier Readiness Processing Center and assisted in the processing of more than 51,926 DA civilians and Soldiers. In addition, Soldiers from the 5035th also ran 1,000 ranges and managed 15.7 million rounds of ammunition. They provided billeting, rations, transportation and hauled more than 4,500 tons of food, water and ice for mobilizing units. Though the 5035th successfully completed their mission, the need to support Fort Bliss’ operations continues with the activation of the 647th Area Support Group. The 647th, commanded by Lt. Col. Roger Heger and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph G. Considine, assumed the mission Nov. 1, 2004 and are now managing and operating Fort Bliss’ mobilization operations.