Illinois National Guard Armory takes on New Mission in Quincy

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/22/2018) (readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs

A clean uniform and a hot shower are luxuries Illinois National Guard Soldiers can look forward to when training in the field thanks to the new 126th Quartermaster Field Services Company based in Quincy.

The 126th provides large elements of Soldiers in the field fast laundry services and the ability to take hot showers. With the capability of providing approximately 9,000 showers and cleaning 3,000 loads of laundry per day the 126th's Laundry Advanced Systems/ Shower Systems can make a significant impact.

Lt. Col. Leonard Williams, the officer in charge at the 108th Sustainment Brigade said the 126th won't be put on boring missions, but instead used for critical and unique missions.

"All training will be geared toward customer-based operations, meaning the 126th QM will always strive to exercise in an environment that enables the unit to support other DoD entities during all types of operations. "

Capt. David L. Wachtveitl, Commander of the 126th said there are few units like this in the Army.

"We are in the process of getting assigned to shower and laundry support for engineer units conducting humanitarian construction missions in Guatemala for training year 2019," said Wachtveitl. "The Army, with its new operational doctrine, is starting a transition away from relying so much on contractor support for Logistics."

Wachtveitl said this means things contractors provided in Iraq and Afghanistan like hot meals, maintenance support, and showers and laundry, are coming back to the Soldiers to perform organically.

Sgt. Adam Phillips of Rushville, Illinois, a shower, laundry and clothing repair specialist (92S) for the 126th, said the unit is around 80 percent of its full strength. Phillips said becoming a 92S requires a three week school for reclassifying troops or 7 weeks for new Soldiers.

"The biggest benefit for a Soldier going into this military job is the upward mobility," said Phillips. "It doesn't take long for Soldiers to reach the rank of Sergeant."

Phillips said Soldiers will get a unique opportunity to directly affect the morale of Soldiers. Phillips said showers helps Soldiers feel refreshed and ready for the next mission.

"I can speak first hand from being at an AT, that the Soldiers were so thankful to have a shower," said Phillips. "Soldiers showed a lot of gratitude for the ability to shower and do laundry."

Staff Sgt. Christopher Kemper of Paris, Illinois, 92S shower and laundry non-commissioned officer, said the biggest benefits to joining the unit is the great working environment at the 126th and the effect you have on the morale of Soldiers in the field.

"We were told by our instructors when we re-classified that Soldiers' morale would be boosted when we arrived," said Kemper. "At Fort McCoy we noticed that the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team was very happy to have our services available to them."

Kemper said they provided 24 hour operations for the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

"The leadership would just let us know when the Soldiers were planning to come take showers and do laundry," said Kemper. "We assigned different ten-hour shifts to Soldiers in our platoons to ensure we kept things moving smoothly all day."

Kemper said some Soldiers may have the misconception of what it means to be a shower and laundry specialist.

"You still get to do army warrior tasks and you still get to be in the fight," said Kemper. "You are always a Soldier first in the Army and it's no exception in the 126th."

Photo 1: A soldier with the 126th Quartermaster Field Services Company based in Quincy, Illinois, takes laundry out of a Laundry Advanced Systems trailer April 14 during its annual training event at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois. During the training Soldiers practiced their job while conducting warrior tasks such establishing a fighting position and base security operations.

Photo 2: Soldiers with the 126th Quartermaster Field Services Company based in Quincy, Illinois, set up a shower tent April 14 during their annual training event at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois. During their training Soldiers practiced the job while conducting warrior tasks such establishing a fighting position and base security operations.

Photo 3: Soldiers with the 126th Quartermaster Field Services Company based in Quincy, Illinois, set up a fighting position April 14 during their annual training event at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois. During their training Soldiers practiced their jobs as shower and laundry specialist while conducting warrior tasks such as base security operations.

Photo 4: Soldiers with the 126th Quartermaster Field Services Company based in Quincy, Illinois, set up Laundry Systems Trailer April 14 during their annual training event at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois. During their training Soldiers practiced their job while conducting warrior tasks such establishing a fighting position and base security operations.