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thedrifter
10-29-07, 08:37 AM
Retired general and area native to be honored

By Robin Acton
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, October 29, 2007

A retired Army general from Western Pennsylvania who is heralded for his Gulf War logistics strategy said the mechanics of moving troops and equipment must be considered in any timetable for withdrawal from Iraq.

Retired Gen. William "Gus" Pagonis, who ended his 29-year military career in 1993, said logistics would prevent an immediate, effective redeployment of troops while trying to fight terrorists.

"It's not going to happen overnight. Twelve to 18 months would be realistic," said Pagonis, a Charleroi native who now operates a Butler County horse farm. "There's billions of dollars worth of equipment there, and you don't want to leave it there for the enemy."

Pagonis, 66, knows logistics. Even though he is retired, he said wartime generals in Iraq who worked for him in the first Gulf War seek his advice on supply chain operations and logistics.

Pagonis will be honored Friday for his service in a career that included two tours in Vietnam and various commands around the world. He has been chosen as "Veteran of the Year" by the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.

He said he won't take sole credit for the honor.

"I'm only accepting this on behalf of all veterans in Western Pennsylvania," Pagonis said. "I've been very fortunate to have served with great soldiers, Marines and Air Force personnel."

President Lynn Griffin said Pagonis will be recognized for his "lifetime accomplishments, leadership ability and contributions to America and a free society" in a ceremony at Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland, during the Veterans Leadership Program's 2007 Tribute to Veterans.

The organization, founded in 1982 by Vietnam War veterans, provides assistance to returning veterans, as well as unemployed, underemployed, and homeless veterans and their families.

Griffin said other honorees include Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Jeremy Feldbusch, 28, of Blairsville, who will receive the President's Award. Feldbusch, an Army Ranger who was wounded and blinded by enemy fire in 2003, has received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat.

"What he did in Iraq and what he has done since he came home is inspirational to all people," Griffin said of Feldbusch, her personal choice for the honor. "He has not allowed adversity to end his life. It's a changed life, but not one that is not fulfilling."

Glen Meakem, the event's honorary chairman, said the organization's committee members believe Pagonis has had "one of the most outstanding careers of military service to our nation in this generation."

In the Gulf War, Pagonis was responsible for handling the logistical supply chain for a coalition of 670,000 troops from 28 countries during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm under Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.

"The president said I'd have two weeks to prepare logistical support before the troops arrived. Five minutes after I got there, the 82nd Airborne landed, and I had to get them fed, equipped and housed," Pagonis recalled.

Schwarzkopf since has referred to Pagonis as an "Einstein." Many regard his logistics strategy as one of the greatest achievements in military history.

Pagonis said he simply got the job done, aided by "wonderful" staff sergeants who helped by taking care of their men.

"They were great. We were facing things there that we'd never face before -- like issues with water. I formed water battalions, and they helped by keeping their men hydrated," he said.

Meakem, who served in the Gulf as a combat platoon leader, praised Pagonis for leading the deployment and supply of the "largest armored force in world history."

"It takes determined, courageous fighting to win wars, but the only thing that is even more important than fighting prowess is logistics," Meakem said. "Without the right supplies of weapons, ammunition, equipment, fuel, shelter, food, water and clothing, no army can survive or win."

After his retirement from the Army, Pagonis became executive vice president/head of supply chain for Sears Roebuck and Co. and president of Sears Logistics Services. He retired from Sears in 2004 and went on to join the board of directors of GENCO, a nationwide firm that specializes in supply chain management solutions.

Today, he spends much of his time working with his wife, Cheryl, at C&G Ranch, their Butler County farm.

Nevertheless, the military remains close to his heart.

He said when the withdrawal from Iraq does occur, returning veterans -- particularly citizen soldiers in the reserves and National Guard -- will need help in making the transition from military service to civilian life. Groups such as the Veterans Leadership Program can help, he added.

"Serving your nation is a wonderful feeling," Pagonis said. "But things change when you come home. When the returning veteran is active duty, he stays with his unit and goes into a training mode. The guardsmen and reservists have to become civilians again in an environment that has changed."



Robin Acton can be reached at racton@tribweb.com or 724-830-6295.

Ellie