Todd Erskine, RES ‘15
I was the Deputy Commanding Officer for the 451st Sustainment Command out of Wichita, Kansas, and I got a call asking if I would be able to mobilize with the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) (ESC), as their Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) to support COVID-19 operations. Having spent time in the 4th ESC as a battalion and brigade commander, having worked with BG Sue Henderson (DDE ’14) and her team, and the fact that there was a real need, I quickly said yes. I’ve been here almost from day one and since being here, I have helped focus our team on the COVID-19 response to ensure that BG Henderson’s priorities are aligned with the Commander of Army North’s priorities. Our mission is to provide logistic support as a part of the COVID-19 response, and we’ve had folks spread out all over, literally from the West Coast to the East Coast. Our job is to ensure that we are providing the best support we can provide in support of our Nation at this time of need. I had a boss who always used to say, “Erskine, think about who else needs to know.” It’s all about communicating the commander’s priorities across our formation. Everybody, every person on the team has a piece of that, whether its strength reporting, battle tracking, or making sure that we have the required medical supplies. So, in essence, it’s communicating and making sure that we’re synchronized. By doing this, we’re making sure that we are moving the ball down the field as a team. We have a great unit with a storied history, and when called upon, we have provided the support we’ve been asked to provide. There’s nothing more important, in my humble opinion, than making sure we take care of the home front. It is the call to service and the ability to not just sit on the sidelines, but to help the Army Reserve and our total force respond to COVID-19. That’s what we do! We bring all our power to bear on the problem set, and for me, it has been very rewarding.
COL Todd L. Erskine
Resident Class of 2015
Deputy Commander, 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
