Farrell, PA
U.S. Army Reserves – Desert Storm Era
MSG (ret.) Peggy Mazyck strongly felt that she should not be included among the veterans honored in this program. She feels that there are thousands of others who have done more, sacrificed more, suffered more.
She belongs in it, however, because there are hundreds of millions of Americans who have done far, far less. Without people serving honorably and diligently in the military reserves, our country could not field a viable fighting force when it needs to do so.
Peggy enlisted in the Reserves while she was a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Assigned to the 347th Quartermaster Company in Farrell, she worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming platoon sergeant for the Product Control Section.
That made her a vital part of the 347th Company’s mission: to provide fuel to combat operations of all branches of the service throughout the world. Without it, tanks could not run on the battlefield; jet fighters could not attack; cargo planes could not bring in troops, equipment, and supplies.
Her unit conducted petroleum supply operations all over the USA, and completed a tour in Korea. Sgt. Mazyck achieved numerous awards including several Army Commendations Medals.
In the mid-1980s, Sgt. Mazyck transferred to the 1036th US ARMY Reserve Force School, which is also headquartered in Farrell. Because of the knowledge she accumulated, she became Chief Instructor/Writer, eventually being promoted to master sergeant.
“I was in charge of the whole group,” she said. “We were tasked with training soldiers from all over the country. During the summers, working with the equipment, you not only teach; you also learn constantly.”
During Operation Desert Storm, MSG Mazyck was activated to the Quartermaster School in Ft. Lee, VA, where she trained soldiers in petroleum supply operations. After this tour of duty, she returned to the USAR School in Farrell until her retirement from the Army in 2002.
“I loved being in the Military,” she said. “I felt that I was doing something very good. It was gratifying to see soldiers gaining the knowledge they needed. I also loved the camaraderie. Over the years we became a very cohesive group.”
The next time you see a Reservist, shake his or her hand and thank them for their vital service. They may not fit the normal concept of heroes, but without them, there wouldn’t be many heroes.
