MND-B CG speaks to Families

Courtesy Photo | Hattiesburg, Miss., native Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, Multi-National Division -...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | Hattiesburg, Miss., native Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, Multi-National Division - Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division commanding general, sings the Army song as the 4th Inf. Div. Band plays along during Hammonds first live Town Hall Meeting this deployment Jan. 25. Hammond spoke to the Families at Fort Hood, Fort Carson and Family and friends in remote location could watch the message on the internet, via webcast. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. Mark Matthews)  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.28.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

✔ ✗ Subscribe

3

By Sgt. Mark Matthews
Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — "Mission, Soldier, Family, Team" is the motto of the 4th Infantry Division and each signifies a crucial element in the overall success of the Multi-National Division – Baghdad's mission in Iraq. However, the Families of the 4th Inf. Div. were top priority during a town hall meeting Jan 25.

The town hall meeting was broadcast live, via satellite, to the Families of the 4th Inf. Div. at Fort Hood and Fort Carson, who were also able to participate in the meeting over the internet, via webcast and on the 4th Inf. Div. website.

Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, 4th Inf. Div. and MND-B commanding general, spoke to the Families of Fort Hood and Fort Carson and answered questions from the stateside audience, on a toll-free telephone number, e-mail and the 4th Inf. Div. website.

Not only did the live town hall meeting allow Hammond to discuss important issues like Soldier living standards, deployment timelines and equipment, but also allotted him a chance to encourage stateside-loved ones and give thanks for all of their support.

The commander of the Ivy Division and MND-B addressed each of the family members concerns in turn.

"Our Soldiers are the centerpiece of our Army and will have the very best equipment available," Hammond said. "They are equipped with the best our Army has to issue."

Hammond then addressed Soldiers living conditions.

"Soldier's living conditions in the DSTB are outstanding," Hammond replied.

Amenities Soldiers have available include a dining facility that serves four meals a day; access to a complete laundry service with a 72 hour turn-around; a large Post Exchange with several fast-food restaurants; Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities with movie rooms, board games, ping pong and pool tables, internet café, a free gym, phone trailers, and medical facilities.

"We all appreciate everything our families do for us," Hammond said. "They take care of everything back home so we can succeed in our mission here."

Family takes on a very broad meaning for Hammond. He considers the term family to encompass much more than just a single household.

"A Soldier's individuality is defined by his or her family," Hammond said. "This family not only includes their direct relations, but others such as friends, and in our case the central Texas and the Fort Carson Community."

Hammond and other members of his senior staff were not the only ones present behind the camera. Pfc. Steven Mace a member of Company D, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. was given his time to tell friends and family his take on what it's like being deployed to Iraq.

"Life is pretty good here at Camp Liberty," Mace said. "Our rooms are great, with beds to sleep on and heater/air conditioning units to keep us comfortable.

"The Division dining facility has a large variety of food and is conveniently located," continues Mace. "The variety is great, but, I especially love their burgers.

"Overall, I think I have it really good over here," Mace said. "No one should worry about us as we are in good hands. Just make sure everyone back home stays safe, healthy and supports us, so we have someone to come home to."

The commanding general said he wanted the families to hear from a young Soldier because people do not always want to hear just what a general has to say.

"I just wanted to give the youngest Soldier we have a chance to appear before the families and tell his story," Hammond said. "It's about our credibility and that Soldier is our credentials."

Meetings like these will become a monthly routine for Hammond and his command staff throughout the course of the 4th Inf. Div. scheduled 15-month deployment.

"I will not delegate the monthly town hall meeting," said the Hattiesburg, Miss., native. "This is something I will lead every month. I and every one of my senior leaders will be here. It's that important. It might just be the most important thing we do every month."