Photo By Leeann Lloyd | Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield visits Task Force Grizzly troops at Kandahar Airfield...... read more read more
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By Army Sgt. LeeAnn Lloyd
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Troops with Task Force Grizzly have two things in common with their new commanding general: a year in Afghanistan; and how much they all look forward to getting to Alaska in May.
Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield is slated to succeed Maj. Gen. Charles Jacoby as U.S. Army Alaska commander in May. Around the same time, troops with TF Grizzly are scheduled to return to their home state. Layfield currently serves as the deputy commander of security with the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.
When Layfield visited the Grizzly troops at Kandahar Airfield April 19, he made sure they knew just how proud he was of them.
"This outfit has accomplished more than anyone in their wildest dreams could ever have hoped to expect," Layfield said. "I've been in this country for 13 months, and I've watched your missions from start to finish," he said.
That desert tie offered junior troops solace in the fact that their new commanding general understands where they are coming from.
"That is awesome, that he is coming from the same place as us. He's been there, done that, just like we have. He now understands personally the recent history of the Alaska Guard, not just what he has seen on paper," said Army Sgt. Rodney Spaulding, who wears a dual hat as the base commander's driver and an administrative clerk. Spaulding has lived and served in Alaska for seven years.
Layfield admitted to the troops that he has never been in an environment colder than 15 degrees below zero, and he looked to the Soldiers for advice on comfortable living in the Alaskan wilderness.
"Get a remote starter for your vehicle," Spaulding said. "It's the best $350 you'll spend." Other advisements included investing in a big truck and a good coat.
"And what about the bears? There are black ones and brown ones, right?" Layfield asked. "Which one do you yell at and which do you run from?"
A humorous reply came from the back of the group: "Sir, you just shoot both."
"The general seems like a very down-to-earth guy," Spaulding noted. "He's willing to learn about the diversities of Alaska. He is very humorous; I think he's going to fit in very well."
On a more serious note, Layfield reminded the Soldiers that home is just around the bend, and there will still be obstacles to overcome.
"Take the time to reflect on what you have done. Just remember that it will be hard for some people to comprehend what you've done ... Don't let the apathy of others get you down. You deserve every damn good thing coming to you," Layfield said. "Many Americans can't say they have done what you have. There are millions and millions of people in the United States. Less than one percent put on the uniform, let alone deploy to theater."
"This brigade has definitely stepped up to the plate," he added. "Be proud of that. When I come to Alaska I won't know a soul there except you guys. But you can bet that the people of Alaska are going to know all about what you have accomplished when I get there," Layfield said.
As U.S. Army Alaska commander, Layfield's scope will include assuming responsibility of five Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, one of which is halfway through an Iraq deployment, and another is in the recovery and rehabilitation process after a 16-month Iraq deployment.
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 04.19.2007 15:00 |
| Story ID: | 10022 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR, AF |
| Web Views: | 634 |
| Downloads: | 535 |
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