Photo By Spc. Paul Berzinas | Command Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of...... read more read more
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The purpose of the visit was to engage with Hawaii guardsmen and to discuss the organization’s climate, issues and culture with its senior enlisted leaders.
“It’s really important for the Army and Air National Guard here in Hawaii to see that their senior enlisted leaders are well–connected at the national level,” said Brush.
Brush’s main concern is the health and well-being of the men and women of the National Guard.
“The Chief of the National Guard Bureau needs to know that you guys are highly motivated, highly committed, and if you guys have issues I’ll report those back to the chief,” said Brush. “The health of the force is my primary responsibility.”
“The guys wearing the stars and the enlisted working for them really care for us and they’re here for us if we need them,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Dana W. Wingad, Hawaii Army National Guard command sergeant major.
Brush said the importance of this responsibility is reiterated by Brush’s supervisors in the Pentagon.
“When I first applied for this position I went through a three-phase interview process,” said Brush. “The last part of this process is when I sat down with General Grass, and he told me that I had to stay connected to the field.”
Brush recognizes that the state of Hawaii’s unique location is the reason for the Hawaii National Guard’s diverse responsibilities.
“Hawaii is uniquely situated, not just geographically, but also because of its mission set,” said Brush.
Brush goes on to explain that Hawaii lends manpower and logistical support to the ever-evolving geopolitical climate.
There has been a shift of resources from the Middle East to Asia, and Hawaii provides strategic support for that effort, said Brush.
This places a high demand for professionalism and diligence on the Hawaii National Guard, and Guard units across the country.
“I need you all to do your job as best you can, because you guys are truly making a difference,” said Brush.
The same is true for National Guard units across the United States as well, as Brush describes the increasing demand for the National Guard.
“When the Chief of Staff of the Army comes out and says he needs the Guard now more than ever, he’s not lying,” said Brush.
According to Brush, the Guard brings unique service members to the table, each with unique professional experience to go with their military experience.
“We’ve got great operators, we’ve got great experience, and then we have civilian experience on top of that,” said Brush.
Ultimately, Brush hopes that the Soldiers and Airmen he interacts with when he visits National Guard units understand their value as a part of the organization.
“We don’t have many people in the National Guard, and each person has to count for something,” said Brush. “So when I come out and engage with the states I want these individuals know that what they do matters.”
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 09.20.2016 15:14 |
| Story ID: | 210101 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, NGB Senior Enlisted Advisor visits Hawaii National Guard, by SPC Paul Berzinas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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