Multi-National Division – Baghdad Command Sergeant Major visits with 4th Infantry Division Soldiers at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, addresses questions, concerns

Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Thompson | Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, a Buffalo, N.Y., native, who is the senior enlisted leader of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, presents a coin of excellence to Cpl. James Buckley, a Beaumont, Calif., native, and team leader with the Commander's Security Detachment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Sept. 3, 2008. Gioia held an open forum with the Soldiers and discussed a wide array of topics with them, to include training and readiness, multiple deployments, the changeover of forces from MND-B Soldiers to Iraqi army soldiers, redeployment, and reintegration with families following the deployment.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.09.2008

Story by Sgt. Jason Thompson 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. Jason Thompson
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, the senior enlisted leader for Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division, took advantage of an opportunity to meet with the Soldiers of 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., in northern Baghdad, Sept. 3, 2008.

During his visit at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, the Buffalo, N.Y., native, sat down with more than 30 Soldiers packed into a small dining facility. He discussed a wide variety of topics with the Soldiers, such as training and readiness, multiple deployments, redeployment, and reintegration with Families following the deployment.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get the pulse of the Soldiers," said Gioia. "I enjoy meeting and speaking with our young men and women, which helps me to get an exact feel for what is important to them and to hear their concerns. I find that I get a different perspective from the eyes of the junior Soldiers than that of the senior enlisted leaders."

Gioia said he felt it was not only important for the Soldiers, but was beneficial for himself as well, to address any questions they had.

"It reassures the Soldiers that everyone is passing on as much information as they have."

After the meeting, Gioia presented his coin "for excellence" to 10 Soldiers identified by the battalion's leaders for their accomplishments and expressed his gratitude for their continued service.

"Each of you is my hero," Gioia told the Soldiers. "You all volunteered to serve your country during this difficult time for our nation. I am honored to serve in your ranks today."

The Soldiers seemed to genuinely appreciate Gioia's visit. Many said it was great to hear his point of view on the various issues being faced throughout the division.

"It was great to see him take time out of his busy schedule to do nothing more than answer all our questions," said Pfc. Jesse Grimsley, a Pillon, S.C., native, who is an aviation operation specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd STB, 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "Sometimes, as a new Soldier in the Army, the sergeants major often seem distant from what we experience at our level. Command Sgt. Maj. Gioia seems like he is very well in tune with what is going on down on the lines, and he is trying to look out for us."

• Date Taken: 09.09.2008
• Date Posted: 09.09.2008 04:50
• Story ID: 23399
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ