Photo By Sgt. Jessica Collins | Left, Staff Sgt. Lareecus Spates, 416th Theater Engineer Command, speaks with...... read more read more
DARIEN, Illinois – Representative Bill Foster, Congressman for Illinois’ 11th District, visited the Parkhurst Army Reserve Center in Darien to meet with Brig. Gen. Matthew Baker, deputy commanding general 416th Theater Engineer Command (TEC), and the rest of the Soldiers and staff that work at the center, August 29, 2018.
“It’s valuable to create the relationship between the 416th and our congressional representative,” said Brig. Gen. Baker “I find it important to see his perspective as a member of the legislative branch.”
The meeting allowed Foster the opportunity to see the scope of the 416th TEC, and the impact the unit has on the community. It also allowed the staff of the 416th TEC an insight into the congressman, and his ideas for the future of the military. Baker explained the capabilities of the 416th TEC, and the accomplishments of the units under the TEC over the past year, along with the missions in the upcoming year.
Congressman Foster explained the importance of developing the future capabilities of the military in an ever-evolving technological playing field in combat. He then continued to explain the importance of advancing ahead of any adversaries that threaten the lives of Soldiers.
Baker continued to explain how huge it is to have the congressman’s support in the political process, and that it helps for him to know what the Soldiers of the 416th TEC bring to the table.
The purpose of this visit was sparked by a meeting, earlier this year, between Maj. Gen. Miyako Schanely, commanding general 416th Theater Engineer Command, and Garry Timmins, military legislative assistant for Congressman Foster, at his office in Washington D.C.
Maj. Gen. Schanely visited the offices of numerous senators and representatives from the districts and states in which the Soldiers and units of the 416th reside. Schanely took the opportunity to explain about the U.S. Army Reserve and the role of the 416th.
Reserve Ambassador William Hawes was also able to meet with the congressman. Ambassador Hawes is a part of the Army Reserve Ambassador program. A critical program that allows influential private citizens to volunteer as community advocates for the U.S. Army Reserve’s mission, capabilities, and Soldiers, as stated in a 2015 Stand To! article.
Hawes answered questions by the congressman in regards to the broader scope of Soldiers residing in the district, explaining issues and answering facts about the U.S. Army Reserve. Overall the visit facilitated positive communication between the 416th TEC and Congressman Foster and laid the foundation for a stronger relationship.
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Proseus
| Date Taken: | 08.29.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 09.04.2018 12:00 |
| Story ID: | 291310 |
| Location: | DARIEN, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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