Multi-National Force - Iraq Command Sergeant Major visits Warhorse Soldiers

Photo By Sgt. Rodney Foliente | Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, Multi-National Force - Iraq senior enlisted leader, gives a high-five to Spc. Sean Glynn, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, combat medic, during a coin ceremony for Special Troops Battalion Soldiers at Camp Echo, Feb. 7. Glynn comes from Cape May, N.J.  

DIWANIYAH, IRAQ

02.07.2009

Courtesy Story

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, Multi-National Forces – Iraq senior-enlisted leader, visited with Soldiers and senior brigade non-commissioned officers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Diwaniya, Feb. 7.

Wilson presented a number of Soldiers with coins during his visit, spending time with each of the brigade's three battalions in the area.

He applauded the efforts of the Soldiers in working to professionalize the Iraqi security forces. He said the ISF security for the elections ensured a safe opportunity for the Iraqis to vote and demonstrated the ISF capability to maintain security, which is a testament to the work of the U.S. and coalition soldiers in helping the Iraqi army and police to get to that level.

Wilson emphasized the importance of helping one another, especially those that may be undergoing personal issues or troubles back home. He stressed that Soldiers needing assistance should seek it. The Army provides many avenues to help those Soldiers. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness and there is a great deal of strength within the Army that Soldiers in need can lean upon, he said.

"We can help those folks; Soldiers taking care of Soldiers. We all have jobs to do. We've got to look at our Soldiers and our buddies. This is who we depend upon. This is who we trust," said Wilson. "Take care of each other. Whatever rank you are, we need you to look out for each other. I need your help so we can help each other and get back home to our families."

He surprised many Soldiers because he took the time from his busy schedule to talk to them individually, asking about their families, their service and taking an interest in their personal lives. He joked with them, gave high fives, bumped fists and gave opportunities for Soldiers to ask him any questions they might have.

"It helped to hear that we're doing a good job and that the elections went really well. He also let us know that the transfer to the Iraqi government is going well, which means that we might not have to come back out here again," said Spc. Sean Glynn, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT combat medic.

"He pumped up the morale of the Soldiers and kept touching upon how important our families are to the military," said Glynn, who comes from Cape May, N.J.

"The impact of his visit was very positive on the Soldiers. He came down here in good spirit and I think he conveyed why we're here very well. With this being the Year of the Non-commissioned Officer, his message was to push the young NCOs forward to do what they are trained to do: accomplish the mission and take care of Soldiers," said 1st Sgt. Perry Reed, Co. B, 2nd Combined Arms Bn., 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT.

"It was good for the Soldiers to have him visit. The Soldiers appreciated it and I appreciated it at my level," said Reed, who comes from New Haven, Conn.

• Date Taken: 02.07.2009
• Date Posted: 02.10.2009 08:38
• Story ID: 29834
• Location: DIWANIYAH, IQ