Photo By Master Sgt. Tyrone Marshall | A crowded audience of 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers listens as Maj. Gen. Tony...... read more read more
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WHEELER ARMY AIR FIELD, Hawaii — The command team for the 3rd Infantry Division recently visited 25th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers and their families at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Air Field, Aug. 5.
Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, commanding general, 3rd ID, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, division command sergeant major, 3rd ID, recently held pre-deployment briefings with 25th CAB Soldiers and their families to introduce themselves and highlight expectations for the brigade's upcoming deployment.
The 3rd ID, "Rock of the Marne," will serve as the Multi-National Division headquarters for the "Wings of Lightning" Brigade during its scheduled 12-month deployment to northern Iraq. The brigade will be assuming responsibility for air operations as part of Task Force "Marne."
The 25th CAB has a tremendous reputation as one of the best aviation brigades in the Army, said Cucolo, to a crowded Martinez Gym. "And since I can't go with my own aviation brigade...I'll take this one."
The commanding general discussed several subjects including full-spectrum missions, disciplined draw down, changes in unit designations and locations, behavior, Iraqi laws, provincial reconstruction in support of the State Department, and changes that went into effect with the ratification of the U.S.-Iraqi Security Agreement.
"I'm trying to impress upon you that we are going into a really tough place in Iraq," said Cucolo. "And you're role is absolutely critical [for our success.]"
The 3rd ID command team not only put faces to their name tags, but broke down day-to-day expectations to help Soldiers headed on their first deployment understand the challenges awaiting them. Soldiers voiced their appreciation afterwards.
"I think he did a good job of explaining it for people... he helped make the Soldiers feel very confident about the deployment," said Sgt. Sylvester Simmons, aviation operations non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, CAB.
"The brief was very beneficial and informative for new Soldiers," agreed Spc. Christopher Duysings, air operations specialist, HHC, CAB. "Now they have a clear picture of what to expect when they're [in Iraq] and how they're supposed to operate."
During an afternoon briefing at the CAB's Memorial Classroom, the command team highlighted significant events, challenges and responsibilities Soldiers will face for the 25th CAB's Family Readiness Groups.
"We flew out here to do two things ... talk to all Soldiers and talk to family readiness groups," said Cucolo, addressing the FRGs. "We think it's important [since] we will be serving with your Soldiers for 11 months as Task Force "Marne.""
The "Rock of the Marne" commander ended his briefings to 25th CAB Soldiers with words of inspiration.
"Satchel Paige once said, 'anybody could be a relief pitcher ... a closer. So long as he has thick skin, a short memory and at least one great pitch.' We are the closers for northern Iraq. Our responsibility is to deliver that one great pitch everyday for 12 months. It's an honor to serve with you."
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2009 23:28 |
| Story ID: | 37346 |
| Location: | WHEELER ARMY AIR FIELD, US |
| Web Views: | 657 |
| Downloads: | 513 |
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