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Comstock checks up on Reservists

Photo By Sgt. Spencer Case | Maj. Gen. James Comstock, the Reserve advisor to U.S. Central Command, addresses a...... read more read more

01.05.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

The reserve component advisor to U.S. Central Command visited troops at Logistical Support Area Anaconda on Dec. 29 as part of his trip to Iraq.

"Being the Reserve advisor to Central Command, I take every opportunity I can to come to visit Soldiers and talk to Soldiers and see how things are going," said Maj. Gen. James Comstock, who gives advice to Gen. John Abizaid. He added that he came to LSA Anaconda to get an overview of the operations that take place here, and to speak directly with Soldiers from all three components to understand issues from their perspective.

Comstock arrived at LSA Anaconda by Black Hawk helicopter around 11 a.m. After eating lunch at Dining Facility 1, he spent about 45 minutes examining a Stryker vehicle equipped with a remote weapon system to see what electronic and communication improvements had been made to the vehicle.

One of the highlights of the day was his surprise visit to the education center at LSA Anaconda around 2 p.m. Comstock spoke to a group of 40 troops who were graduating from a four-week general technical (GT) score boosting course.

"I've never really seen a two-star general face to face like that," said Pfc. Vincent Geter, an ammunition specialist in the 563rd Support Battalion who was in the class to which Comstock spoke. "So it was a good experience in the Army."

Comstock went on to meet Soldiers working at 3rd Corps Support Command headquarters, the Patriot Clinic and the 322nd Maintenance Company.

At the Patriot Clinic, run by the 883rd Medical Company Combat Stress Control, Comstock spoke with Capt. Jeffrey Cox and other members of the unit at length about the unit's initiative to provide mental health services to support demobilized Reservists in New England. Comstock expressed interest in continuing the project.

"We were honored by Maj. Gen. Comstock's visit and that he was able to come and meet with us," Cox said.

Throughout his visit, Comstock stressed several messages. He wanted troops to know that despite whatever political quarrels might take place at home, the people of the United States stand behind the troops and their sacrifices.

"I think the message is we're winning," Comstock said when asked what message he most wanted to convey to Soldiers at LSA Anaconda. He added that he believed "history will prove that we're doing the right thing."

Comstock expressed optimism about the Iraqi elections in December and confidence in the Reservists and National Guardsmen serving abroad.

"I think overall it was a great success," Comstock said of the election. He added, "We're going to see the beginning of a democratic form of government in the Middle East, in Iraq, which I believe will be ultimately successful."

Of the Reservists and Guardsmen, he said, "I will tell you that once Reservists or National Guardsmen are mobilized and show up, it's very, very difficult to tell them apart from active duty. I've heard that many, many times, over and over. I think the entire Reserve force has proven their worth. They've performed professionally with courage and valor and made the sacrifice."

After spending the day with troops, Comstock flew out of LSA Anaconda on a Black Hawk around 6 p.m. to visit Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Victory and the Baghdad International Airport.

The Soldiers said they will not soon forget the visit.

"It's a good feeling to know that the people up on the top do feel for the Soldiers and care and do take time to come down and visit with them," said Sgt. Johnathan Spatig, a gate guard for the 29th Brigade Combat Team who shook hands with Comstock near the education center.

USAR