Miller visits with Army Reserve Soldiers in Iraq

Photo By Spc. Gregory Argentieri | Brig. Gen. Jon J. Miller, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, recognizes a group of Reserve soldiers, with the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion, who were singled by their command for outstanding service, Sept. 28, in Iraq. Sgt. Maj. Ireland, operations and training sergeant major, USARC, (left), watches as Miller awards a coin to the Reserve soldiers. Miller and Ireland were on a two-day mission in Iraq to speak with troops and get feedback on their concerns and experiences.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

10.05.2010

Story by Spc. Gregory Argentieri 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

BAGHDAD -- Brig. Gen. Jon J. Miller, deputy commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Robert J. Ireland, operations and training, U.S. Army Reserve Command visited their soldiers on a three-day mission, beginning Sept. 28, at bases throughout Iraq.

During their visit, Miller and Ireland received an update briefing on current and future operations from the United States Forces – Iraq leadership, as well as, several briefings held by commanders and senior leaders in charge of stability operations in Iraq.

While touring several bases, Miller and Ireland expressed their gratitude for the contributions and support of the Army Reserve soldiers for the overall mission and transition into Operation New Dawn, while collecting their feedback.

“This is really a unique and exciting experience to be back here at the very beginning of Operation New Dawn to talk with the troops and see what’s going on; and afterward, to have the opportunity to go back home and improve the training and influence the deployment mobilization process,” said Ireland.

“I want to know about your experiences to make sure we are doing things right.” “If there are problems that need to get answered, challenges of any kind, things we can fix now, that’s what I want to talk about,” Miller said.

Miller and Ireland also informed soldiers about the various programs available to them upon their return to the United States, such as, the Post 9-11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program – a Department of Defense-wide effort to help National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments – and the Strong Bonds Programs that have been designed to increase individual soldier and Family readiness through relationship education and skills training.

“The general and sergeant major really care about the soldiers and like to get input about their concerns, lives, families, training, and the military,” said Spc. George E. Rodriguez, supply specialist, 325th Military Intelligence Battalion.

“The seneral’s talk was inspiring and I [am] glad that somebody from my higher command came to see the Soldiers and get their feedback,” added Rodriguez, a native of Chicopee, Mass.

After their visit, Miller and Ireland were pleased with the status of the soldiers they encountered and the high spirit and morale they exhibited.

“We know that in a theater of war, there are always problems, but finding nothing serious is a testament to the soldiers and the years of having been here,” said Ireland.
Miller left the soldiers with a simple, but powerful message from a book he read, to never tire of doing good, for one day they would be rewarded.

Miller is responsible for the overall readiness, training, and mobilization of Army Reserve soldiers.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2010
• Date Posted: 10.05.2010 10:44
• Story ID: 57535
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ