Vanguard soldiers host Navy League tour

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Elvis Umanzor | Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, talk to members of the Navy League Council of Hilton Head Island, S.C., Feb. 27, 2014, on Fort Stewart, Ga. The soldiers introduced the M1 Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle to the group, which helps advocate for community support of the military. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Elvis Umanzor, 4th IBCT, 3rd ID, Public Affairs)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

02.27.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Elvis Umanzor 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, or Vanguard Brigade, hosted members of the U.S. Navy League Council of Hilton Head Island, S.C., on Fort Stewart, Ga., Feb. 27, 2014.

Maj. Bob Gordon, the senior operations officer for 4-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th IBCT, said for more than a decade veteran and civilian groups have tremendously supported the U.S. military services, and the tour helps supporters know soldiers continue training to be prepared for whatever the nation asks of them.

“We really want to maintain that connection with the community,” the Clearwater, Fla., native said.

With so much to see, the group, which helps advocate support for the military services by hosting fundraisers and organizing tours, arrived early and began their tour at the Vanguard Compound where they were greeted by members of 4-3 BSTB.

Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-3 BSTB, gave a short brief on military displays they set up.

The HHC soldiers shared their stories as they talked about the modern equipment used by soldiers to fight the current conflicts around the world. The laughs and interactions of the group, many of who had served before, was evidence of the soldiers’ high energy.

Spc. Patrick Murphy, from Mesquite, Texas, and a military policeman with HHC, said it felt good to introduce the new technology. “They enjoyed learning the new equipment that we have and [us] showing them that we have the capabilities to fight,” he said

The sections displayed included chemical, military police, medical, weapons, fuel and maintenance, followed by a vehicle tour of the Vanguard Compound.

After touring and having lunch at the Vanguard dining facility, which was recently recognized as the top Army dining facility, the Navy League group visited a virtual trainer. The virtual trainer allowed them to get behind the wheel of vehicles used in missions in Afghanistan and watch soldiers engage in hostile situations in a scenario based simulated environment, a cost effective program which helps Soldiers prepare before real combat.

Pvt. Joseph Watkins, a combat engineer with Company A, 4-3 BSTB, said it was easy to talk to the group of veterans because it was like talking to a fellow soldier and he enjoyed learning what it was like when they were in. “They are very intrigued by what we do and just as intrigued as they are, so are we,” added the Greenville, S.C., native.

Capt. Joshua Adelman, the HHC commander, said the opportunity was great in two ways.

“They are able to see how we operate today as an army,” said the Detroit native. “It [also] gives a chance for the soldiers to bond with those veterans and form a link.”

After the virtual trainer, the group visited 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, where they had the opportunity to see an M1 Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The 2nd ABCT soldiers carefully helped members of the group on and off a tank, an opportunity many took.

The trip concluded at Fort Stewart’s Warriors Walk, a memorial to honor the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Chris O’Sheill, the Navy League historian, originally from Erie, Pa., said it was a great opportunity to see the wonderful job being done at Fort Stewart. “I think the best part of the whole tour was meeting the guys that go over there for us and the sense of humor they all have,” she said.

“I would like to come back again,” she added.

Bill Baker, a retired Navy captain, and the Hilton Head Island Navy League president, along with many of the council members said the tour was excellent and thanked the soldiers for their outstanding job.

• Date Taken: 02.27.2014
• Date Posted: 03.03.2014 13:27
• Story ID: 121425
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US
• Hometown: CLEARWATER, FL, US
• Hometown: DETROIT, MI, US
• Hometown: ERIE, PA, US
• Hometown: GREENVILLE, SC, US
• Hometown: MESQUITE, TX, US