SMA has special holiday message for advise and assist paratroopers

Photo By Sgt. Mike MacLeod | Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston, delivers a special holiday message to paratroopers of 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade), and their attached units as part of the USO Sergeant Major of the Army 2009 Hope and Freedom Tour at Camp Ramadi, Dec. 19. Preston says he is very proud of the job that 1/82 AAB has done in Al Anbar as the first AAB.  

RAMADI, IRAQ

12.19.2009

Story by Spc. Mike MacLeod 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq — The sergeant major of the Army delivered a special holiday message to advise and assist paratroopers partnered with Iraqi security forces in Al Anbar province as part of the USO Sergeant Major of the Army 2009 Hope and Freedom Tour at Camp Ramadi, Dec. 19.

"Somebody has to be first, and this brigade has done a magnificent job of coming in to be the very first [advise and assist brigade], to take over that mission and really partner with the Iraqis and help them take over responsibility for their own country," said Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston to paratroopers of 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist Brigade), and soldiers of their attached units.

"We're here just to be their strength if they do happen to need something," he said.

In a speech, Preston told approximately 500 soldiers that, with 263,000 troops deployed in 80 countries, it's been a busy year for the Army.

The Army is taking steps to reduce stress on the force, including ending 15-month deployments and the stop-loss program, ensuring that redeploying units get at least 12 months "dwell time," and working toward a 2011 goal of two years dwell time for each year of deployment, he said.

Preston was optimistic about the upcoming Iraqi national elections, saying that the Iraqis now know how to conduct elections.

"The new administration — or if the current administration is reelected — is going to be seated into power successfully," he predicted.

"What I hope is that the remainder of the tour over here for 1st Brigade is uneventful and it goes by very quickly, and that all the soldiers get back safe and sound to Fort Bragg," he said.

Preston's remarks preceded live entertainment for the 500 soldiers that included model, Leeann Tweeden, and country music performer, Keni Thomas.

Thomas is a former Army Ranger who fought in the Mogadishu, Somalia, battle that was highlighted in the movie, "Black Hawk Down."

• Date Taken: 12.19.2009
• Date Posted: 12.20.2009 13:03
• Story ID: 42975
• Location: RAMADI, IQ