36th Engineer Brigade hosts Commander’s Conference

Courtesy Photo | Col. Kent D. Savre, JTF Rugged commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence W. Murphy, JTF Rugged Sgt. Maj. and Maj. Ruby J. Wayman, JTF Rugged S-4 presented the Order of Saint Martin (Bronze Medallion) to Chief Warrant Officer 2, Reginald A. Hardison, JTF Rugged PBO.  

BALAD, IRAQ

09.02.2010

Story by Sgt. Maj. WILLIAM S. LEWIS 

36th Engineer Brigade

BALAD, Iraq - On Aug. 28, at Joint Base Balad, Col. Kent D. Savre hosted a Commander’s Conference for all Joint Task Force Rugged commanders, first sergeants, and command sergeants major. The conference included all the remaining echelons above brigade engineer units in Iraq. These senior engineer leaders, comprise of both the Army, and the Air Force, represent a wide spectrum of engineering capabilities.

The Engineer Commander’s Conference provided an opportunity for every unit commander within the JTF to showcase their unit and explain the capabilities they bring to the fight in support of Stability Operations in Iraq. "The Commander’s Conference was a great opportunity to get all of the remaining Iraqi Joint Operation Area engineer forces; both Army and Air Force, that are spread across the breadth of Iraq into one room and discuss the way forward as the mission transitions into Operation New Dawn," said Maj. Robert J. Hellner III., 36th Eng. Bde. chief of Operations.

The conference also provided a rare opportunity for Savre, to address his command teams. The commander used this time to discuss the impact the transition to Operation New Dawn has on JTF Rugged. “Due to the geographic dispersion of the brigade, bringing all of the leaders together is tough. This gathering provided an opportunity for all of my commanders and senior enlisted advisors to come together, receive my vision and intent first-hand, and think critically as we exchanged ideas and best practices in preparation for the commencement of Operation New Dawn,” said Col. Kent D. Savre, Brigade commander.

The 724th Engineer Battalion and 732nd Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron (USAF) commanders were also allotted time during the conference to engage their own unit commanders. "The conference was a great opportunity to hear Col Savre's command philosophy, his finish strong points and to learn about the other engineering assets left in the IJOA. The 732nd EPBS is proud to be a part of history and proud to be part of the Rugged Team," said Lt. Col. Laura Johnson, 732nd EPBS commander.

An evening social was initiated with the awarding of the Engineer Regimental Bronze de Fleury Medal to 1st Sgt. Sammy W. Sparger and Sgt. Maj. Bruce L. Machado. The de Fleury Medal is awarded to individuals who has rendered significant service or support to more than one element of the Engineer Regiment over a period of time that normally exceeds ten years.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Reginald A. Hardison also received The Honorable Order of Saint Martin (Bronze Medallion). The Order of Saint Martin recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and served and contributed to the US Army Quartermaster Corp with selfless service.

Following the award ceremony, group photos were taken of the attendees and individual command teams using a static display of route clearance and construction equipment provided by the 724th Engineer Battalion. Soldiers from the Brigade Headquarters hosted a Texas Sized BBQ and social event adjacent to the brigade headquarters.

After sharing experiences and interacting with other members of the Rugged Team, it was apparent that the leaders believe the conference to be helpful in understanding the brigade’s mission. The attendees left the conference with a clear understanding of the JTF Rugged commander’s vision, philosophy and his goal to “Finish Strong”.

• Date Taken: 09.02.2010
• Date Posted: 09.02.2010 11:35
• Story ID: 55607
• Location: BALAD, IQ