Iron soldiers gain resiliency through Iron Strong Program

Courtesy Photo | 3rd AAB soldiers attend one of many class sessions during the Iron Strong Program, which is an initiative that brings soldiers from across the brigade to Camp Adder to learn about the various aspects of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.  

CAMP ADDER, IRAQ

02.05.2011

Story by Pfc. Khori Johnson 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Spc. Khori D. Johnson

CAMP ADDER, Iraq – The 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division recently initiated the Iron Strong Program, a program operated out of the Iron Stronghold Resiliency Center on Camp Adder which demonstrates the brigade’s dedication to the Army-wide Comprehensive Soldier Fitness campaign.

The Iron Strong Program is an initiative which brings soldiers from every battalion to Camp Adder to have a break from their daily mission and participate in activities designed to enhance soldiers’ resiliency.

“The whole concept of the program is to have soldiers come and take a knee,” said Staff Sgt. Sebastian Zarasua, the resiliency center noncommissioned officer in charge, from Crawford, Neb., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment.

“We aim to give them some time off, create a very relaxed environment, and while they’re here away from their units, give them some good classes based on the five pillars of Comprehensive soldier Fitness.”

Throughout the program, soldiers are exposed to the five pillars of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: physical, emotional, spiritual, family, and social. Each pillar is represented by resiliency center staff members, like the brigade chaplain for the spiritual pillar and a nutritionist for the physical pillar.

One of the benefits of assembling a mixture of soldiers from all over the brigade lies in the fact that they get to meet and get to know a wide range of soldiers and military occupational specialties.

Once they break the ice, the mixed group of soldiers makes for a very positive and supportive environment, said Spc. Justin Howell, an infantryman from Fort Collins, Colo., assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

While the soldiers learn how to manage stress and become more resilient, they also get the chance to kick back and enjoy a little time off through barbecues, karaoke, and other fun activities.

With the program recently finishing its second iteration, there has been a very positive response by participating soldiers.

“It was a really nice break. Also, seeing some new faces was really helpful,” said Spc. Shannon Nastold, an Arabic linguist from Cincinnati, Ohio, assigned to Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion.

• Date Taken: 02.05.2011
• Date Posted: 02.08.2011 08:22
• Story ID: 65001
• Location: CAMP ADDER, IQ