Courtesy Photo | Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds speaks to attendees during the 103rd Sustainment...... read more read more
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DES MOINES, Iowa— Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds attended the 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) annual winter ball on Dec. 8 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown Hotel, and commented on the new relationship between the Army Reserve and state governments as a result of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act.
“The Reserve component has been and will continue to be an asset to the state and country,” Reynolds said during her remarks as the guest speaker.
The 2012 NDAA stipulates that state governments may now call upon Reserve forces to respond to stateside natural disasters. Because of this change, Reserve units are trying to increase state governments’ awareness of the Reserve’s capabilities. The 103rd ESC is no different.
“There is a large logistical footprint from the 103rd [ESC] in the Midwest,” said Brig. Gen. Arlan Deblieck, commanding general of the 103rd ESC. “We have a large amount of capabilities, and we can help.”
Reynolds expressed her own desire to be involved with Iowa’s Reserve components. She said when she was invited to attend the winter ball this past summer at the Iowa State Fair, she was “extremely honored.”
“I think [the 2012 NDAA] is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge Reservists and the important role that they play,” Reynolds said. “Each of you tonight represents the embodiment of citizen-soldier.”
Reynolds added that Army Reserve soldiers’ expertise and ability to step up when called upon are important attributes in natural disaster response.
Because of this new addition to the 2012 NDAA, Reynolds said that it will take continuous interaction between the state government and the Army Reserve in order to reach the partnership’s full potential.
“The support, continuity, commitment and expertise that each of you provides…is imperative,” she said. “It takes a coordinated effort…you need all entities working together, or it’s not going to work.”
In the end, Reynolds made sure that each soldier in attendance knew how important and respected he or she is in the eyes of the Iowa government.
“The governor and I know that each of you stands ready,” Reynolds said in closing. “It will be incredibly beneficial when responding to citizens’ needs.”
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2012 12:42 |
| Story ID: | 99491 |
| Location: | DES MOINES, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Iowa leadership expresses support, respect for Reserve component, by SGT Emily Walter, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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