2nd BCT staff sees stars

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, speaks with the command staff of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Kalsu.  

05.23.2007

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

BAHGDAD, Iraq -- On May 19, the command staff of the 2nd Brigade Combat team, 3rd Infantry Division, was seeing stars – general stars that is.

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, took time out of his schedule in Baghdad to visit with the "Spartan" Soldiers at forward operating base Kalsu.

"He wanted to come down and welcome us to Iraq, get a quick assessment on us, see how we are doing and make sure Soldiers are taken care of," said Maj. Doug Brockhard, brigade aviation officer.

To meet these requirements, Lynch toured the base, the brigade's tactical operating center, and spoke with various members of the brigade.

Conversations varied from meet and greets to operational planning.

In terms of operational planning, Lynch was informed about the parallel planning the 2nd BCT staff did with the G5 (division) staff in preparation for Operation Marne Torch, said Maj. Eric Weis, brigade S3 chief of plans.

"He came here to make sure we have all the combat assets and enablers we need," Weis said. "Right now he agrees we're on timeline."

While confident of the plan, operation, Lynch was equally impressed with and confident in both the Soldiers creating the plan and those who will execute it.

"Though the area will be difficult, like 1st Brigade (who were recently praised for their efforts in Ramadi by the Stars and Stripes newspaper) they will rise to the occasion," he said. "They are all dog-faced Soldiers, and dog-faced Soldiers have historically for the last 89 years marched to the sounds of the drums and met the needs of our nation. This is what this brigade will do as well."
To ensure the brigade has the necessary assets to accomplish this, Lynch also stressed safety during his visit.

"All the Soldiers got to remember to make safety and security their main priority. This is a dangerous and difficult situation, so focus on the mission, adhere to established standards and do what your supervisors tell you to and you'll be okay," Lynch said.

Soldiers weren't the only party Lynch addressed. Knowing how vital they are to Soldiers' morale and welfare, Lynch had words to all the Spartan supporters – family members.

"For the families back home, we just love you and appreciate your sacrifice," he said. "We know that you bear a burden that is almost immeasurable and they free us to do our job."

Though his visit was only a few hours in length, the boost it provided for Soldiers' morale was much longer.

"When Soldiers see the commanding general come to shake hands, give out coins and takes time out of his busy schedule it makes them feel good," Brockhard said. "It let's them know he cares and that they (the Soldiers) are taken care of."

• Date Taken: 05.23.2007
• Date Posted: 05.23.2007 09:04
• Story ID: 10484