VIP Visit

Photo By Sgt. Brittany Johnson | Several state and city officials flew down to Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center (CSJFTC) to visit the Soldiers of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team today. During their visit they got to interact with Soldiers and observe Bradley and Tank live-fire on the ranges. Following the live-fire training exercise at the Multi-Purpose Range Complex (MPRC), the VIPs traveled to the Brigade Command Post (CP) where they ate lunch with the Soldiers and observed CP operations. (Mississippi Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Brittany Johnson, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team)  

HATTIESBURG, MS, MS, UNITED STATES

04.08.2016

Story by Spc. Brittany Johnson 

155th Armored Brigade Combat Team

Very important people including the Mayor of McComb, McComb Selectmen, Pike County Circuit Clerk, Pike County Supervisor, George County Circuit Clerk, George County Sheriff, and an Attorney-at-Law visited soldiers at the Camp Shelby Joint Force Training Center (CSJFTC), April 8.

When they exited the helicopter, the VIPs loaded into a vehicle and headed to the Multi-Purpose Range Complex (MPRC) where soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment (1-155th IN) conducted live fire exercises with Bradleys and Tanks. The VIPs were able to watch the exercises from the observation tower.

Seeing this training helped them understand the complexity of what their soldiers have to go through, said Lt. Col. Michael Dykes with the 1-155th IN. The exercise also shows them what the National Guard can provide to the local communities in times of crisis.

“Today we’re showing some of the local National Guard equipment to supporters of the National Guard in hopes that they will continue to support the National Guard,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gary Shaffer, a Bradley Commander with Company B/1-155IN.

After they left the MPRC, the guests toured the Brigade Command Post (CP), where they were briefed on the different operations.

“I know we’re ready and it makes me proud,” said Ted Tullos Selectman Ward 1 of McComb. “I see now why they do what they’re doing at Camp Shelby.”

It’s good for them to come out and familiarize themselves with what their soldiers from their communities do on a yearly and monthly basis while training at Camp Shelby or at their armories, said Dykes.

The 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team encourages employers and local politicians to come out and visit during the training.

• Date Taken: 04.08.2016
• Date Posted: 05.10.2016 09:03
• Story ID: 195824
• Location: HATTIESBURG, MS, MS, US