Photo By Terrance Bell | Chaplain (Capt.) Tony Hunley, 244th Quartermaster Battalion chaplain, leads a...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. (July 14, 2016) -- It’s not easy being in a TRADOC unit. The hours are long. The work is demanding. The mission is critical – ensuring the Army’s newest Soldiers know their MOS and finalizing their soldierization process.
If a leader wants to not just survive – but thrive – in their two to three year assignment and finish strong, they must be resilient. Resiliency is not just about eating right, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep, nor just about getting time off. Resiliency is much more comprehensive.
One key feature of resiliency in the command philosophy of the 244th Quartermaster “Guardian” Battalion is time apart from the battle rhythm but spent together.
“It’s important for our cadre to get time together ... to vent, to motivate, and to learn from each other,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Collins, battalion commander. “It’s critical that we support our cadre through these opportunities in addition to ensuring they get the time off they need and deserve. This is one way we take care of our people; and when we take care of them, they will take care of the mission.”
Battalion staff and company command teams find many creative and successful ways to carry out the commander’s intent. One initiative is the popular “Chow with the Chaplain” program conducted with the help of chaplain assistant Spc. Ian Barclay over the past 18 months. Typically, three events are conducted each quarter. Two are focused on advanced individual training Soldiers and one on the permanent party. Each event is an opportunity for the Unit Ministry Team to treat the Soldiers to a good meal, provide opportunities for fellowship, and present a spiritual/religious topic for discussion.
Recently, 26 platoon sergeants, instructors and battalion staff – including Command Sgt. Maj. Octavia Greaves-Egyinam, battalion CSM – gathered for lunch, fellowship and discipleship.
Utilizing themes of trials and perseverance from the letter of James, there was a spirit-filled discussion that challenged each participant to mature in faith while leading Soldiers and families.
The discussion was lively with engaged participation from nearly everyone in attendance, which allowed everyone to learn from each other – and not just to be preached at – and grow closer together.
In the mission and work done here, relationships, communication and teamwork are critical. This event is one method to empower the unit. Based upon the prolific discussion, how quickly the time flew, and the liveliness everyone departed with, it was obvious this gathering was a much needed and desired break in the schedule.
| Date Taken: | 07.15.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2016 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 204111 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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