Photo By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Johnson | State Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gilliam speaks to Soldiers of the 237th Support...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Kimberly Johnson
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Ohio's adjutant general and state command sergeant major traveled overseas to Kuwait and Iraq to visit deployed service members recently.
Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt and Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gilliam journeyed thousands of miles to spend four days in mid-July visiting with Soldiers from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stationed in Kuwait. In Iraq, they visited Ohio Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 371st Sustainment Brigade, the 583rd Law and Order Detachment and several Air National Guardmembers who volunteered for individual deployments.
"I met with Lt. Gen. James Lovelace, commander of U.S. Army Central, and he said he has never seen such professional Soldiers as those of you from the 37th," Wayt said to the Soldiers. "You are a part of a winning team, and I could not be more proud of what you are doing here."
Wayt and Gilliam spent most of their visit with the Ohio troops, sharing meals and holding "town hall" meetings at each stop. During the meetings, Soldiers were given the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions about issues including policies, the new G.I. Bill, mobilization process changes and a reintegration program for their return from deployment.
Gov. Ted Strickland made an unscripted video message which was played for the deployed Soldiers. In the video, he thanked them for their service and assured them they were not forgotten, and told them their fellow Ohioans anticipated their safe return from the Middle East.
Wayt credited the Ohio National Guard enlisted leaders with Ohio's recruiting success, which is at an all-time high.
"Our numbers are high because of the winning culture all of you have set," Wayt said to members of the 37th. "Our success is because of the non-commissioned officers. You have the hardest job in the Army training and shaping Soldiers to the standard that you have. I commend you for that."
As the senior enlisted Soldier in Ohio, Gilliam extended his pride to the Soldiers.
"I would hug each and every one of you if I could," Gilliam said with a smile. "But being a command sergeant major, I don't hug Soldiers."
Both men said they are proud of the missions the Ohio Soldiers have done and the missions they do every day.
"Do not get complacent over here," Gilliam warned. "Come home safe and we will be waiting on you."
Added Wayt, "The bottom line is that we couldn't do what we do around the world without our Citizen-Soldiers and the dedication you have to the mission of the 37th, to your community, to your state and to your country."
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2008 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 21946 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 308 |
| Downloads: | 271 |
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