Knights Brigade leaders demonstrate pride

BAUMHOLDER, RP, GERMANY

08.04.2017

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- Members of the 16th Sustainment Brigade participated in a weeklong event known as “Knights Week” August 1-4 to increase cohesion amongst the units by giving leaders the opportunity to become more familiar with one another.
Leadership took part in events such as command briefs, leader development trainings, and team building activities.
“Knights Week brings everybody together so we can have one shared understanding of how [the Brigade commander] operates,” said Master Sgt. Ramah Wilson, the S-3 NCOIC. Wilson was tasked with aiding the brigade commander, Col. Michelle Donahue, and command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Graham in planning the classes, briefs, and drills.
First sergeants, sergeants major, and commanders from the companies and battalions came together in physical fitness and cooking competitions. The fitness competition included normal workouts and more intense exercises like log carries and a Humvee pull. The cook off broke the leadership in two groups and required them to make lunch for the residents of Smith Barracks at the brigade’s Hard Rock Diner. Later, the leaders took part in a “speed dating” simulation.
“The speed dating scenario was something Col. Donahue put in place so the leadership could get to know each other,” said 1st Sgt. Kevin D. McGee, first sergeant of HHC, 16th Special Troops Battalion. “We told two truths and a lie. We had to learn something about our peers across the formation.”
The scenario got leaders more familiar with one another, said Donahue. She urged everyone to get to know one another better so they know who they could help and who they could call on in times of need.
“I want these Soldiers to understand the importance of trust and intimacy,” Donahue said. “When you have intimate trust in the Soldiers and the command, you tend to reap those positive benefits as leaders. The brigade can only benefit from increasing cohesion and improving relationships between the companies and battalions.”
Knights Week ensured a ready sustainment brigade that sustains and enables freedom of maneuver and extends the operational reach for a strong Europe.
"Knights Week improved team-building mentorship, and leader development among company, battalion, and command and staff teams, which will benefit the brigade in our operations across Europe,” said Graham. “The week occurred at the perfect time, as the brigade is preparing for a busy season of upcoming missions."

• Date Taken: 08.04.2017
• Date Posted: 08.14.2017 05:59
• Story ID: 244759
• Location: BAUMHOLDER, RP, DE