29th CAB hosts USARCENT commander

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Isolda Reyes | U.S. Army Central Commanding General Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett (right), presents a challenge coin to Capt. Matthew Jackson, a signal officer with the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade, for a job well done at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 10. The 29th CAB supports USARCENT by providing aviation assets to both Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes)  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

08.10.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Isolda Reyes 

29th Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Lt. Gen. Michael Garrett, US Army Central commanding general, visited the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 10.

Garrett met with staff sections and key leaders from subordinate battalions for a command capabilities brief, which allowed the USARCENT commanding general to hear about the 29th CAB’s successes and some desired improvements to better accomplish the CAB’s missions through USARCENT’s area of operations.

“I appreciate all that you are doing, by, with and through the approaches you have taken,” said Garrett. “You have been mindful of everything you have to do to mitigate the risk.”

Col. Mark Beckler, the 29th CAB commander, and staff spoke with Garrett about areas of concern and possible solutions to ongoing challenges, as well as lessons learned along the way.

Garrett commented on each of the issues and summarized the efforts and the focus of USARCENT as a whole as he informed the staff of their mission priorities according to the Department of Defense.

Garrett reassured the CAB commander and staff that USARCENT appreciates their efforts in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait and Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq.

“I am comfortable that you have the right people in the right place,” said Garrett. “I am amazed at the professionalism of this organization despite the challenges.”

Beckler was pleased to hear Garrett’s assessment about how the CAB’s deployment is progressing.

"The [USARCENT] commanding general visited the 29th CAB and shared his initial guidance at the beginning of our deployment,” said Beckler. “His mid-tour visit provided a great opportunity for me to tell him how things are going.”

In closing, Garrett presented coins of excellence to three distinguished individuals and provided final guidance regarding the mission and associated risks.

“I need you to do everything to mitigate the risk,” said Garrett. “I see you have the right people in the right location, even down to the youngest Soldier.”

• Date Taken: 08.10.2017
• Date Posted: 08.29.2017 04:15
• Story ID: 246376
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW
• Hometown: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD, US
• Hometown: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US