SMA Visits Troops Deployed to Poland

Photo By Sgt. Hubert Delany | Spc. Garrett Rushing (left), an Alton, Ill. native and a fire support specialist, with the the 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division and Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey (right) practice a simulated call for fire in Swietoszow, Poland during Dailey's visit to deployed Soldiers Dec. 16, 2017. The Sergeant Major of the Army serves as the example for enlisted Soldiers from the most junior private to the most senior command sergeant major, and is visiting deployed locations to demonstrate his commitment to the force. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hubert D. Delany III/22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

ZAGAN, POLAND

12.16.2017

Story by Spc. Hubert Delany 

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

ZAGAN, Poland – Sergeant Major of the Army Daniel A. Dailey arrived in Poland to visit Soldiers deployed in support of Atlantic Resolve.

Dailey visited Polish leaders of the 11th Armored Cavalry Division, U.S. Army senior leaders from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division and Soldiers from several units during his visit to three locations Dec. 16.

Dailey traveled here and talked with junior enlisted Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers to boost their morale, listen to their concerns and thank them for their service during the holiday season.

“We make a list of the Soldiers’ concerns and issues and relay those back to the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Secretary of the Army,” Dailey said, but also emphasized that the Army’s senior leaders also send a message that they are thinking about U.S. Soldiers and care about them.

The Sergeant Major of the Army promoted the work the Polish and U.S. armies have done to deter aggression in Europe.

“It’s the American flag standing shoulder to shoulder with the flags of NATO nations,” said Dailey. “We won’t tolerate aggression from anyone, we are here together, and we will be here together if need be, until the end.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Craig A. Copridge, command sergeant major, 2nd ABCT, echoed the same thoughts as the Sergeant Major of the Army when discussing the effectiveness of 2nd ABCT’s work with the Polish army.

“Going to the field, eating with them, working with them side-by-side to assure them that we are here to deter aggression,” said Copridge. “We are doing great training with the Polish national army.”

The visit from the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army reinforced the U.S. Soldiers’ commitment to supporting NATO allies as part of Atlantic Resolve.

Atlantic Resolve is a U.S. endeavor to fulfill NATO commitments by rotating units throughout the European theater to deter aggression against NATO allies and partners in Europe.

“It’s critically important that we build assurance with our allies,” said Dailey. “We are going to be here if they need help.”

Dailey highlighted the performance of the Dagger Brigade in support of Atlantic Resolve.

“The (Chief of Staff), the (Secretary of the Army) and myself couldn't be happier with the work that’s going on here,” said Dailey. “We've had several rotations now, and each one gets better and better.

It takes dedicated and motivated Soldiers to pull this off and keep the U.S. Army capable of deterring aggression.

“We’re American Soldiers,” Dailey said. “And we do things with duty, honor and respect.”

• Date Taken: 12.16.2017
• Date Posted: 12.17.2017 10:06
• Story ID: 259241
• Location: ZAGAN, PL
• Hometown: FORT RILEY, KS, US
• Hometown: JUNCTION CITY, KS, US
• Hometown: MANHATTAN, KS, US
• Hometown: PALMERTON, PA, US
• Hometown: WITCHITA, KS, US