Photo By Sgt. April York | Col. Marilyn Wills, command inspector general for U.S. Forces Afghanistan, speaks with...... read more read more
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HERAT, Afghanistan – Col. Marilyn D. Wills, command inspector general for U.S. Forces Afghanistan, made a trip to Camp Stone, Dec. 15, to visit with soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division to check on their safety and address their concerns.
“What can the IG do for you guys,” Wills asked the soldiers who were gathered around the table in the dining facility. “How is the chow here?”
The young soldiers with whom she was speaking, whose ranks ranged from private to sergeant, looked around at each other and spoke in unison, “It’s good.”
Wills asked many questions about living conditions, morale and safety. In addition, she provided them with information and statistics about issues occurring throughout the country.
“One of our biggest concerns is non-support of family members,” she said. “Soldiers, airmen and Marines choose to get in theater and don’t take care of their families back home.”
Several faces in the group of 15 soldiers looked shocked at this information but a few didn’t seem surprised.
“Take care of your family back home or your commander will be knocking at your door,” she informed them.
Some soldiers had concerns with an email they received about possible food shortages related to Pakistan closing its border to all NATO supplies.
“You need to understand that the military plans for things of such,” Wills assured them. “We have food in storage.”
Overall the discussion went on for 30 minutes until the soldiers were out of questions and their concerns were addressed.
“I think it was good that she brought up specific issues that were concerns of the soldiers,” said Sgt. Brandon Mayo, a food service specialist with Company G, 3rd Battalion, 16th FA Regiment. “I think this face-to-face will help soldiers feel more comfortable going to an IG with their concerns.”
“She was very inviting to talk to,” said Spc. William Behnke, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th FA Regiment. “If I had a major issue going on I would definitely contact IG. She made it seem like there are people up in the rank structure who really do care about what occurs.”
“The IG has its eyes and ears around everything and that’s what we are charged to do,” Wills said in closing. “Thank you for what you do across the battle space and be safe out here.”
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.20.2011 02:24 |
| Story ID: | 81594 |
| Location: | HERAT, AF |
| Web Views: | 465 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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