Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tony Spain | Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director, Army National Guard speaks to deployed Guardsmen...... read more read more
By Sgt. Tony J. Spain
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- The highest ranking officer of the United States Army National Guard met, spoke to, and ate dinner with deployed Guardsmen here Mar. 4.
Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director, Army National Guard, was given a warm welcome from fellow Guardsmen at the Kandahar Air Field main dining facility. More than 40 Guardsmen deployed from across the U.S. and currently serving at KAF crowded into the dining facility for the opportunity to meet, shake hands with, and listen to Vaughn address some of the issues facing the National Guard.
"It is a privilege to be here with you and I am proud of your service," said Vaughn.
Vaughn expressed how the American people are also proud of the National Guard's service. "The people in your communities are proud of you and are following what you are doing here very closely," he said.
Pfc. Dominic Abramson, a two-year member of the Oregon National Guard, was in attendance and glad to hear about the support from the home front.
"I think it is good to hear people back home are still following what we are doing because at times you don't hear about it as much. It just helps to reassure you that people are thinking and they know what is going on over here," said Abramson, who is on his first deployment and has served in Afghanistan for nine months.
Some key issues addressed by the three-star general included recruiting and retention in the National Guard.
Vaughn noted that 18 months ago the Guard was wondering how they were going to meet the demands placed on them. The Guard was 20,000 understaffed and stretched thin due to deployments. Today the Guard is almost at its 350,000 soldier limit.
"Our recruiting and our retention are really good. Our younger soldiers now out number the older ones and we have been able to retain experienced soldiers and keep that experience in the units," said Vaughn.
Spc. Jesse Thompson, a three-year member of the Oregon National Guard was pleased that retention has improved.
"I like to hear that they are making efforts in the right direction to keep retention within the units so that the experience stays along with the youth," said Thompson, a forward observer who volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan.
Vaughn also attested to the uniqueness of the National Guard Soldier, describing them as "Citizen Soldiers" with a heritage dating back to colonial times. The National Guard held its first formation in the Massachusetts Bay colonies on Dec. 13, 1636. This date is recognized as the birthday of the National Guard, and there have been "Citizen Soldiers" in formation ever since.
"We are the largest community-based defense force in the world and we are the most powerful community-based defense force in the world," said Vaughn.
Vaughn further elaborated on what a "Citizen Soldier" is. He said most National Guard Soldiers hold jobs in their communities with numerous titles ranging from farmers, teachers, and law enforcement agents serving in a variety of different kinds of units.
"The 'Citizen Soldier' shows everything that is right about America. It's someone who is a patriot that will put their families and job on hold to serve their nation when called to duty," said Vaughn.
Vaughn also spoke to the Guardsmen of the importance of the fight.
"We must win this thing in Afghanistan; it is a big piece of the puzzle in the war. Iraq is important too, this is the global war on terror," said Vaughn.
As the director of the National Guard, Vaughn guides the formulation, development and implementation of all programs and policies affecting nearly 350,000 Soldiers in 54 states, territories, and the District of Columbia.
There are approximately 700 National Guard Soldiers currently serving at KAF.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2007 15:53 |
| Story ID: | 9435 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR, AF |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 223 |
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