By Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – While Soldiers couldn't spend time with their families over the holidays, past-generation paratroopers left the comfort of their homes to show their support to the men and women of the 4th Brigade Combat Team who wear the 82nd Airborne patch.
Retired Lt. Col. James Megellas and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Tadeusz Gaweda showed up at Forward Operating Base Salerno with stories from their years in the service and their Christmases deployed.
Megellas, the most decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, landed with Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, 82nd Airborne Division commander, Christmas Day.
While Rodriguez presented several exemplary Soldiers with division coins to show his appreciation, Megellas talked about his war experiences, and touted the troops in the audience as "the greatest men and women in this generation."
Both Rodriguez and Megellas toured the base, passing out presents to the troops and spreading holiday cheer.
"This is my fourth Christmas with the troops overseas, but there was over 60 years between the second and third one," Megellas said. "I'm just happy to be with such a fine group at Christmas time."
Gaweda, who continues to support Soldiers and their families throughout Fort Bragg, N.C., arrived a day later with the 82nd Airborne Division's All American Chorus.
Gaweda showed special interest in the work of the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion and its missions getting goods and equipment to the Soldiers in outlying FOBs.
He toured some of the base with Command Sgt. Maj. Richard R. Flowers, the 4th Brigade senior enlisted leader, and Sgt. Maj. Brian Severino, the brigade operations sergeant major, including Salerno Combat Support Hospital and 782nd BSB supply support activity yard.
After the chorus performed Gaweda, presented Col. Martin Schweitzer, the 4th BCT commander, and Flowers with a copy of his book, I Love America.