By Sgt. Emily Suhr
81st Brigade Combat Team
RAMADI, Iraq - Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, the adjutant general for the Washington National Guard, and Army State Command Sgt. Maj. Kim S. May, the State Command Sergeant Major for the Washington National Guard, visited troops from the 81st Brigade Combat Team, based out of Camp Murray, Wash., Dec. 28 and 29, 2008 in Iraq.
The 81st BCT has approximately 3,200 Soldiers deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 2,400 of them, who are spread across Iraq from Mosul to Tallil, are from the Washington Army National Guard.
During Lowenberg's two-day trip, he was able to meet with Soldiers from Headquarters Company, 81st BCT in Ramadi and 1-161st Infantry (Combined Arms Battalion) in Balad. He spoke to Soldiers about issues from the home front, such as family and Soldier care, TriCare benefits and the economy back home.
The worsening economy in Washington was a concern for many Soldiers.
"It will affect us," said Lowenberg.
However, he assured Soldiers that it was both his and Gov. Christine Gregoire's objective to retain all Washington military jobs. While about 1,400 state employees have been laid off so far, Lowenberg assured deployed Soldiers that the governor had given priority to the military when creating the budget.
Though much of the military funding was spared, budget cuts still need to be made.
"Every penny we save over the next few years will mean the difference between someone losing their job and not," he said.
Besides keeping their National Guard jobs, Lowenberg wanted to stress that civilian job opportunities would be waiting for Soldiers as well. Washington has implemented a J-9 section at Joint Force Headquarters where all Soldier and family care issues will be under one roof. The J-9 will not only help Guardsmen's families while they are deployed, but has programs set up to assist returning Soldiers looking for employment in a bleak economy. The Washington National Guard has reached an agreement with many unions across the state to enroll returning Soldiers and Airmen into fully funded apprenticeship and journeymen programs.
"It's not just about making sure your medical and dental is taken care of, we need to make sure your life cycle is taken care of," said Lowenberg.
Lowenberg opened himself up to the Soldiers and let them voice their own concerns from the warfront. Many expressed disappointment with some of the training they received prior to coming to Iraq, their inability to procure equipment and promotion issues.
Lowenberg assured the Soldiers, "Your concerns, the shortfalls and the gaps, are being heard."
He urged Soldiers to, "Keep their mind and attention on theater requirements. We'll take care of things at home. We'll take their suggestions and recommendations and input for process improvements and work it, they just need to focus on taking care of business in theater."
Col. Ronald Kapral, the 81st BCT commander, and his staff briefed Lowenberg on all the accomplishments the 81st BCT has achieved since their arrival in October.
"It's amazing what National Guard Soldiers are capable of doing," said Kapral.
Across Iraq, 81st BCT Soldiers are conducting convoy security missions, base sustainment operations and base defense missions.
Lowenberg, who had tried to make it to Iraq for Christmas, expressed his thanks to the 81st BCT Soldiers and let them know how proud of them he was.
"There are very few people in this world who will be able to do, even if they wanted to, what you are all are going to do tomorrow, what you do everyday. You're making history," he said.