Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw
CFLCC PAO/11th PAD
A former Army chief of staff visited troops in Kuwait to view training, base improvements and officially recognize the Kuwait charter of the Association of the United States Army.
Retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, the 32nd CSA and AUSA president, one of many organizations that assist Soldiers and their families, visited Camps Buehring and Arifjan March 4 - 7.
The former CSA viewed the counter-improvised explosive device lanes at Udairi Range, ate meals with Soldiers and conducted an officer professional development brief.
"Frankly, the only way you can really understand what's going on in the Army amongst Soldiers and their families is to come to where the troops are and this is where the troops are," Sullivan said.
Sullivan also wanted to be aware of how Soldiers prepare for missions.
"I expect to understand more how the training regime has improved itself over the last two years and how troops are being trained," he added.
During his visit, Sullivan said he was awed by the troops.
"It's very impressive to see how cohesive the Army is, how focused and how selfless Soldiers are," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said his bottom line messages for the servicemembers was to thank them and their families for their service and to share what his experiences have taught him.
He imparted his knowledge during the OPD, telling attendees to build teams to create an image of the future.
"Create a vision and bring the organization to it.â?¦ Duck and weave to accomplish that vision â?¦ because stuff happens," Sullivan said. "The leader who can improvise without losing that vision is the one who succeeds."
Sullivan also shared lessons learned from his expertise during the OPD. Some of this advice included being flexible and resilient and how character counts " your organization will reflect the individuals in it.
"I took away from the OPD that the Army will always endure. The Army is a people organization," said Capt. Brian Southard, Coalition Forces Land Component Command Provost Marshal Office operations officer. "As long as you train your Soldiers and have quality leadership you will always complete the mission."
Many of those who attended the OPD found Sullivan to be inspirational and enjoyed his thoughts.
"He's a genuine American hero and a role model to every Soldier," said Maj. Gen. James A. Kelley, Coalition Forces Land Component Command deputy commander. "There is no one who exemplifies our Army values and everything that I know I associate with the words Soldier, leader and patriot as he does."
In his eyes, Sullivan exemplifies patriotism, Southard said.
"He's been around for a while, he's seen it all. In order to be in this organizationâ?¦ you have to love it, you have to embrace it," Southard said.
He added, "It's all about service to country and he obviously has that."