SOUTHWEST ASIA – Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT commanding general and Alexandria, Va. native, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Frennier, Third Army/ARCENT senior enlisted leader and Whitehouse, Texas, native, visited troops at two bases in Southwest Asia, Sept. 21-23.
During their visit, Lt. Gen. Brooks and Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier expressed their gratitude while handing out Third Army coins to service members who have exceeded the standard with their hard work and dedication.
“You soldiers are the one percent of the nation who chose to serve,” Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier said. “You are the cream of the crop in our country, and I appreciate all of the sacrifices you’ve made to keep our country safe.”
After visiting with Third Army soldiers, Lt. Gen. Brooks took the opportunity to speak with partner nation military leaders.
Of those who attended the office call was Col. Tony Pfaff, Third Army/ARCENT chief of international military affairs and Charleston, S.C., native. Pfaff said the meeting showcased the outstanding relationship between the two military forces.
“Military-to-military relationships are critical to the stability of this region,” Pfaff said. “Communication between partner nations is vital.”
After meeting with the partner nation forces, Lt. Gen. Brooks and Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier were given a tour of Integrated Linguistic Activity, an organization where linguists provide translation services in several languages to service members and contractors across the globe.
As their visit came to an end, Pfc. Andrew Hildebrand, 1148th Transportation Company, Georgia National Guard, and an Eastman, Ga., native, said seeing Third Army’s CG and CSM is something he’ll never forget.
“It was cool to see the CG and CSM come around,” Hildebrand explained. “You always hear about them, and it’s great to finally have the chance to meet them. It’s a privilege and an honor to serve under Third Army.”
Third Army’s commitment to both the well-being of its soldiers, as well as the service members of partner nations remains a priority.
Through partner nation force strengthening events such as Lt. Gen. Brooks and Command Sgt. Maj. Frennier’s Southwest Asia visit, Third Army is helping to inspire, educate and inform service members, the strength of our nation.