FORT BLISS, Texas - The 1st Brigade Combat Team’s chaplain, Maj. Sungjean Kim and the 501st Brigade Support Battalion’s chaplain, Capt. “Ronnie” Irwin visits soldiers in Irwin’s battalion.
The chaplains understand the stresses of training brought forth during a high-intensity exercise like Iron Focus and offer a morale booster for the soldiers of the 501st BSB. Iron Focus is the largest training exercise to happen on Fort Bliss in the last decade. Is four weeks of training take soldiers through real-world scenarios they could encounter during future operations in Afghanistan.
“Our mission during Iron Focus is to supply religious support to my Battalion and the other elements that are working with us. I interact with the soldiers and offer opportunities for bible studies,” said Irwin.
While interacting with their soldiers, the chaplains met twin generator mechanics who joined the Army, chose the same job and surprisingly ended up in the same company.
“Living with the soldiers five days a week, mostly without showers, gives the soldiers the will to push through this exercise when they see their chaplains going through the same living conditions,” said Kim.
Kim believes in training and how it can save lives. The Iron Focus exercise will better prepare the “Ready First!” Combined Team with their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.