 Military News
Brooks visited the Combat Aviation Brigade, the 1st Inf. Div.'s all-in-one aviation unit responsible for providing air support to U.S. and Iraqi ground forces across nearly all of Iraq. The general met with unit commanders and received a summary of the brigade's operations but spent most of his time with the troops. Brooks walked through the brigade's hangars and talked to Soldiers about everything from their families to their future, always talking about the benefits of staying in the military. "In this business, we bring out the best in everybody," said Brooks. "If you feel like you're making a difference - keep doing it. You won't find this experience anywhere else." The general ended many of his conversations with the words, "Let's see that Lady Victory!" a call for his aide to hand him a 1st Inf. Div. coin bearing the division's historic symbol and the words, "For Excellence." Coins are presented in the military as tokens of achievement. Pfc. Sean Kruchten had not met a two-star general before but said despite the intimidation associated with the rank it was good to see his senior-leadership involved with the little guys. "I've seen it first-hand now - I think the things the general is saying to us today are genuine. I really think he cares," said Kruchten. Kruchten spoke briefly with Brooks and pocketed a Lady Victory. The general's visit also had official purposes. While his current command as head of U.S. Division-South does not put the CAB, 1st Inf. Div. under his jurisdiction, Brooks still met with Brigade Commander, Col. Frank Muth to speak about the unit's operations. The brigade is scheduled to remain in Iraq until next spring as the Army's last active-duty aviation unit to support Operation New Dawn. It is scheduled to become the only aviation brigade in Army history to be dubbed an enhanced combat aviation brigade and will be responsible for all of the country's Army aviation support by the end of this summer. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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