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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
FORT CARSON, Colo. - More than 1,000 Soldiers and Family members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, packed the McMahon Auditorium to attend a Warhorse Update meeting June 19.
Col. Butch Kievenaar, commander, 2nd BCT, spoke to and answered questions from the audience, offering them updated information on brigade events and the upcoming deployment to Iraq, which is slated for fall.
"I think it's very important to have meetings like these," said Jennifer, wife of Lt. Leo Thomas, executive officer, Company E, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.
"The information isn't second hand and everyone hears it straight from the brigade commander at the same time. He's very good at giving us up-to-date information and letting us know what we need to know," she said.
It's beneficial to have direct access to the brigade commander and get information directly from him, agreed Karen, wife of Staff Sgt. Nick de Shong, platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Special Troops Battalion.
"It's rumor control. I know it came from him and it's real," said de Shong.
The audience was also briefed by Maj. Matthew Cody, brigade operations officer, and Lt. Col. Lance Kohler, brigade rear detachment commander.
Cody let the Families know what to expect after the brigade returns from block leave and Kohler spoke of available resources to Families prior to and during deployment.
The meeting was just one of recent and planned events to keep brigade members- Soldiers and Family members- informed and help them prepare for the upcoming deployment.
A deployment fair was also held June 17-19 to allow Soldiers and Family members to become familiar with and utilize tools and services available during and prior to deployment. Participants were able to update personal information on file, life insurance policies to get legal documents in order, such as powers of attorney and wills.
Information on Family Readiness Groups and registration for virtual FRG was also provided, as was registration for free childcare with Child Youth Services.
"I'm glad to get this stuff done now, so that I know my husband and 19-month-old daughter will be taken care of in my absence," said Sgt. Stella Bergener, human resources sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd BCT.
After Warhorse Soldiers return from block leave, the brigade plans another deployment fair July 14-17 that will offer a wider array of information and services, including civilian and community vendors.
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