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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jul 4, 2009 - 6:56:05 PM |
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| Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Lindsey, mortar platoon leader, Bravo 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, describes operations at LSA Anaconda's south mortar pit to Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Multi-National Force-Iraq command sergeant major, during his visit July 27. |
Blackanthem Military News, LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - Task Force 2-82 Steel Dragons here received a visit July 27 from Multi-National Force-Iraq's (MNF-I) senior enlisted Soldier.
Command Sgt. Maj. Willie B. Jones, 2-82 command sergeant major, arranged for Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, MNF-I command sergeant major, to observe a typical day for the personnel of 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment. This is the second time Hill has visited the Steel Dragons.
"Sitting in the (distinguished visitors quarters) does nothing for Soldiers, nothing for MNF-I," said Hill. "So I got ahold of Sgt. Maj. Jones."
The first stop on Hill's visit was a briefing on the current activities in the Steel Dragon's area of responsibility. While also supporting reconstruction projects and medical care for local villages, the 2-82's primary mission is to keep the area surrounding LSA Anaconda secure.
"We use all the assets here to get the best effects," said Sgt. Maj. Thomas J. Boon, 2-82 operations noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), in reference to countering in-direct fire attacks. "Each strike this month we've recovered the mortar tube."
After watching video of an aerial strike on Anti-Iraqi Forces who had just launched a mortar attack, Hill loaded into an up-armored HMMWV and moved to the south mortar pit here for a short tour and to thank the troops who manned the position for their effort.
"There is not a mission here that's unimportant, no group too small," Hill said. "Everybody here has an important role."
Following this, Hill went on a patrol with nearly 30 Soldiers from 2-82, to the village of Al Jumia to deliver school supplies, cookies and shoes to the Iraqi children there. Hill noted the fact that the platoon leaders were all NCOs, a job traditionally filled by lieutenants.
"All NCOs run the patrols," said Jones.
"NCOs running things. No wonder I like coming here," Hill said. "We're doing right by our NCOs; getting them close and keeping them close to the lines."
Once the supplies had been handed out, Hill moved through the village on foot, observing the projects the 2-82 has headed. Once complete, Hill returned here.
"You all figured out just what I needed to see," Hill said. "I just want to tell you guys I appreciate it."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Children in the village of Al Jumia, Iraq cheer before receiving school supplies brought to them by Soldiers of Task Force 2-82 Steel Dragons July 27. |
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| Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Multi-National Force-Iraq command sergeant major, hands cookies to an Iraqi girl in the village of Al Jumia, Iraq July 27. |
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| Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Multi-National Force-Iraq command sergeant major, hands school supplies to an Iraqi girl in the village of Al Jumia, Iraq July 27. |
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| Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Multi-National Force-Iraq command sergeant major, discusses ideas for improving the professional development of NCOs in Iraq with Soldiers of Task Force 2-82 Steel Dragons here July 27. |
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