New Alabama State CSM Visits Troops in Iraq

Related Media

State Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Jones (left) and Alabama Adjutant General Abner C. Blalock are pictured here with a painting of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

• Story in Word format
• Alabama Adjutant General Abner C. Blalock and State Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Jones visit with Soldiers from the 129th Area Support Medical Company while visiting with deployed Alabama Guardsmen.

Some 500 Soldiers with the 217th Military Police Company, Prattville, Ala.; the 129th Area Support Medical Company, Centreville, Ala.; the 441st Ordnance Battalion, Huntsville, Ala.; the 203rd Military Police Battalion, Athens, Ala.; the 151st Chemical Battalion, Gadsden, Ala.; and the 1343rd Chemical Company, Fort Payne, Ala., received a visit from State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. A.C. Blalock and State Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Jones in early February.

This was Jones' first trip overseas to visit with troops since his selection as State Command Sergeant Major in mid January. "I am extremely proud and honored to be able to visit with our deployed Soldiers," said Jones. "The next trip cannot come too soon."

As State Command Sergeant Major, Jones will periodically accompany the State Adjutant General to visit deployed Alabama National Guard Soldiers.

"These trips allow me and the State Command Sergeant Major to get a perspective of the challenges and progress of not only our warriors serving in uniform, but also the progress of the coalition efforts and how our warriors are helping in the progress," explained Blalock.

1st Lt. Johnnie Scott Jr., executive officer for the 1343rd Chemical Company, said the Soldiers of the 1343rd were pleased to meet with the Adjutant General and the newly appointed State Command Sergeant Major. "I gained solace in knowing that they took time to have breakfast with the junior non-commissioned officers and enlisted Soldiers," said Scott. "This time was set aside for the Joes and as I understand it, they took full advantage of the opportunity to see their leaders."

Along with updating the Soldiers on news from back home and reinforcing their missions, Blalock and Jones took the time to ask for feedback. "We gathered feedback on the latest issues our warriors are facing on deployment and feedback on what their families are saying about the support they are receiving from the Family Support and Readiness processes," said Blalock.

Blalock said that he also speaks to the warriors openly and frankly about the stresses they will participate in upon their release from active duty and reintegration with their families, including suicide prevention assistance that is available if required.

"It is imperative to ensure our Soldiers maintain a high moral," said Jones. "These visits give us the opportunity to find and fix problems or issues, improve moral and reinforce the state's commitment to the welfare of our deployed Soldiers."

Jones said the Soldier's moral was overall fantastic. "They are working hard and getting results," said Jones. "Each unit has achieved success beyond expectations."