Senior Alabama Guard Officials Visit Troops in Afghanistan

MONTGOMERY, AL (06/30/2011)(readMedia)-- Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith and the state command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie W. Pike, traveled to Bagram, Kandahar and Kabul, Afghanistan with the National Guard Bureau's Joint Monthly Access Reserve Component (JMARC) trip, June 20-25, 2011.

The group met with Soldiers from Alabama, Massachusetts, Nevada, and the Army Reserve, in addition to other Servicemembers.

"The pride of the Alabama National Guard Soldiers stood out. The National Guard is very important. The active component needs the National Guard. We can do it as good as or better than they can," said Smith.

The monthly trips give reserve component general officers and sergeants major the opportunity to visit their soldiers.

"Adjutants General should visit their troops overseas. It gives Guardsmen a chance to share their stories with someone of importance, and gives them reassurance that the state command cares as they are away from their families and livelihoods," said Smith.

Alabama Soldiers and Servicemembers from numerous units and services continue to serve in the war in Afghanistan.

"It was a touching experience to see our Alabama National Guard Soldiers and have breakfast with the 1165th MP Company from Fairhope. We had the chance to talk with the Soldiers, and hear their stories. It was humbling. There were no gripes and no complaints. It was one big National Guard family," said Pike.

During the JMARC, the command took time to visit and thank Soldiers and other Servicemembers for the sacrifice they have given while visiting a combat hospital.

"In the hospital we saw the reality of war," said Pike. "When I told my wife about the experience, tears rolled down my cheeks."

"I was not prepared psychologically," said Smith. "You do not expect to walk in a hospital and see a Marine from Alabama that has lost his feet in an attack the day before. It was heartbreaking to know they bring someone in every day with life-changing injuries every day."

The six-day trip gave the state command a small glimpse into what life is like in Afghanistan.

"Our Alabama Soldiers are courageous and brave, said Pike. The training they have received has made them ready for war. Their leadership is exceptional. They are not only good at their jobs, but they use their civilian occupation skills every day. I will remember not just the Alabama Soldiers, but all Soldiers wanting to leave it (Afghanistan) better than they found it," said Pike

"I want the Soldiers to know we think about them every day and the sacrifices they are making are not going unnoticed," said Smith. "Keep doing a great job and you will be home before you know it."

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Posted Thursday June 30, 2011 at 05:39 pm by Alabama National Guard
Last Updated Monday August 01, 2011 at 10:16 am