Soldiers from 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Keep Busy in May

Story by Sgt. John Stimac, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Public Affairs

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Sgt. Jeffrey S. Niemi assists Sgt. McDonald Linyama in assessing Sgt. Robert E. Waight o during training to become a certified Combat Life Saver, May 5 in Malawi, Africa.

CHICAGO (05/16/2011)(readMedia)-- The 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago was busy during the first half of May.

Many of the Soldiers returned from an overseas humanitarian mission in Malawi, Africa that began May 1 and ended May 15.

These Soldiers participated in MEDREACH 11, a joint effort between the Malawi Defense Force and the United States military with an immediate focus on medical outreach to Malawi civilians.

Those from the brigade who remained stateside attended a tradition drill weekend on May 14 and 15. On Saturday they partook in a diagnostic Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT). The test, which includes sit-ups, pushups and a 2-mile run, prepares Soldiers for the record APFT in August by providing them with a baseline of their current physical statuses.

Spc. Roberto A. Beltran of Chicago, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and Pfc. Cindy Sandoval of Chicago, a combat engineer with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, finished first in the run portion of the test and both had the highest overall scores in the brigade.

During the week, two of the brigade's Soldiers were recognized at a Major League Baseball game in Chicago.

Capt. Sean Williams of Chicago, a plans and airspace management officer, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade was recognized May 11 at the Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals game. Williams received two Bronze Stars for meritorious service during his deployments to Iraq in 2005 and 2007.

"I caught a foul ball in the first inning off Matt Holliday's bat," said Williams. "Everyone in the crowd was cheering for me. It was really cool."

Lt. Col. Gregory S. Ota of Wheaton, with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, was honored on May 14 at the Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants game. Ota received a Bronze Star for meritorious service during his deployments to Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007.

Ota elected to take Beltran and Sandoval, the Soldiers who scored the highest on the APFT earlier that day.

Ota said the Cubs public relations staff was very accommodating. He said due to the inclement weather the staff asked if they would like to enjoy the game in one of the suites.

"How can you say no to that?" said Ota.

Before the game, the Soldiers said they had the opportunity to walk on the field and take pictures. They said they also got to meet the reigning Miss America, Teresa Scanlan, who sang the National Anthem for the evening's game.

"You never know who you're going to run into at one of these games," said Ota.