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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (December 24, 2008) - U.S.
Central Command's Commanding General, Gen. David H. Petraeus, got
up-close and personal with servicemembers during his visit to Camp
Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 24.
"The purpose of this visit is to see how the troops are doing,
talk to commanders and senior NCOs, and put a finger on the pulse
of the operation, exercise and security assistant activities," said
Petraeus.
Petraeus, who has been in command of CENTCOM since Oct. 31, "put
his hands in his pockets and relaxed" as he stopped over to various
units around the Camp Arifjan.
He met with servicemembers, whom he noted for having a key role
in building an architectural command and control structure, with
key links in ballistic missile defense and security assistant
activities.
"USARCENT plays a critical role across the entire area of
responsibility in providing the key-enabling functions in Iraq and
Afghanistan and other countries were we have significant and
sizeable activity," said Petraeus.
The CENTCOM commander began his visit by meeting with the air
defenders of 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, who he
commended for being a ready and capable battalion.
Two Soldiers were given the unique opportunity of being
re-enlisted and promoted by Petraeus.
The general refered to re-enlisting Pfc. Casey Beaupre,
generator mechanic and Hillman, Mich., native, and promoting Spc.
Richard Jones, early warning systems operator and Gastonia, N.C.,
native, to sergeant, as a "great privilege."
"I want to thank you for the privilege to promote and re-enlist
you the day before Christmas in front of your peers and
leadership," said Petraeus. "Promoting people who deserve it helps
the Army get better one great Soldier at a time."
Petraeus then proceeded to the 335th Theater Signal Command,
where Commander, Brig. Gen. James T. Walton and company explained
the mission elements and content of their operations across the
AOR.
Pfc. Robert Miller, satellite communications operator, 160th
Signal Battalion and San Angelo, Texas native, gave the general a
thorough overview of his units ability to monitor outages and
provide the command with critical information reports.
"I am always eager to hear from the experts," said an impressed
Petraeus. "We truly are nothing without the command and control of
the communication systems, linked together, to help accomplish the
mission."
In preparation for his arrival, Sailors were in mass, breaking
out into applause upon the CENTCOM commander's arrival to the
Expeditionary Medical Facility-Kuwait, where he thanked everyone
for their service to the country.
"A servicemember can be the changing factor in a person's life,
they have an enormous, intrinsic worth," said a proud Petraeus.
"They can be the decisive person in a particular team at any
particular time."
The CENTCOM commander ended his tour by visiting servicemembers
in the Warrior Return Unit and addressing troops at the Zone 6
dining facility.
"My message to you tonight is, thank you, thanks to each and
every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, Coastguardsmen and civilian
serving our nation," said Petraeus.
"I would ask you to pass on my thanks to your loved ones, from
who each of you is separated, especially during this time of year,
it is important," added Petraeus. "So when you wish them a Merry
Christmas, Happy Holidays or Happy New year please tell them, from
Gen. Petraeus, how much I appreciate the sacrifice they are making
and how much every American appreciates it."
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