7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0009.txt
Page: 0009
Total Pages: 49
Subject = 7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A                             

Parent Organization = ARCENT      

Unit = VII CORPS   

Folder Title = 7TH ENGR BDE-COMMANDER REPT-VOL 18A -FORWARD AND COMMANDERS PERSPECTIVE                         

Document Number =          1

Box ID = BX000313







            It seemed as though everyone had a job. The ultimate goal was to
            ensure families were well taken care of while we were away. Even
            the teenagers from high school committed themselves to the
            various projects. No one was left out, and the soldiers
            continued to train, requalify with weapons, pack, and load
            equipment. I could think of no finer example of the total Army
            family.

                 The Corps Commander led a commanders' recon to Saudi Arabia.
            We assembled in Frankfurt and flew "backwards" in a giant C5.
            Some officers having just received their desert camouflage
            uniforms spent the flight sewing on patches and nametags. It was
            a fast trip, filled with briefings, flights across the desert,
            visits to field tactical sites, and more briefings at every
            level. I learned my Brigade was going to be even larger than I
            expected. My CSM participated in a senior NCO recon two weeks
            later. Every scrap of information was passed to our soldiers.
            Loading of equipment continued at a frenzied pace; again, no
            complaints just plan old enthusiasm; that kind of enthusiasm that
            puts a lump in commanders' throats and causes deep pride in our
            team.

                 Finally the day came when convoys moved to rail yards and
            loaded trains bound for northern ports and giant cargo ships.
            Equipment moved by many means, convoy, rail, barge, and air. A
            great movement gaining momentum all over Europe began to fill
            countless ships. All were bound for Saudi Arabia. Not since
            World War II had the Army been involved in such a large
            logistical move.

                 Thanksgiving came and went. A few precious hours were spent
            with families in the dining facility and then it was back to
            work. There were no holidays, no weekends, every day merged to
            the next. There was no night or day just a blur of seemingly
            endless activity waiting for the call to board planes for the 8
            hour flight. There was no time to worry, no time for fear, only
            the constant focus on accomplishing the mission.'      Time and time
            again I could not believe the incredible sacrifice soldiers and
            families were making. Efforts never ceased and I began to
            believe soldiers were supermen. But, they were driven by a caln,
            professional devotion to duty supported by exceptional discipline
            and training. clearly they were trained and ready. My goal,
            once equipment had been shipped, was to ensure each soldier spent
            more time with his/her family in the few remaining days. The
            constant push of requirements did not allow this occur.





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