7TH ENGR BDE COMMANDER REPT VOL 18A

File: 970815_sep96_decls58_0019.txt
Page: 0019
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







           The daily emphasis continued on drawing rations, getting
           construction equipment and supplies and above all drawing
           ammunition, demolitions, nines, smoke, and anything else that
           could kill, disorganize or disable the enemy. Combat Engineers
           were deadly serious about their business. Construction Engineers
           were just as serious as they continued to develop roads, berm,
           ammo and fuel storage areas, heliports, hospitals, and road
           crossings. Our Brigade continued to expand as more new units
           were assigned.

               our new chaplain arrived bringing a video of the family and
           children's Christmas party back in Germany. fie had personal
           notes from wives and children and a huge banner for our mess hall
           that contained cutout hand prints with messages from family
           members. Hardened soldiers struggled with emotions as they saw
           their wives, read the notes, and heard little ones saying, "we
           love you Daddy, come home soon". We all struggled, but we did it
           together. It never gets any easier. My heart ached for my
           troops and I prayed this would soon be over and everyone could
           return safely to loved ones. I knew this would not occur and we
           would all face very hard times before it got better. My resolve
           to take care of soldiers grew stronger each day. T learned we
           were ready for any mission.

               The 7th Engineer Brigade is now the largest engineer force
           ever assembled since World War II. I now command ten Battalions,
           three Group Headquarters, five separate companies, and two fire
           fighting detachments. Every week now forces arrive from the
           port. 7th Engineer Brigade is approaching 9,000 engineer
           soldiers serving the Jayhawk Corps.

               The outside world has become a blur. our focus is very
           centralized toward continued work, mission planning, preparation,
           and training. Days run together and it is no longer important
           whether it is Monday, Sunday, or Wednesday, they are the same.
           Shortwave radio brings occasional news from the outside world.
           Any newspapers are two to three weeks old. Mail starts to arrive
           but sluggishly. It does not arrive in the order of when it was
           written. Soldiers know that the United Nations resolution of 15
           January 1991 is rapidly approaching. We watch and wait to see
           what will occur. But, no one is idle, training continues and we
           know we are ready for any eventuality. Daily we grow stronger in
           numbers and equipment. Morale is exceptionally high, the sense
           of humor is not lost, and everywhere the highest degree of
           professionalism is evident -- in all ranks.





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