CENTCOM Commander visits 1-44 ADA Soldiers

By 1st Lt. David R. EndterNovember 21, 2013

Gen Austin speaks to 1-44 ADA Soldiers
Gen. Lloyd Austin, U.S. Central Command commanding general, speaks to a group of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, regarding the role and importance in their mission to defend assets in Southwest Asia on Oct. 8, 2013. ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Gen. Lloyd Austin, Commanding General of the United States Central Command, had an opportunity to visit Soldiers and leaders of 1-44 ADA in October. For 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, who currently fall under 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade here, the Soldiers and leaders were able to showcase the role of the Patriot Missile System to one of the highest distinguished visitors overseeing Southwest Asia.

"The visit by Gen Austin offered the Strike First team the opportunity to discuss our mission here. We highlighted the strategic importance of the battalion's critical tasks which ultimately support the CENTCOM commander's overall objectives for the area of operation," Lt. Col. Maurice Barnett, commander 1-44 ADA. "Gen Austin was able to directly engage several members of our team and observe them performing their duties in support of the mission. It is always a privilege to have distinguished visitors visit a unit's area of operation, it allows a chance to highlights and displays the unit's role in their theater mission."

Col. Michael Morrissey, commander of 31st ADA Brigade was present as Barnett, escorted Gen. Austin around the Patriot site. Barnett briefed Austin on the specific role that Patriot plays in defense of critical assets in the region.

After the initial brief and tour of the site Austin had the opportunity to meet with different Soldiers that filled vital roles in the operation of defending the skies. Each Soldier explained their specific responsibility and how it ties into the overall mission.

"I believe this visit was extremely important because it allowed one of our nation's senior leaders to personally witness the high level of readiness this battalion contains. It was imperative for GEN. Austin to visit the Soldiers and take the tour because it allowed our Soldiers to see that they are a crucial piece of the puzzle in our nation's security. General Austin can rest assured that the "Strike First" Soldiers are ready to accept any mission that our nation gives us and set a new standard," said Command Sgt Maj. Robert Sanchez.

Austin thanked the battalion command team for the opportunity to see their site. For the leadership of 1-44 ADA, it was a grateful experience to have the theaters' commanding general dedicate his time to catch a glimpse of what they do on a day to day basis. For the Soldiers, it was gratifying to know that leaders do have a valued investment in their dedication to serve, and they are more than just a picture on a chain of command wall.

"Our Soldiers were truly appreciative that Gen Austin was able to spend time with them and learn more about how they contribute to the CENTCOM mission. They were extremely excited to demonstrate their knowledge, professionalism, and competence," said Barnett.