1st Signal Brigade receives visit from Eighth Army Commander

USAG YONGSAN, South Korea -- Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux, Commanding General, Eighth Army Chief of Staff, United Nations Command ROK -- U.S. Combined Forces Command United States Forces Korea, toured and visited with 1st Signal Brigade Soldiers Friday to learn about the operations of the Theater Signal Exercise at USAG Yongsan and Humphreys Dec. 5.

Col. Paul H. Fredenburgh, 1st Signal Brigade Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Darris Curry, 1st Signal Brigade Command Sergeant Major, escorted Champoux throughout the day to help inform Champoux about some of the theater signal operations.

Champoux met with Soldiers from the 41st Signal Battalion, the 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion and the 36th Signal Battalion to see Soldiers working in a deployed environment with their communications equipment.

While Champoux toured the sites and learned about the key operations of the 1st Signal Brigade, he also took time to speak with the Soldiers.

Among the topics Champoux touched on were football, the importance of Physical Readiness Training, the Army's Sexual Harassment Assault and Prevention (SHARP) program and taking accountability and responsibility within our ranks.

"Sexual harrassment will not be tolerated," said Champoux, "and some say that we've got to 'change the culture of the Army,' but really it's about remembering who we are."

Champoux also spoke about the difficulties of making tough decisions in life and in combat situations. "We all have to make our own choices, but we all need to take accountability and responsibility for each other," said Champoux.

Champoux was grateful for the time he had to visit the signal battalions. Champoux said, "It was good for me to see. Keep doing what you all are doing."

Champoux also said that it was nice to get out to Humphreys, because he was unaware of some of the battalions and their capabilities for missions.

"Signal never gets the credit they deserve," said Champoux, "but I'm glad to wear the same uniform as you."

The 1st Signal Brigade enables joint and combined command, control, communications, computers, and information management operations throughout Korea to support United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, and Eighth Army's ability to lead, direct and maneuver available forces during armistice, crisis, or war.