Incoming division CSM visits HAAF and 3rd CAB

By Sgt. William BegleyMarch 28, 2014

Incoming division CSM visits HAAF and 3rd CAB
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 3rd Infantry Division's incoming senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin, visits with Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Snyder, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major and other senior NCOs from the brigade at Hun... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Incoming division CSM visits HAAF and 3rd CAB
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The 3rd Infantry Division's incoming senior noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin and Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Snyder, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major, visit the Hunter Army Airfield Dining Facility March ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - The 3rd Infantry Division's incoming senior leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin, visited Hunter Army Airfield, and more specifically the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade's area of operation March 24.

"As the incoming division [command] sergeant major I'm using this opportunity to get a better understanding of the units here at Hunter Army Airfield," said Gilpin. "I also plan to see soldiers', facilities, and meet leaders so that I have an appreciation of how we function as a division from several different locations."

Gilpin met with the brigade's senior noncommissioned officers for the first time at 3rd CAB headquarters. There, Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Snyder, 3rd CAB command sergeant major, briefed the incoming senior noncommissioned officer on the current status of the brigade. After the meeting, both command sergeants major took a brief tour of the barracks.

"A soldier's first impression when they walk into their barracks room is very important," said Gilpin.

Having lived in the barracks as a young junior enlisted soldier, Gilpin said he understands how important living conditions are to soldiers' morale.

"I've seen much improvement in terms of facilities from when I first visited HAAF. The barracks and office facilities have improved tremendously," said Gilpin. "Obviously we can still improve and there is still a lot of work to be done. Even though we have done much, we can still do more."

From there, the senior leaders toured the motor pools in each battalion. Senior noncommissioned officers were able to meet and share each battalion's particular challenges.

Concluding the visit, the senior leaders had lunch at the HAAF Dining Facility. There, the HAAF garrison command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. James Mitchell joined Gilpin, Snyder, and the rest of the senior noncommissioned officers from the brigade for a meal prepared by the brigade's food service specialists. Snyder said he felt good about the meeting.

"I thought the visit went very well," said Snyder. "It was a great opportunity to get Command Sgt. Maj. Gilpin down here to HAAF and show him around the installation, and also show him the unique aspects to the CAB such as the aviation side. Hopefully it gave him a better appreciation for what it is that we do here in the 3rd CAB."