Kansas secretary of state visits Fort Riley Warrior Transition Battalion

By Nikia SimonJuly 16, 2009

Kansas secretary of state visits warriors during WTB town hall
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RILEY, Kan. - Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh offered motivational advice July 7 during the Warrior Transition Battalion town hall meeting.

Thornburgh thanked the warriors and cadre of the WTB for their service, encouraging them to set fundamental expectations to maximize opportunities. He challenged warriors to demand more from their elected officials in the state of Kansas for their sacrifice and commitment.

Throughout his speech, Thornburgh reiterated a desire to help, heal and strengthen warriors to recapture productive roles in the military and society.

"Your legacy of service as a Soldier is defined by what you choose to do from this point forward," he said.

A panel of command representatives answered questions during the meeting. The panel consisted of Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley; Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, commander of the Warrior Transition Command at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Col. Kevin Brown, Fort Riley garrison commander; Col. Jeffrey Johnson, Irwin Army Community Hospital commander; Maj. Andy Price, WTB commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Ly Lac and Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Velarde, WTC and IACH respectively; and Sgt. Major Timothy Ricks, WTB.

Soldiers voiced their concerns about transitioning, health and financial issues and received immediate advice from the panel. Warrior Care, including healing and transitioning, was a top priority for him and the IACH staff, Johnson said.

WTB town hall meetings are held monthly for warriors in transition and Families to bring questions and issues directly to senior leaders after staffing it through their established chain of command.