Personal Perspective: Korean intern covers general's visit to 403rd AFSB

By Heesu Kim, 403rd AFSBMay 24, 2012

Maj. Gen. McQuistion visits 403rd AFSB
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – James Shackleford, operations logistics management specialist, (left) and James Pierce, deputy to the commander, explain the Brigade Operation and Intelligence Center setup to Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, commanding general, Army Sustainment Co... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. McQuistion visits 403rd AFSB
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Maj. Gen. Patricia E. McQuistion, commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, visited the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade to review and approve the Brigade's Semi-Annual Training Brief (SATB) April 4. Principal staff from Headquarters, Army Sustainment Command, also participated in the briefing via VTC.

Since I did not have a security clearance, I was not able to attend the SATB. However, I would like to take this opportunity to write about my experience covering this event from a Korean university intern's perspective working for the Personnel Office at the 403rd AFSB.

This was the first time in my life that I met someone ranking so high in the U.S. Army - imagine a two-star general and the head of the ASC in person in Daegu, Korea. One of my duties with the S-1 Division is serving as the unit public affairs representative's assistant which gives me the chance to cover many events.

Capturing McQuistion during her visit, walking down our hall, was new and interesting for me. From the time she got off the protocol bus, to Master Sgt. Sharon Jackson shouting the command "Brigade, Attention," where every Soldier saluted as she passed by, with her two-star flag flowing gracefully in the wind while hanging in front of the building was exciting. I have never seen such a formal scene, which was so unfamiliar to me.

I expected McQuistion to be rigid and strict based on what I thought a military person would be, especially one who is a general. In Korea, this would be so. Contrary to my expectation, McQuistion greeted everyone with a friendly smile and even at times made people laugh with her jokes. She even made me feel at ease as I tried to maneuver around her while taking pictures.

I find McQuistion to be a people person. As she walked the hallways, she took the time to talk with each person she met. She also looked at our Brigade Operation and Intelligence Center with interest as James Pierce, deputy to the commander, and James Shackleford, operations logistics management specialist, explained the BOIC set up.

Unfortunately, the general was only able to stay half a day at the 403rd AFSB. I will, however, keep these memories for a very long time.

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