FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- As Family members, friends and employers gathered at Army Community Service April 19 to bid farewell to Soldiers assigned to the 350th Human Resources Command, they enjoyed a surprise visit by the 82nd Airborne Division "All-American Chorus" from Fort Bragg, N.C.
The chorus, whose members have all served in Iraq and Afghanistan, performed a special concert for the U.S. Army Reserve unit located in San Antonio ordered to active duty to support Operations Iraqi and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The unit will be located in Kuwait and the 31 personnel assigned will be responsible for processing all armed forces personnel entering and departing the operations areas. During the deployment the unit will be commanded by Maj. Chester Aguilar; Sgt. 1st Class Richard Williams is the unit First Sergeant. The host for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Karen LeDoux, commanding general, 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command based in Des Moines, Iowa.
Also attending the ceremony were Col. Peter Bosse, 208th Area Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Kathy Urick, 363rd Quartermaster Battalion.
"Today we recognize and honor the Soldiers of the 350th Human Resources Command who have answered their nation\'s call to duty to ensure the freedoms of our country," LeDoux said.
She emphasized that men and women in uniform who are willing to stand up and be counted and put "boots on ground are the country's most potent weapons of war."
Noting that today Soldiers share a common bond with veterans, she added that the U.S. Army uniform is a symbol of our nation's commitment to ensure liberty and freedom of all whom we defend.
"Since 2001, 1.4 million members of our military today have deployed to support the Global War on Terrorism. Our Families have made many sacrifices. Thank you for your sacrifices and silent service in support of your Soldiers," she said.
Col. Peter Bosse, 208th Area Support Group commander, emphasized people, training and teamwork. "Incredibly important to stay connected to families. Grow together during the deployment," he said.
Bosse also encouraged the Soldiers to keep a journal to catalogue lessons learned to share their experiences with the command when they return. "Take care of one another. Put a smile on your face when supporting Soldiers departing and returning from rest tours. Wish all of you the best. See you when you get back," he added.
LeDoux presented her commander's coin to unit commander Maj. Chester Aguilar and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Hatchell presented his coin to the unit first sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Williams, with instructions to return them when the unit demobilizes and all the Soldiers are returned home safely.
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