Task Force Marne command sergeant major visits 'Battle Boars'

Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq - "Battle Boar" Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga. enjoyed a lunch with Task Force Marne and 3rd ID Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, during his visit to Forward Operating Base Warrior, in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 17.

Command Sergeant Major Andrews made this visit to his "Battle Boar" Soldiers to speak to them about Operation New Dawn and to thank them for a job well done.

The lunch began with Command Sgt. Maj. Andrews trading his seat at the head of the table for one in the middle of a group of Soldiers. So throughout the lunch he could talk to the Soldiers about their Families and life on FOB Warrior.

After lunch he briefed them on upcoming changes in operations.

The "Battle Boar" mission will begin to change slightly as U.S. forces in Iraq transfers to Operation New Dawn, according to the senior-enlisted leader.

"We will focus more on advising, training and assisting our Iraqi security force partners," said Command Sgt. Maj. Andrews to the Soldiers.

He also warned that even though the combat mission is ending they need to watch out for each other and not let unnecessary mistakes claim their lives.

"You've done a great job for nine months these next 90 days will be the most difficult because you will be fighting complacency," he said. "You need to keep in mind there are still bad guys out there, and they are looking for one chance to create havoc."

After speaking to the Soldiers about their mission in Iraq he explained to them the importance of taking care of themselves also.

"I have been a noncommissioned officer since 1983 and in the Army for almost 30 years and have mentored thousands of Soldiers it is something I have gotten good at," he said.

"All of the Soldiers I have mentored know how passionate I am about helping out the Soldiers before I help myself," he explained, "which is why I ensure all of my Soldiers better themselves at every opportunity. You can do anything read a book, get in shape or go to school."

Before leaving, Command Sgt. Maj. Andrews made sure he recognized four outstanding "Battle Boar" Soldiers and thanked the others for a job well done.

"I am very proud of what you guys are doing. Everyone knows what a great job you are doing in Kirkuk, and we thank you."