SEAC visits Regional Command-South

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited service members May 5 in Regional Command-South. His purpose was to discuss issues and concerns with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

"The purpose of my visit is to come out and see troops and get some degree of observation and see how we are doing with transition," said Battaglia. "Being able to see activities between Security Force Assistance Teams [SFAT] and the Afghan National Security Forces [ANSF] in large is quite refreshing."

When Battaglia arrived he met with Command Sgt. Maj. Edd Watson, Third Infantry Division and Regional Command-South command sergeant major, at the RC(S) headquarters. In addition to receiving a context brief from RC(S) senior enlisted leaders, the SEAC, accompanied by Watson, visited troops from 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Role 3 Hospital, the Warrior Recovery Center, and Forward Operating Base Shoja.

"Words can't express the amount of gratitude we have for him coming here, having a voice at the most senior level of our military, to hear the soldiers," said Watson.

"It was an honor and privilege to see all the men and women and share some time; not just at dinner, lunch and breakfast, but seeing them at work and in action," said Battaglia.

Battaglia had town hall gatherings with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines around the regional command. Service members were able to express concerns regarding the sequestration and how it will affect their military career. He also addressed retirement questions, concerns regarding Tricare and the tuition assistance program.

Battaglia thanked service members for their commitment and their sacrifices and presented deserving soldiers, who were recommend by their chain of command, with coins.

Watson said that it's important for service members to see the SEAC and extremely important that they hear from the SEAC's vantage point.

The SEAC received detailed feedback from his deployed service members and informed them that he can advise the chairman on their behalf. He said you receive a plethora of responses when you talk to someone who's just starting their deployment and someone who does not have much time left.

Before departing RC(S), Battaglia had a special message for all the service members here serving their country.

"Our country and the men and women who make up our society, American citizens, very much appreciate and respect what we do for them by providing the blanket of freedom that they enjoy each and every day," said Battaglia.