US Army Pacific senior enlisted leader conducts town hall meeting with Soldiers in Japan

By Sgt. 1st Class Howard ReedOctober 23, 2013

US Army Pacific senior enlisted leader conducts town hall meeting with Soldiers in Japan
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
US Army Pacific senior enlisted leader conducts town hall meeting with Soldiers in Japan
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Frank M. Leota (right), command sergeant major for United States Army Pacific Command, talks with Staff Sgt. Shiva Pant, a food service operations noncommissioned officer assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 1st Battali... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan- Command Sgt. Maj. Frank M. Leota, command sergeant major for United States Army Pacific, paid a visit to Okinawa, Japan to speak with soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Japan on Okinawa on Oct. 1st at Camp Foster's community center.

Leota first met with senior noncommissioned officers of the 10th RSG for a non-commissioned officer professional development session. During the gathering his message was straight forward and to the point informing leaders it's their responsibility and duty to take care of Soldiers.

"It's important to have open communication with your Soldiers and that communication has to be direct and visible in order for you to be an engaged leader," explained Leota. "Soldiers need to know that they can trust you and you can help them."

In the afternoon Leota shared time with junior enlisted members of USAR-J on Okinawa giving soldiers advice and information on how to progress their military careers by accepting assignments such as drill sergeant and recruiter.

He also talked standards and profession of arms and updated Soldiers on projected changes to Army's force structure, future personnel cuts, and changes to Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army uniform and Insignia.

Leota encouraged both audiences to keep performing above the standard and continue to maintain good order and discipline on Okinawa. He explained Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, USARPAC's commanding general, is fully aware of the good things soldiers are doing within Okinawa's joint community despite budget reductions.

"It's great to come together in a joint atmosphere and have open discussions because each service is facing the same challenges across the Department of Defense," said Leota.

Pfc. Kenneth Abrego, an information technology specialist assigned to headquarters and headquarters company 10th RSG, said he enjoyed the town hall meeting because the information was valuable and useful.

"I always see his command photo throughout the headquarters building," said Abrego. "It's good to actually meet him and it's always great to actually see your higher headquarters leaders and meet them up front and personal."