NOVO SELO, Bulgaria -- The 194th Engineer Brigade Tennessee Army National Guard is conducting mission command for Resolute Castle 16 (RC16) at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria. RC 16 is a USAREUR- led training operation across the countries of Bulgaria, Estonia, Romania, and Hungary.
These training operations consist of training site construction improvements to military police training. RC16 gives the United States the opportunity to work and train with NATO allies, improving the ability to operate as a combined force and strengthen ally partnerships.
Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, USAREUR Commanding General, and Martina Strong, Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria visit troops at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria on May 18, 2016. Lt. Gen. Hodges thanked the Soldiers from the 194th Engineer Brigade and Seabees from the 133rd Naval Construction Battalion for their hard work and dedication. He spoke about the importance of RC 16 and how the construction improvements and training involved will enhance our ability to operate as a combined force with our NATO allies. RC16 is more than construction on training sites; it is providing the United States Army and NATO allies and partners the opportunity to see how our strengths and capabilities can be combined.
Sgt. Justin Marlow, Survey and Design sergeant, with the 194th Engineer Brigade briefed Lt. Gen. Hodges and Martina Strong on the engineering projects. Sgt. Marlow has been assisting in the planning of RC 16 since October 2015.
In regards to his brief and Lt. Gen. Hodges comments, Sgt. Marlow says, "It was certainly gratifying to have LTG Hodges come out to the job-site to show his support and enthusiasm for our on-going overall mission, as well as digging in to get the specifics on our individual projects. For the Soldier's doing the work, I feel that was such a boost in motivation, just to know the importance of what we are doing here and how it all fits into the larger picture of the Strong Europe initiative."
In recognition of dedication, hard work, leadership, and technical expertise, select Soldiers received coins from Lt. Gen. Hodges. Lt. Col. Cory Scates, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Officer, and 1st Sgt. Michael Ilko, the Vertical Subject Matter Expert, both with the 194th Engineer Brigade and Engineering Aide 1st Class Ryan Esmile, Detail Assistant Officer in Charge, with the 133rd Naval Construction Battalion all received coins for their dedication to the successful execution of RC 16 and leadership of Soldiers. Sgt. Justin Marlow received a coin for the technical expertise he has provided during the planning of RC16, and for his assistance with the design of the engineering projects.
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