SMDC leaders host town halls

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsMarch 23, 2018

SMDC leaders host Town Halls
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- Lt. Gen. James H. Dickinson, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, conducted town halls for the command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 13, and March 16 for members of the command at Redstone Arsenal. He also hosted a town hall for Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense at Shriever Air Force Base, Colorado, on March 15.

Dickinson addressed several topics dealing with the command including: current events, operations, nanosatellites, high-energy lasers, space support operations and high-level visitors. He also gave his new command vision update and priorities.

"We are one synchronized USASMDC/ARSTRAT team that develops and provides leading-edge space, missile defense, and high altitude forces and capabilities for the Warfighter and for the Army -- wherever and whenever required," Dickinson said at the town hall at Redstone Arsenal. "My first priority is to protect our homeland and everything we do as a command contributes to that number one priority in some shape or manner. Arguably one of the most important priorities is promoting and fostering a positive command climate because it is the foundation on which all other priorities are built.

"It has been busy here at USASMDC/ARSTRAT and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, and the coming months will be no less challenging as the eyes of the world continue to look to this command to play a critical role in defending our nation against numerous threats, both natural and man-made," he added.

James B. Johnson Jr., USASMDC/ARSTRAT deputy to the commander, discussed the command workforce structure and how the command is an adaptive and responsive organization that is relevant and making a difference.

"I am honored personally to work in a command where everything we do is relevant and has such a tangible impact on our Soldiers," Johnson said. "Everyone in this command is so vital to our mission in making all of our systems successful. We don't pat you on the back nearly enough but we want you to know how much we appreciate your contributions and how much they are valued and needed."

SMDC Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins took a few minutes to talk about the command's Soldiers serving around the world and thanked the civilian workforce who supports them.

"I want to say to the civilians, thank you for the work you do each and every day for our Warfighters," Wiggins said. "We appreciate all you do and how you truly affect and give our Warfighters the opportunity to come back home and celebrate with their families."

Dickinson ended each town hall with a question and answer period and a presentation of awards.

Related Links:

USASMDC/ARSTRAT web page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Facebook page

USASMDC/ARSTRAT Twitter page

Colorado Springs Town Hall Flickr page

Redstone Arsenal Town Hall Flickr page