FORT KNOX, Ky – Every year in May, the U.S. Army observes Jewish American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the positive contributions of a religious group rich in history and diversity. Much like the intricate and colorful tapestries found in Jewish culture, the diversity within V Corps is vividly reflected in its formations. This month, V Corps celebrates not only the heritage of Jewish Americans but also the diverse threads that strengthen and unify the V Corps. The Jewish culture and history are no strangers to standing up to tyranny, a stance familiar to V Corps as well.
U.S. Army Col. Shmuel Felzenberg, a Rabbi and a senior command chaplain assigned to V Corps, understands this concept of taking a stance against aggression.
"Look at the V Corps mission. Our former [Commanding General] talked about this repeatedly: the 'extreme historic nature' of the mission we have. Who knew Russia would invade? Because of the current assure and deter mission, it's all about preventing further calamity,” said Felzenberg. "So that is also a very Jewish theme that’s ingrained over time and really comes out now. The historic nature of what we are doing in Europe and what has been done in American history elsewhere in the world is not at all lost upon us."
However, finding historical commonalities with one's culture and work, and letting it permeate the way you work, is a concept that U.S. Army Sgt. Lazar Friedberg, senior enlisted aid to the V Corps Forward command sergeant major, exemplifies. Friedberg, a Jewish Soldier, uses Judaism as a filter and catalyst for how he works.
“I work differently because my thought process has always been a little bit different due to how I was raised. I went to Hebrew school and was always taught to look at things through that lens,” said Friedberg. “I think you just get asked what the mission requires and complete the task, but using what you believe in to get stuff done is helpful.”
As an NCO, Friedberg not only views his responsibilities through the lens of Judaism but also uses its teachings as a guiding framework for his leadership style, especially when it comes to understanding and respecting his Soldiers. However, he believes that understanding one's views is nothing unless it is accompanied by respect.
“The understanding part [by itself alone], I don't think, is important because I can understand something but not have respect for it,” said Friedberg.
For this reason, Friedberg aims to both understand and respect those he works alongside.
But it could be argued that once you raise your right hand, the Army becomes your family, as U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ian Holtzman, assigned NCO of Inspector General for V Corps, explains.
“I’ve never shied away from telling people I’m Jewish,” stated Holtzman.
By being open about his background, he has discovered that he can rely on his team to support him.
“[Soldiers] accept you because you are an American Soldier. You are part of our family; we are going to have your back.”
When it comes to the V Corps mission, Felzenberg believes that if the Soldiers of V Corps look beyond their differences, they'll discover they have more in common than they might think.
"We have a mission that we share jointly, and it is, right now, arguably one of the preeminent missions in the world,” said Felzenberg. "The folks who share this mission understand its importance, both historically and in terms of its gravity. And that pulls at our minds, souls, and hearts, drawing from us, hopefully, the very best. So, we are not only drawn to what brings us to this table but also to how we go about performing our service."
As we commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month, we unravel a deeper understanding of the invaluable contributions and diverse perspectives that Jewish Soldiers weave into the tapestry of the V Corps mission. By cultivating appreciation and respect for the unique backgrounds and journeys of all Soldiers, the intricate tapestry of the V Corps formation grows stronger with each forward step.
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