Commanding General hosts town hall in American Samoa

By Christina Douglas, 9th Mission Support Command Public AffairsSeptember 7, 2010

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Sgt. Amy Seko, a mechanic in the 411th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Company, asks the commanding general of the 9th Mission Support Command if there were any plans to increase the amount of Army Reserve positions in American Samoa during a to...
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PAGO PAGO, American Samoa Aca,!" The commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve 9th Mission Support Command hosted a town hall meeting Sept. 1 at the Sergeant First Class Pele U.S. Army Reserve Center in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Brig. Gen. Michele G. Compton met with more than 100 members of the 9th MSC community to include the command's Soldiers, Family members and full-time support staff.

The primary purpose of the town hall was for the commanding general to personally meet the Soldiers and their Family members. Compton also wanted to provide them with the unique opportunity to express any of their thoughts.

Compton initially shared a bit about herself and her Family with the Soldiers. She then explained some of her top priorities to include the quality of health care available for the Soldiers, families and veterans on-island.

"Brig. Gen. Kozlov (former commanding general) has done a phenomenal job over the past few years and I want to continue to see through the initiatives he started," said Compton.

Compton also placed command emphasis on family programs and encouraged the Soldiers and Family members to participate in Strong Bonds and Yellow Ribbon events. Strong Bonds is a chaplain led, command program that includes weekend retreats for single Soldiers, married Soldiers and their spouses, and Families. The Yellow Ribbon program provides training to Soldiers for pre, during and after deployments.

During the meeting, Army Reservists and their Families asked the general about various topics ranging from the availability of items at the Post Exchange to the possibility of the future growth of forces in American Samoa.

Among her many responses was how to get new items at the PX and how to advance in rank in the Army Reserve. She also advised that there are currently no known deployments scheduled at this time; however, that is always subject to change.

Compton then met one-on-one with individuals after the town hall.

"I'm very happy the Soldiers and Families were able to attend," said Compton. "I appreciated the opportunity to personally meet everyone and hear their thoughts in an interactive, open forum."

The Soldiers expressed gratitude for the general's visit.

"I think it's really great that she's here," said Pvt. Mataina Pila, a food service specialist with the 411th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Company. "It's good to know that she really cares about us and that she wanted to hear from us."

Before departing, the commanding general thanked the Soldiers and their Families for their service.

"I've heard about the phenomenal job our American Samoan Soldiers have done in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in the disaster relief efforts following last year's tsunami. I am extremely proud to serve with you in this command, and I am grateful for your service to our nation."