6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion hosts cadets

By Capt. Jeremy Tennent, 6-52nd Air Defense Artillery, 35th ADA Brigade Public AffairsAugust 9, 2011

6-52nd Air Defense Artillery Battalion hosts cadets
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SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea - The 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery played host to the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Commander Col. Eric Sanchez and his senior NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerome Wiggins, as they shared a farewell meal with the most recent class of cadets Aug. 5.

“Big ears pay big dividends,” said Sanchez. “If you just hang at the back of your formations, you will hear a great deal about what’s going on in your unit.”

Wiggins followed with good advice for the future lieutenants: “Never underestimate the value and abilities of the enlisted Soldier.”

The command team stressed the importance of humility, hard work and attention to detail during their remarks.

The cadets were able to ask questions and make comments about the program.

West Point Cadet Matt Arent said, “I got to see a diversity of jobs in the Air Defense.”

Most expressed appreciation for being able to participate in the program.

The cadets were also a hit with the enlisted Soldiers. Spc. Carol Hernandez, a dining facility worker, said, “I’m going to miss them. While they were here, I was able to talk to them and learn from their experiences. I hope they choose Air Defense as their branch.”

The cadets were participating in the Cadet Troop Leader Training program, an Army effort to expose future officers from West Point and from Reserve Officer Training Corps to active duty units. During their three week stay, the cadets shadow platoon leaders and participate in unit training exercises.

About 30 cadets participated in the program throughout the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

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