KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN (Army News Service, Dec. 22, 2011) -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno paid a call on the Regional Command (South) task force and headquarters leadership and then conducted a re-enlistment and awards ceremony here Dec. 20-21.
Odierno met with brigade commanders and command sergeants major, as well as Maj. Gen. Jim Huggins, 82nd Airborne Division and RC(S) commanding general, and his command staff for a working breakfast to discuss major topics of emphasis for his tenure as CSA, particularly the continued training of leaders.
Accompanying Odierno and his party was Rick Kell, creator of the Troops First Foundation and David Feherty, co-founder and CBS Sports commentator, author, and retired PGA golfer. They were given a tour of the NATO Multinational Role 3 Hospital facility on KAF and the Wounded Warrior Concussive Care Center, both on KAF.
Odierno invited Kell and Feherty on the trip to thank them for their involvement and commitment to Soldiers and their families, particularly wounded service members. Troops First Foundation and the Army created a new program called Operation Proper Exit, designed to provide closure for wounded veterans.
While volunteering at Walter Reed Hospital, Kell noticed how many wounded service members would remark how they wished they could return to the site of their injury, to see it one last time and come to terms with what had happened to them. With the help of the military, Operation Proper Exit is able to do just that.
At the end of his visit, Odierno presented several awards, including a Bronze Star, then issued the oath of enlistment to a large group of Regional Command (South) Soldiers.
Related Links:
Gen. Raymond Odierno on Twitter
Army CoS visits deployed Soldiers in Afghanistan
Army Chief of Staff's holiday troop visit in Afghanistan
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno visits Regional Command (South)
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno
Gen. Ray Odierno on Facebook: 'Afghanistan Troop Visit' Photo Album
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno on Facebook
Social Sharing