MARSEILLES, IL (04/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Story by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs
Chief Master Sergeant Mitchell O. Brush, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the National Guard Bureau, visited Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Illinois April 10 -11 to connect with Soldiers from units throughout Illinois.
Brush linked up with Command Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Bowman of Naperville, State Command Sergeant Major of the Illinois National Guard to discuss Illinois National Guard Training.
The two leaders had breakfast with the troops, watched the Best Warrior competitors negotiate the confidence course, attended the Best Warrior social and then travelled to see the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 178th Infantry train at the Marseilles forward operating base. There they observed the mortar men going through operating procedures to fire the weapon system.
Sgt. David Gray of Chicago, Indirect Fire Infantryman with the Headquarters and Headquarters 178th Infantry Company based in Chicago, gave Brush an overview of the weapon and training.
"It feels good to know our training is being observed on a personal level," said Gray. "His visit was meaningful to us on all levels of our unit."
After visiting the 178th, Brush and Bowman visited the convoy improvised explosive device training area where Soldiers were running through procedures to prevent contact and react to contact with an IED.
Later, Brush and Bowman travelled to the repel tower where Soldiers with the 108th Multifunctional Medical Battalion were training on the 35-foot wall.
Soldiers said they were surprised and pleased when Brush arrived and wanted to repel down the wall.
"It means a lot that someone of his importance is taking time out of his intense schedule to show support and encourage all his Soldiers," said Sgt. Kirsten Smock of Palos Hills, Illinois Combat Medic with the 708th Medical Company of Chicago.
Bowman said he appreciated seeing Brush put on a Swiss seat and get directly involved in the Soldier's training.
"It's important that he sees what's going on at this level so he can relay that information to the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said Bowman.
Brush said there's no better way to connect with Soldiers and see how training is going than to jump in and do it with them.
"We want to make sure there's a good balance between our mandated training and job training," said Brush.
Brush ended his visit with a town hall meeting taking questions from Illinois Guardsmen on topics ranging from the tattoo policy and training opportunities to the future of the National Guard.
Bowman said he could see how important the visit was to the Soldiers while Brush was opening up to the troops and addressing their concerns.
"He understands the sacrifice these troops are making and it means a lot to them," said Bowman.
