CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, Multi-National Forces – Iraq senior enlisted leader, visited Soldiers and senior noncommissioned officers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, in Dhi Qar Province Sept. 18.
Wilson presented coins to a number of Soldiers during his visit to Contingency Operating Base Adder and Camp Ur.
Wilson spent much of his time talking to Soldiers, and told them their contributions are worthwhile and have made Iraq a better place.
“Those warriors on the ground, they make a difference everyday,” said Wilson. “They’re the reason we’re where we are. That’s the big piece, to let them know that what they do makes a difference and what they do is important and they have made a difference in Iraq.”
Wilson met Soldiers and asked them questions about their life back home as he joked with them, gave high fives and bumped fists with the Soldiers: “Where are you from? Really, I know someone from there. Are you married? Yeah? What does she do? I know my wife …”
These visits help Wilson learn about the situation on the ground. He, in turn, relays that information up to his command team partner, Gen. Raymond Odierno, MNF-I commander.
“I get the pulse and the heartbeat of what’s going on out in the area,” said Wilson. “They tell me what’s going on and I go back and tell General Odierno what’s going on in the outlying areas.”
The coins, the handshakes and the high-fives serve a higher purpose for Wilson: They are a chance to remind Soldiers that their efforts make a difference in the grand, strategic vision.
“It’s giving Soldiers positive feedback: here’s what you’re doing Soldiers, here’s the effect, here’s how your individual actions are affecting the success of the mission,” said Wilson.
“They’ve lost friends, they’ve lost buddies, they’ve lost partners and it’s important to let them know that what they’re doing doesn’t go unnoticed,” Wilson said. “It’s the least I can do.”
