HAZOR, Israel — U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. Navy Adm. James Stavridis, the U.S. European Command Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, met with “European Defender” Soldiers with 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command here Oct. 30.
During his portion of the visit, Gen. Dempsey was provided a tour of the Israeli air base where 10th AAMDC Soldiers work and live during their stay for the joint multi-national exercise Austere Challenge 2012.
Gen. Dempsey presented coins to selected Soldiers for excellence as well as giving on-the-spot coins for Soldiers executing their duties.
For Staff Sgt. Christopher Schwope, a battle noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th AAMDC, receiving the chairman’s coin was something to be proud of.
“It was nice to be recognized by the chairman and my leadership for the hard work that my Soldiers and I have put into the exercise,” said Schwope.
Soldiers with the command also received commander’s coins from Adm. Stavridis and listened as he addressed troops on the importance and value of their participation in Austere Challenge 2012.
“This exercise, Austere Challenge, that you all are participating in is our signature exercise. It reflects the work of some 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians working together,” said Stavridis. “I just want to say thank you; I appreciate everything you do.”
The visit by the two senior leaders not only allowed U.S. and Israeli forces to appreciate the importance of the exercise but also served to boost morale.
“The visit helped to show the Soldiers that this is a significant mission with huge implications. By having leaders at their level visit it shows that not only are the [chairman and the EUCOM commander] focused on the exercise but that they truly care about the Soldiers.
Taking the time to visit and meet the Soldiers really motivated the Soldiers here and let them know just how important their work is,” said Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Kunzler, the noncommissioned officer in charge of communications for the 10th AAMDC.
Soldiers with the 10th AAMDC are scheduled to return to their home station in Kaiserslautern, Germany upon completion of the exercise in November.
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