ADJUTANT GENERAL VISITS TROOPS IN KOSOVO
By Lt. Col. Rex Johnson
Chief, Public Affairs
KFOR Multinational Task Force (East)
Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Adjutant General, and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott
Haworth, Kansas Army National Guard command sergeant major, paid a visit to
deployed Kansas Guard Soldiers in Kosovo over the Christmas holiday.
"I appreciate your service, and what you are doing here," Bunting
said to Soldiers at a town hall meeting Dec. 23 at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo.
"I can't tell you how much I am proud to serve," Bunting continued,
"and how much I am proud to serve with each and every one of you."
Bunting discussed the events happening back in Kansas, to include relief efforts
during the severe winter weather. Bunting commented that the state has been
busy with the effects of the weather, to include the loss of electrical power.
The missions included distributing water, handing out cots, providing food and
generators all over the state.
"I know you are busy here too," said Bunting. "But you ought
to be proud of what our folks are doing back home, as well."
Bunting continued by discussing that several Kansas Guard Soldiers are deployed
right now in the Global War on Terrorism; including the upcoming deployment
of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery.
"There are a lot of state missions," Bunting said. "As Guard
Soldiers, we do the state missions as well as the federal missions."
Bunting answered several questions from the deployed Guard Soldiers during the
town hall meeting. They ranged from equipment, new and renovated armories, and
updates on the relief efforts in Greensburg, Kan.
Greensburg was the site of a category 5 tornado on May 4. The tornado claimed
nine lives and injured over 60 people. The majority of the city was confirmed
to be destroyed with the rest severely damaged.
"You don't build a city in 90 years and build it back in six months,"
Bunting said. "But the city is coming back, slowly but surely."
Haworth answered questions relating to planned force transformations. Haworth
said that the next ones scheduled would be the infantry and armored cavalry
units. He added that the transition would be complete some time around September
2008.
The town hall immediately followed a Christmas concert from the Ferizaj music
school. Bunting commented on how impressive it was for these Albanian children
to learn the English words to Christmas carols and put on the concert for the
deployed American Soldiers.
"It can make you feel a bit of heartbreak because you cannot be home with
your families," Bunting said. "But it does help put the season into
perspective."
Bunting finished by discussing some of the visits that he has had with some
of the people of Kosovo. He said that they were very grateful for the work that
we have been doing and said, "Thank you, Americans."
"That's what it is all about, thanking the American people," added
Bunting. "Well, that's us."
This was Bunting's third trip to Kosovo. Following the Town Hall, Bunting echoed
the praises he offered during his time with the Soldiers.
"I always say, proud to serve, they (the Soldiers) are enduring some tough
conditions," Bunting said. "Keep doing what you are doing and come
home safe."
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| Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting addresses members of the 35th Infantry Division deployed in Kosovo during a town hall meeting. Photo by Sgt. Sheila Swantek |