Missouri Soldiers recognized during Chief of Staff of the Army visit to Afghanistan

By: Sgt. 1st Class Shelda Sternberg
135th History Detachment






NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Missouri Guardsmen got an opportunity to interact with the Chief of Staff of the Army on a recent visit to a Forward Operating Base in northeastern Afghanistan.

A visit from the Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., to Forward Operating Base Finley-Shields in Jalalabad turned out to be a surprise recognition opportunity for four Missouri Agri-Business Development Team III Soldiers who each received a Chief of Staff coin for outstanding performance of duties.

1st Lt. Zachary Wilson, an agriculture specialist with the team, received recognition for his work with the olive farms, the sweet orange orchards, citrus for cash program and an internship program.

Wilson, who is part of the 276th Engineers in Pierce City, Mo., through his work with the internship program, has assisted the interns in teaching the locals better farming techniques and improving the olive and orchards farms.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Polorski who is the communications noncommissioned officer in charge received recognition for his hard work managing the network system and ensuring communications for the ADT mission. Through Polorski's efforts, troops also receive internet and AFN in their living areas. He is part of joint force headquarters in Jefferson City, Mo.

Staff Sgt. George Wong is part of the team's security forces. He received recognition for his hard work as the gunner and troop commander. Because of Wong's efforts, his team is able to provide security for the ADT team as they deploy outside the operating base compound.

Sgt. John Thiel Jr. is also a security forces team member. He was recognized for serving in two duty positions while a fellow Soldier was on a leave of absence. Thiel continued to work as security personnel while he also took on the duties of engineer contracting project manager. Thiel also received recognition from Command Sgt Maj. Thomas R. Capel, 82nd Airborne Division sergeant major, for his ability to step up to the challenge while working two jobs.

The Soldiers all agreed, they were just doing their job and not looking for recognition. They said they were surprised at the recognition of their efforts and thankful to their leaders for the opportunity to excel.



Posted: 5/5/2010 11:21:48 AM