Secretary Of The Army Visits 7th SFG(A) Soldiers

[Dan]

http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20...090317-01.html

RELEASE NUMBER: 090317-01
DATE POSTED: MARCH 17 2009

Secretary Of The Army Visits 7th SFG(A) Soldiers
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, March 17, 2009) – The Secretary of the U.S. Army visited Special Forces Soldiers during a trip to Fort Bragg March 16.

The Honorable Pete Geren visited with members of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as they conducted Special Forces sniper training during a gap between deployments. The combat-seasoned Soldiers impressed the 20th Secretary of the Army.

“7th Special Forces Group has carried a very heavy load for the Army and for the country since 9/11," Geren said. “Our nation owes them and their families an extraordinary debt of gratitude for what they do.”

During the visit, Geren met with Soldiers and discussed Special Forces training and deployments as well as received a hands-on look at the weapons systems and capabilities unique to Special Forces operators.

One of the Soldiers he met during the visit was Master Sgt. Brendan O’Connor, a former 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG (A) Soldier who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions in Afghanistan in 2006. O’Connor, currently the 7th SFG (A) senior medical advisor, said he was pleased with the secretary’s willingness to listen to and care for the Green Berets who man the War on Terror’s front lines.

"It’s always good to meet the leaders who support us from the top," said O’Connor. “When our nation’s leaders have a good picture of the view from the ground, they can work from their positions with new knowledge to improve the situation for the whole Army.”

This is the second time Geren has met with the troops of 7th SFG (A). He visited the group in Afghanistan in 2008.

--usasoc--

[Dan]

A 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldier discusses the pros and cons of a variety of sniper systems with the Honorable Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army at Fort Bragg, N.C. March 16. Geren visited 7th SFG(A) Soldiers to discuss Special Forces training and deployments. (USASOC PAO photo)

[Dan]

The Honorable Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army, test-fires a Special Forces sniper system at a Fort Bragg Range March 16. Geren discussed conventional and special operations weapons systems with Special Forces Sniper Course students during a visit to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers. (USASOC PAO photo)