The Army wants to say that all it's people in uniform are just basic Infantry soldiers first and so whatever their particular MOS is second, It's what the U.S. Marines have been teaching its people from day one. I find that to be the exception and not the rule. If one goes back and reads my earlier entries they'd see that I was pretty much discusted with so many people wanting CIB's and awards for just protecting themselves. And quite frankly not a whole lot of Infantry work was done in our area, most people just sat on Anaconda waiting for their Bronze stars.

However, while serving with TF Konohiki I did have the chance to meet some very good examples of real soldiers, men that, although never trained as Infantry, could have very easily been given the proud title "GRUNT". This particular entry deals with two of the Hawaiian men that got promoted to Sgt while in TF Konohiki, Sgt K and Sgt A. these guys were pulled from their usual jobs in "Smoke and Decon" and asked to assist and direct various missions one might considered Ifantry type work, as in organising patrols through the Sunni triangle to Tikrit and back to Balaad or training Iraqi soldiers in thr art of information gathering and survellience.

I recall one day while sitting at the CQ desk one of the new Sgt's was having his ability to perform basic Infantry soldiering questioned. The senior Sgt was implying that because of the Infantry MOS others had they would be better suited to perform recon missions. Sgt K strongly disagreed and defended himself and his ability quite well. I have always believed in the soul of a man being a key factor in their ability to be good soldiers, and I just believe the strength of ones conviction being much stronger in those that want to serve in the Infantry. But strong convictions are not exclusive too the combat arms. Guys like Sgt K and A approached all tasks given them with the determination and strentgh of any Ifantry soldier I ever worked with.

But these men were and are much more than just good soldiers, both these men were dedicated husbands and fathers and made it quite clear how important their families are. One of the man reasons we held and NCO meeting in Morrills absence was to try and get Sgt A a day off, he was one of the very last people to go home on leave to his wedding aniversary.

i believe if the Army is to prosper in the future room at the top has to be made for men like these, there are far too many guys like myself in their late forties and fifties holding down posistions that guys like these should have. I say this because both these men display most of the Army values and are very concerned with the welfare of their fellow soldiers and would never exploit anyone subordinate. They really are deserving of the respect of their peers. To know men like these is truly an honor and the biggest reason old guys like me are still around.