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Feature Stories

NEWS | Nov. 7, 2016

USARCENT builds camaraderie through organization day

By Sgt. Victor Everhart, Jr. U.S. Army Central

U.S. Army Central held an organization day hosted by Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, USARCENT commanding general, Nov. 4, at the Shaw Fight House to promote esprit de corps and build unit cohesion.

           

The day started with an early morning four-mile run lead by Garrett and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Dostie, USARCENT command sergeant major. Events included a chili cook-off and a Commander’s Cup competition. Soldiers participated in a little friendly competition of pushups, pullups, a litter carry, a Humvee push race, a USARCENT history quiz, and tug of war.


“The main reason I wanted to have this org day was for me to get out and interact with all the Soldiers,” said Garrett. “I know a lot of you haven’t gotten a chance to talk or interact with me, so I want to make sure I give everyone an opportunity to do so. I love all of the Soldiers here at USARCENT, and I want the best for you physically, mentally and spiritually, because if you’re at your best then our unit as a whole will be at its best.”


Organization days allow Soldiers and leaders within units to compete against each other in a relaxed environment while strengthening unit cohesion.  


“Personally I have never talked to the [commanding general] but we competed against him and the command group on the pull-up bars,” said Sgt. Donald Reed, a medic assigned to USARCENT. “I would have never guessed he was as good as he was until I saw it and it motivated me because who doesn’t want to beat their boss.”


All the USARCENT directorates were represented, but at the end of the competition, the sustainment directorate led by Brig. Gen. Chris Lawson, USARCENT chief of sustainment, walked away with the Commander’s Cup. They will be expected to defend their title during the next competition scheduled for February.