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Former Falcon CSM Returns to Talk Safety

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – Once a Marne Soldier, always a Marne Soldier — no matter how far from Fort Stewart or Hunter Army Airfield the Army may send you.

For former 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade command sergeant major Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Stidley, now the United States Army Combat Readiness and Safety Center sergeant major out of Fort Rucker, Ala., that means anywhere he goes, from the deserts of Iraq to the tropical mountains of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to the subarctic snows of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Soldiers see the Third Infantry Division patch adorning the right sleeve of his uniform and shout:

“Rock of the Marne, sergeant major!”

Command Sgt. Maj. Stidley returned to HAAF July 20 in his capacity as the USACRSC sergeant major to have lunch with 3rd CAB safety officers and hold a professional development safety seminar with the brigade’s senior noncommissioned officers.

Stidley, who spent 13 years with the CAB and more than seven as its sergeant major, spoke during both sessions about current trends in Army safety, new and improved practices, and the different opportunities and programs available through the Combat Readiness and Safety Center.

Having had so much experience with the CAB and Army Aviation, Stidley said he was able to tailor his presentation to the specific needs of the brigade to — with the CAB’s upcoming mission in Afghanistan — go beyond the flight line.

“Aviation is just inherently dangerous business,” said Stidley. “Always has been, always will be. But I really try to stress that we can’t apply all of our efforts on the aviation side, because there are many other missions that are just as dangerous.”

The seriousness of his subject matter didn’t stop him from bantering with many of his old colleagues, who greeted him with jokes, hand-slaps, and smiles.

“It’s really good to be back,” said Stidley. “It was a very warm welcome. The division and the brigade have both treated me very well, and for that I’m very appreciative.”

Stidley, who transferred authority to current brigade sergeant major Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Blair in May 2011, said although the time was right to go, he can’t help but miss the CAB and Savannah.

“Someone has called every night to invite me over for dinner,” said Stidley. “I really have an attachment to this division. I learned a lot here and I’ll never forget my time.”

3rd CAB Soldiers Compete for Iron Talon Title

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. -- Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, participated June 1 in a seven-event competition testing physical fitness and endurance for the right to the title of "Iron Talon."

The Soldiers competed individually and in teams, beginning with an Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by a ten-mile ruck march, a 100-meter sprint, a pull-up event, a long-jump event, and ending with a run from the company area to Tominac Fitness Center for a 200-meter swim.

Captain Aaron Kearney, commander of HHC, 3rd CAB, took part in the event and said he was impressed with the enthusiasm and performances of his fellow competitors.

"The goal was to push these guys to their limit and then beyond, and some of these guys had never done that before," said Kearney. "The guys learned a lot about themselves out there, about what they can do and what they can accomplish."

Both Capt. Kearney and Specialist Joshua Stephen, an intelligence analyst in HHC, 3rd CAB and first place winner amongst junior enlisted males, said the most challenging event was the swim at the end.

However, Stephen said the challenges helped boost morale and foster team unity.

"Any time you get us out there competing against each other, we're going to have fun," said Stephen. "We're pushing each other and ourselves to perform at the highest levels we can."

Soldiers honored for saving child

Two Soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, Third Infantry Division were recognized during a ceremony held at Hunter Army Airfield for their actions of pursuing a fleeing suspect and leading to the safe return of a child.

Responding to a call for help, Spc. Joshua Layton and Spc. Bryan Scott, both with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB, came upon local resident, Patricia Pacheco just moments after her car was stolen, along with her 3-year-old granddaughter in it.

"I have a seven-year-old little girl, and I told the lady we were going to get her kid back," said Spc. Layton.

Specialist Layton and Spc. Scott pursued the stolen vehicle until the suspect stopped the car, unbuckled the child from her car seat, set her down in the parking lot and walked away.

Observing this, Spc. Scott remained with the child while Spc. Layton followed the suspect, reporting the details to police via cell phone. "I guess the Army training kicks in. Instinct took over and we didn't hesitate," explained Spc. Layton.

After realizing he was being followed, the suspect took off running with Spc. Layton behind him. After scrambling through the apartment complex and over a fence, Spc. Layton lost sight of the fleeing suspect.

"He went over the fence first, quite spectacularly," remembered Spc. Layton. "I got over as fast as I could, had a little stumble."

While the suspect did evade pursuit, both Spc. Layton and Spc. Scott were thankful they were able to reunite the child with her Family.

Specialist Scott said it was one of the best feelings he’s ever had, “seeing the granddaughter stop crying when she saw her grandmother”.

For their actions, the Soldiers were honored with the Citizen Commendation from Savannah-Chatham Metro Police and the Army Commendation Medal.

Colonel Allan Pepin, commander, 3rd CAB, stated that both Spc. Scott and Spc. Layton were great examples of how Soldiers live the Army values both on and off duty.

“This is another great example of the high quality of Americans we have serving in our Army and the Third Infantry Division,” Col. Pepin said. “Selfless service and sacrifice - not for personal recognition, but to assist fellow Soldiers, coalition forces and their communities. Warriors in both combat and garrison, who live the Army Values both on and off duty.”