JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Debra S. Wada, paid a visit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2016.
Secretary Wada is responsible for the supervision of the Department of Army manpower, personnel and Reserve Component affairs.
With the charge to oversee policy and performance of human resources, training, readiness, mobilization, military health affairs, force structure, manpower management and other critical matters; Wada visited with JBLE Soldiers to not only see their contributions, but to gain insight on how the Army can better serve its Soldiers in those areas.
"It's important to understand and learn from Service members the challenges they face and what they enjoy about their job, because my job is making sure I have incentives and programs in place that support them," said Wada, of speaking with Soldiers firsthand.
During her visit, Wada visited with a variety of Soldiers ranging from water craftsmen and aviators, to advanced individual training instructors, as she toured various units including U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, the Maritime Intermodal Training Department, the 7th Transportation Brigade's 10th and 11th Trans. Battalions, the U.S. Army Reserve Center and the 159th Aviation Regiment's 5th Battalion.
"It's important to get out and see the units," said Wada. "You get out and learn, and see things from a different perspective which is important. The Service members' perspective is different, so it's helpful to visit all these different units, so I can have a better understanding of what is happening throughout the Army."
As Wada waved her goodbyes and thanked Soldiers for their contributions, she left knowing she was armed with more understanding and insight to aid in improving life for Soldiers and their families.
"It was very informative," said Wada. "I learned a lot and it is great to see Soldiers enjoying what they do because it is our job at the senior level to ensure we provide all the support and resources for them to be able to do that."