On Friday, nearly 65 Fort Stewart soldiers received a special visit from their commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo.
Cucolo visited the men and women of Bravo Co., 1-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team to congratulate them for avoiding DUIs and other alcohol-related incidents for more than 180 consecutive days.
“That’s one heck of an accomplishment,” he said to the group. “That’s actually huge.”
Standing under an awning on the rainy afternoon, Cucolo and CSM Jesse Andrews presented the group with an alcohol-free streamer, to be placed on the section’s guidon.
It was the first such streamer to be given to any 3rd Infantry Division unit this year.
“Right now, we’ve got some issues across our 24,000 soldiers from Columbus, Ga., to Hunter Army Airfield and we’re trying to impress upon everybody the importance of mature alcohol use and safe operations of motor vehicles, but the fact that you all chose to be self-disciplined is pretty fantastic,” Cucolo said.
First Sgt. Timothy Coleman said he was proud of the men and women in his company.
“ … To hear that you are the only for the division, and for [Cucolo] to say it in front of the soldiers, that was outstanding. That let them know that not only do myself and the commander appreciate them … it is also coming from the higher levels, the CG and the sergeant major,” he said. “It’s great.”
According to Coleman, every Friday, no matter where they are located, the soldiers are given a safety briefing, which encourages them to stay safe and use designated drivers if needed.
Coleman said he hopes the award will boost soldier morale and help keep the effort going for the rest of the year.
“As of 2 April, we will be 365 days DUI-free,” he said. “All we have to do is make it through the weekend.”
Thomas Williams, the 1st HBCT tactical safety specialist, is responsible for all safety-related issues for the brigade.
He said having streamer award programs for soldiers who do what they’re supposed to do to stay safe is paramount. He hopes the trend will continue for other units on post.
“It’s important because when other soldiers see this … and see how good this unit is doing … hopefully, we can reduce the amount of DUIs throughout the 3rd Infantry Division.”
Cucolo visited the men and women of Bravo Co., 1-3 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team to congratulate them for avoiding DUIs and other alcohol-related incidents for more than 180 consecutive days.
“That’s one heck of an accomplishment,” he said to the group. “That’s actually huge.”
Standing under an awning on the rainy afternoon, Cucolo and CSM Jesse Andrews presented the group with an alcohol-free streamer, to be placed on the section’s guidon.
It was the first such streamer to be given to any 3rd Infantry Division unit this year.
“Right now, we’ve got some issues across our 24,000 soldiers from Columbus, Ga., to Hunter Army Airfield and we’re trying to impress upon everybody the importance of mature alcohol use and safe operations of motor vehicles, but the fact that you all chose to be self-disciplined is pretty fantastic,” Cucolo said.
First Sgt. Timothy Coleman said he was proud of the men and women in his company.
“ … To hear that you are the only for the division, and for [Cucolo] to say it in front of the soldiers, that was outstanding. That let them know that not only do myself and the commander appreciate them … it is also coming from the higher levels, the CG and the sergeant major,” he said. “It’s great.”
According to Coleman, every Friday, no matter where they are located, the soldiers are given a safety briefing, which encourages them to stay safe and use designated drivers if needed.
Coleman said he hopes the award will boost soldier morale and help keep the effort going for the rest of the year.
“As of 2 April, we will be 365 days DUI-free,” he said. “All we have to do is make it through the weekend.”
Thomas Williams, the 1st HBCT tactical safety specialist, is responsible for all safety-related issues for the brigade.
He said having streamer award programs for soldiers who do what they’re supposed to do to stay safe is paramount. He hopes the trend will continue for other units on post.
“It’s important because when other soldiers see this … and see how good this unit is doing … hopefully, we can reduce the amount of DUIs throughout the 3rd Infantry Division.”