And the convoys rolled on...

"We have to go in places nobody would ever think of going into were it not
for the necessities of war." - Joshua Chamberlain

Joshua Chamberlain is one of the noblest warriors our Country ever produced. A professor at Bowdoin College, he offered his services to the Governor of Maine in 1862. Although he possessed no formal military training, he rose to command his regiment, the 20th Maine. During the course of the war he was wounded four times and earned the Medal of Honor. His leadership of the 20th Maine at Little Round Top during the battle of Gettysburg is still studied today in military schools worldwide. At Appomattox he was personally chosen by General Grant to accept the surrender of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Confederate Brigadier General John B. Gordon, himself wounded five times during the war, led the proud army of Robert E. Lee to the courthouse at the center of the town. Joshua Chamberlain, now also a Brigadier General, ordered his Union Soldiers to line the road at the position of attention and honor their former adversaries with a silent salute. When General Gordon, astride his horse, reached the courthouse where Chamberlain waited he stopped and faced his former adversary. General Chamberlain proudly snapped to attention and rendered a precise salute. In one motion, General Gordon accepted the salute by lightly spurring his horse, which caused it to rear slightly as the proud Confederate gracefully lowered his sword in a sweeping return salute. Chamberlain's gallant acceptance of the surrender was the moment in which the Nation, scarred by four brutal years of civil war, began the healing process. The Soldiers from both armies met that day as adversaries but left as Americans. Joshua Chamberlain had truly been through hell and back to preserve the Union and survived with his honor untarnished.

Honor is never tarnished when it comes to the performance of my Soldiers. The convoys keep rolling on. Everyone has a role to play. On Memorial Day it was business as usual. We had a large convoy head out to haul Stryker armored vehicles for our good friends from the Infantry. I watched the symphony unfold from every angle. Individual truck crews checked every system of their vehicle to ensure they functioned properly. Squad leaders and convoy commanders circulated to check on their Soldiers, weapons and equipment. The convoy escorts stood by performing their pre-combat checks and occasionally tossing a football back and forth. Staff members from the Battalion inspected cargo to see that their planning was accurate. Company Commanders and First Sergeants made their presence known and reassured their Soldiers. About thirty minutes prior to convoy launch everyone gathered for the convoy briefing. Then one of the First Sergeants led his Soldiers in prayer. It was an incredibly moving sight. My pride for these Soldiers swelled.

When the First Sergeant asked me if I had any words for the NCO's I couldn't resist the opportunity to let them know how proud I am of them. I also reminded them that the team that wins on Sundays is the one that executes the basics to perfection on every play. That's what we do towards mission success every day. The Soldiers expect perfection and it starts with our examples as leaders. To that end I have almost limitless faith in my NCO's. They are the best of the best. The perfection started shortly afterward as everyone "geared up" and the trucks began to roll. One by one they moved out. The procession of heavy trucks hauling the Strykers formed the lead. The trail was smaller trucks hauling MILVANs. I waved at every single truck and they honked back a reply. Any kid would have been thrilled. Then I noticed my Command Sergeant Major standing on his own at a distance. He stood and watched until every truck was out of sight and the dust settled. Then he turned and walked to me and said, "That's what it's all about, Sir." Nothing more needed to be said.

Joshua Chamberlain would be as proud of the Soldiers of today just as he was of those that fought in the Civil War. Honorable service is a constant that stands the test of time.