Col. James H. Dickinson, 35th ADA Brigade commander, greeted each 3-2 ADA, soldier as they stepped off the plane at Osan Air Force Base, Republic of Korea.

by Spc. Gretchen N. Goodrich

Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, 27 April 2008—After a grueling 14-hour flight, the first contingent of soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery (ADA), 31st ADA Brigade, touched down in South Korea. The Fort Bliss, Texas, Patriot battalion is replacing the 1-7 ADA as part of the 35th ADA Brigade’s relief-in-place rotation of Patriot battalions. The 1-7 ADA will return to Fort Bliss while the 3-2 ADA assumes responsibility for providing theater missile defense support for the northern area of South Korea.  While serving overseas, the battalion will fall under command and control of the 35th ADA Brigade.

Minutes after landing, the soldiers began in-processing. Clerks updated their finance and personnel files and provided information on housing and the opportunities offered through Army Community Service. Soldiers who needed them received the proper vaccinations.

The Patriot soldiers viewed a brief video presentation on the 35th ADA Brigade’s training programs and community relations projects. The video also featured highlights of the brigade’s past events, including the Turkey Bowl football match and cultural tours of the local area. 

Command Sgt. Maj. James T. Carr, the brigade’s command sergeant major, briefed the new soldiers on the importance of battle buddy teams and other safety issues.

“I expect you to come out and do your job,” said Carr.  “And above all else, to have a great time, and never go anywhere without your battle buddy.” 

Although tired and weary from their flight, the soldiers were reminded instantly of the reason as to why they will be serving for a year in South Korea.

“We are here for a very important reason: to provide theater missile defense for Korea,” said Col. James H. Dickinson, 35th ADA Brigade commander.  “This brigade is a team, and I’m glad to have you as part of the 35th ADA Brigade team.”