GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited deployed National Guard troops March 5-6, at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The visit included tours of different mission facilities at GTMO and time to sit and talk with personnel during a dinner at the Gold Hill Galley and breakfast at the Seaside Galley at Camp America.
About 300 National Guard members heard the vice chief speak about the future of the National Guard and how it will affect them during a meeting at the Camp Bulkeley Lyceum.
"I think it was good he was able to come out here," said Army Staff Sgt. Chelsea L. Seller, a training noncommissioned officer with the 525th Military Police Battalion.
She said she appreciated him addressing some of the issues that are specific to National Guard Soldiers.
It is important for Soldiers to meet the generals who take care of them, Sellers said. She enjoyed the question and answer session, particularly his responses concerning National Guard deployments as well as the funding for training.
In addition to visiting with National Guard and Reserve members, Lengyel wanted to really see what the force did and where they lived.
"I wanted to see for myself the base, the waters, the living places, the missions,"said Lengyel. "I would have a better understanding of what our Soldiers and Airmen are doing."
During the town hall, Lengyel reiterated that the National Guard is a unique component of the Department of Defense.
He explained the three missions Guard members conduct: war fighting, state partnership programs with foreign country military forces, and support to states. There is no other military component that does all this, he said.
Army 1st. Lt. Elizabeth K. Stiehm, a detainee administration officer-in-charge with the 105th Military Police Battalion, believes Lengyel’s remarks motivated Soldiers to strive to achieve a better military career.
"I think when he was listing the three most important points about the National Guard, it just reinforced our purpose,"said Stiehm. "Not only when we are deployed, but when we are back at home. I know it motivated me."
Since 9/11 the National Guard has become a more relevant, competent and fully qualified, operationally used force, Lengyel said.
According to Lengyel, Gen. Mark A. Milley, chief of staff for the U.S. Army, informed the National Guard that it can expect to deploy as whole units and will be used rotationally and continuously throughout the world.
Lengyel said he wants the troops to make a career out of the military, explaining their service is vital and the Guard has to continue to maintain a strong presence.
"We will need all of the National Guard,"said Lengyel. "Our (active duty) military… needs to use you now."
The National Guard's mission has changed over the years with more deployment opportunities throughout the world, he added.
"Can you and can our National Guard sustain?" Lengyel said. "Because whatever we build in the National Guard, if it is not sustainable for the long term, it won't work for us and it won't work for the United States Army."