Janesville native assigned new military command
Podcast Episode
A Janesville native takes command of a well respected combat brigade.
The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) has a long and illustrious tradition in defending America's freedom, dating back to World War 1. Brigade Public Affairs Officer, Major J.P. Arnold says selection of Colonel Andrew Poppas as the brigade's commander is a significant moment in the unit's history. The 1984 Craig High School graduate's remarkable role in our country's military is no surprise to his former social studies teacher Sam Loizzo, who remembers Poppas as a senior on a field trip to Washington. Loizzo says the Pentagon was part of the tour, and Poppas joined in a discussion with admirals and generals, about preventing wars in the future. In reacting to public interest about his assignment, Poppas offers thoughtful humility, and directs the attention to the men and women of today's military. He says this is a time of war, and the soldiers that came in today, are conducting themselves in extraordinary ways. Poppas has already commanded in combat, serving in Iraq. As part of his new assignment, he'll likely lead the 3500 men and women of the First Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan.
A change of command ceremony is set for this Thursday at Fort Cambell, Kentucky.
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Feb 9, 2009 at 12:11 p.m.
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you put pictures of prostitutes in your paper, why not war heros?Glad to see a local man make it big.best of luck and god be with him in such a dangerous mission.
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