Joint Transportation Reserve Unit hosts Gen. Fraser

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - The Joint Transportation Reserve Unit, commanded by Air Force Maj. Gen. David S. Post, of the U.S. Transportation Command, hosted Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, USTRANSCOM, Jan. 7, and he addressed the assembled unit here on many issues on the way ahead for the Reserves as the national strategy for Defense evolves.

Fraser praised the soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen for their sacrifices in the defense of America and those of their families and employers.

“Without you great men and women, we couldn’t do what we do,” said Fraser.

Fraser recognized that experiences gained in civilian employment serve the military very well when the reservists come on duty. “You bring a different perspective – you’re innovative types who bring solutions by pushing the blinders back and collaborating with us so we can all do a better job.”

Fraser cautioned the group that even as our national security posture and strategy evolve toward focus on the Pacific theater as President Obama and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have stated, the need for the spirit of sacrifice needed to remain constant.  While fiscal pressure concerns our forces, Fraser said he was part of the process of vetting spending priorities and felt comfortable with the process and that our leaders have focused attention on what the right things to do are even in the more austere fiscal environment.

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Steven E. Day, deputy commander for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs Atlantic Area, spoke to the unit and praised the progress of professionalism in the Reserve ranks over the last 20 years for the JTRU at USTRANSCOM.  “You’re part of a history-making place,” said Day.

Day previously served at USTRANSCOM in the JTRU as the Coast Guard Element executive officer.
Post thanked his personnel and stated his appreciation for them drilling over the holiday weekend which served to give a break to active-duty personnel for time with their families and to watch some football.

-USTRANSCOM-