An Interview With First Class Sargent SFC Charles M. Grist on the War

*****EXCLUSIVE*****

Centcom electronic media arranged for me to interview, via email, SFC Charles M. Grist to get his views on a variety of issues, the gem of a quote is in the title and it was his answer to my question about what he would say to the President of the United States of America.

Sgt. 1st Class Charles (Chuck) Grist is a Veteran of both the Vietnam war and of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Presently he is: Observer-Controller/Trainer, 3-347th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 87th Division TS (First Army); Mobilized (COTTAD) effective February 1, 2007.

Decorations, Service Medals, Badges

Bronze Star Medal
Army Commendation Medal (5 awards)
Air Medal (2 awards)
National Defense Service Medal (3 awards)
Combat Infantryman Badge (Vietnam)
Combat Action Badge (Iraq)
Ranger Tab
Parachute Badge
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and numeral “3”
Overseas Service Ribbon
Humanitarian Service Medal (Hurricane Andrew)
Army Achievement Medal (2 awards)
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral “3”
Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (4 awards)
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3 awards)
Army Service Ribbon

In my mind, truly a hero who has given and continues to give, selflessly to our country.

First I would like to thank SFC Grist for his service and for this interview as well as a big thank you to Centcom for arranging this interview for me.

Spree: I understand from reading your own site that you are training military members that will soon be in the war zone, is that correct?

SFC Grist: Yes

Spree: What is the attitude of these men and women that you are training, regarding Iraq?

SFC Grist: Many are being deployed for the first time, but there are also quite a few who are returning for a second or third tour.

They are focused on their missions and the need to prepare physically and mentally to take care of each other.