New deputy commander brings combat know-how to Fort Wainwright
Published Friday, September 5, 2008
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FAIRBANKS — When the new deputy commander of U.S. Army Alaska first interviewed for the job in March, he was in Afghanistan at 20 below, getting ready to lead Afghan soldiers on a long night mission.
Col. Edward B. Daly doubted that he would be in Alaska later in the year after receiving that phone call.
“I didn’t think it would happen because of the timing,” he said.
However, the man on the other end of the line, Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield, the commander of U.S. Army Alaska, thought differently.
“His calm resolve on the phone and the fact that after that call he was going to lead a patrol all night was all I needed to know,” Layfield told a small crowd gathered at Fort Wainwright on Thursday to welcome Daly to Alaska. “He had the job.”
Soldiers from each U.S. Army Alaska unit formed a “Circle of Honor” around Daly and Layfield at the brief ceremony.
Daly said that he had never been to Alaska before moving here this summer, but he had always been curious about the 49th state. But mainly, he came here to be close to soldiers getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq.
“This was my second tour in Afghanistan, and I saw a lot of good things,” he said. “I want to help by sharing that experience with units getting ready to go.”
A career military man, Daly joined the Army at the age of 17. He comes from a strong military family, as his father served as a paratrooper in the Korean war and both his brothers also are serving in the military. His son attends the Virginia Military Institute, and his daughter attends the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
The colonel has been stationed all over the world and the continental U.S., though he had especially kind words for the Fairbanks community and its support of the military.
“This is very, very unique what you have here,” he said. “I’d like to remind you that this relationship is not something to be taken for granted.”
Daly takes over the second-highest position in U.S. Army Alaska at a unique time.
Multiple units in Alaska are preparing to deploy or are returning from deployment during the next two years. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry will begin the largest deployment in Alaska history later this month.
Daly said the brigade’s commander. Col. Burt Thompson, had done an excellent job of preparing the 1-25th for its upcoming mission.
And the total number of soldiers in Alaska is expected to swell from 26,000 to 29,000 during the next 18 months.
But Daly’s boss, Layfield, believes the new deputy commander is the right man for job.
“He has been tested and approved by multiple combat tours, multiple combat theaters,” Layfield said. “We are fortunate to have a warrior of this magnitude join our ranks in U.S. Army Alaska.”
Community Discussion
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Great!
Maybe he can use the know-how to handle the gang problem on post
Another policy letter ought to show those thugs who's boss...
On the other hand, those thugs made it this far, why would a new deputy commander about to go to war focus on gang activity at home station? I'd be worried about the troops if he did.
WELCOME Col Daly.:)
I hope you enjoy your stay here in Alaska or what time you get to enjoy it before having to deploy once again with our troops into the REAL world affairs.:)
Just a FYI
If I remember correctly the Deputy Commander won't deploy with the troops - only visit a couple times during rotation...
(we always though the visits were so the higher-ups could get their 'combat pay' hazardous duty stipends for the various the 6 month periods without actually 'serving' in the areas)
Therefore - If my memory serves me correctly he will have plenty of time to work on that policy letter ACman
Does this mean the gang bangers are going to learn how to shoot each other?
Welcome Colonel Daly,
I admire your record and support what you are planning to do here. As a citizen, and training troops that are entering a semi-civilian setting I wonder if you would consider dicipline a part of your training. I am not critiquing the troops here or abroad, but in fairbanks we have had a history of problems with some of our military personell. They have been barred from some bars for problems, there is talk of growing gang problems which are believed to be tied to military gang members, and I personally have been almost run down (on purpose) by a soldier. Dicipline (IMO) is not simply about obedience to orders and the chain of command, it is also a measure of one's demeanor towards others and how they reflect upon thier country. Please consider that when planning your work with our troops.
Col Daly your years of knowledge and experience will benefit all of the soldiers here in Alaska as they prepare to leave for yet another deployment whether you accompany them or not.:)
I wish you the best in this latest assignment.:)
If you complainers want the Army to take action about gang activity then do the right thing and report names and evidence to the Provost Marshals Office, IG or CID and if found credible the problem will be rectified. In my 40 years with the US Army I have never seen it fail to take action when names and evidence are presented. Rumors and BS accusations are only that. Beating up on the new guy in town in the paper before he has time to find the PX does nothing to solve the problems. Stand up and be counted. If you know of illegal activity report it. If nothing is done, then put Names, Places and Activities in the paper and on the radio. But give the new guy a chance. Talk to your local folks, Mayor, Police Officials etc, who meet regularly with the Military and see if they can't resolve the problems rather than BSing about it in the paper. The US Army does not want or condone rogues but can't do much without names and evidence. REPORT PROBLEM PEOPLE to the Authorities either civil or military.
OlypoppersPop
I agree with you 110 percent.:)
The only answer (as you've pointed out) tin ridding the city and area of these bottom feeding, gang bangers is for the military, city officials and civillians to pool their resources and work together to eliminate this putrid element from our ranks in every faction.:)
Col Daly
I look forward to watching our military forces expand so dramatically in the next few years within this great state of Alaska.:)
Olypopper,
I will keep that in mind the next time a drive by occurs. I am sure they will be happy to stop for a second so I can get names. I am not beating up the new guy in town, he has my support and respect. It's the gang bangers (both military and civillian) that will never have my respect.
If they are in fact military personnel, I am confident that someone on post knows who they are. Maybe those guys can speak up as well, maybe the military can take care of it's own. Believe me, I am not down on the military, just the population within the military that is causing trouble.
Colonel Daly, welcome to Alaska, and thank you for your service.
Uncommon_sense,
I would say your name identifies your personality. You just want to complain. Report what ya can as soon as you can and you might help solve the problem rather than hand wringing. The sky is not falling.
I just want to pass this on. I served under Col Daly fom 1982-1986 during the Cold War in Germany with the 1st Armored Division . During my twenty-two year Army career he is without a doubt the best officer I ever served under. I never met an officer with his dedication and loyality to this nation. Alaska is in good hands. You are very lucky to have him.
SFC(ret)Dan Burton
Spokane, WA
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