Warrior Transition Battalion – Ft Knox, Kentucky March 18, 2009

The Warrior Transition Battalion Unit Ministry Team headed by Chaplain (MAJ) Jim Boyle and SGT Anita Ellerbe welcomed Phillip Brashear to Ft Knox Kentucky March 18, 2009.

Phillip arrived at Ft Knox around 2pm on March 18th and hit the ground running with Chaplain Boyle visiting soldiers in the Ireland Army Community Hospital, the Warrior Transition Battalion, the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment Bible Study group (at the O’Neil Chapel) and eventually addressing the Soldiers and family of the graduating class of new Armored Cavalry Scouts, (Bravo Troop, 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry) at the Leader’s Club during their evening celebration. The next day included another trip to the WTB meeting and motivating soldiers during the morning Office call was held between Phillip and CSM Randy Bottoms until it was time for the first formal activity of the trip. Philip attended the graduation of B Troop 5-15th Blackjacks. At noon, the Warrior Transition Battalion held a Prayer Luncheon at the Ft Knox Leader’s Club where Phillip was the main keynote speaker for the event. On hand were two of Phillip’s Kentucky cousins in the persons of Farley (Red) Brashear and Lawrence Wade. Chaplain Boyle made comment to the crowd on hand that Farley is set to return to the Army on active-duty. During Phillip’s keynote address, he reflected on his famous father, Carl Brashear and his own distinguished career as an Army helicopter pilot. WTB Commanding Officer, LTC Gary Travis spoke after Phillip’s comments and echoed the need for unity in these tough times in America. After the luncheon, Phillip was given the ability to address a large crowd of active–duty soldiers at the Ft Knox Wayburn Theater for a Leadership seminar conference. Phillip presented a well-received slideshow of his father’s legacy and Phillip’s time in Iraq.

The major significance of this trip was the fact that Ft Knox, Kentucky (Hardin County) is extremely close to the site where Phillip’s parents, Carl and Junetta Brashear were born and raised. The Ft Knox community was well aware of this fact and it made the whole trip more special for the soldiers and Phillip. Chaplain Boyle and SGT Ellerbe accommodated Phillip with such kindness and even acquired quarters for him at the legendary Henry House during his stay. Mrs. Boyle even brought snacks foods to the house for Phillip to enjoy. With all of that being said, it was the soldiers that were the main focus of this trip. The WTB is set up for the health and welfare of soldiers going through change in their life because of pre-deployment or post-deployment trauma. These are the true heroes that Americans should focus on. Carl Brashear is a true American hero but he does have plenty of company within our current military force.