MEMORANDUM FOR USC School of Cinema-Television, Office of Admissions,
University Park, CTV-G130, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-2211, ATTN: Film
and Television Production Program
SUBJECT: Letter of Personal Recommendation for Mr. Kyle P.
Hausmann-Stokes
1. I strongly recommend Mr.
Hausmann-Stokes for acceptance into USC Film
and Television Production Program
2. I knew and served with Mr.
Hausmann-Stokes as a soldier in the U.S. Army from 2002 until 2004
when we were both stationed the Joint Readiness Training Center in
Fort Polk, Louisiana. I served in positions as his direct
supervisor, first as his Operations Sergeant Major, and then as his
Battalion Command Sergeant Major. In that time, I found, then Sergeant
Hausmann, to be a superb leader of soldiers with strong character and
morals. He was the epitome of the Noncommissioned Officer corps and
was firmly grounded in the principles of leadership. His ability to
communicate clear and concise instructions, both verbally and written,
was unsurpassed by his peers. I observed him in action on many
occasions and was always impressed with the care and attention he gave
to his soldiers. If I had to use only one character trait to describe
SGT Hausmann-Stokes,
it would be “loyal”. He never failed me and he never failed our unit.
3. The mission of our unit with the
Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) was to provide a motivated,
trained, and highly skilled dedicated opposing force for the training
center. Each year, the Army rotates between 10 – 13 maneuver brigades
through the center, equivalent to upwards of 65,000 soldiers. JRTC is
the Army’s premier training center that trains all light forces,
airborne, air assault, ranger, and Special Force units as they rotate
through the center’s nearly month-long training program. Our
battalion was charged with replicating a full-spectrum enemy force
ranging from insurgents, conventional forces, light and airborne
forces, heavy and mechanized forces, and special purpose forces
capable of deep penetration missions using special tactics and
clandestine insertions. On a simpler note, our battalion was charged
with providing rotational units with the toughest fight of their
lives, there in training before they went into battle.
4. SGT Hausmann-Stokes served as a member of our
team since he arrived to the unit in 2002. He served in a variety of
positions, always increasing his versatility and personal
capabilities. In December 2003, the center’s focus shifted to
replicating the current threat force in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our
unit adapted to the new scenarios and replicated the actions, customs,
tactics, dress, language, and individual values of the current enemy
threat such as Al Quida terrorists, former Saddam regime members,
foreign fighters, and both Sunni and Shia militias. Due to SGT Hausmann-Stokes’
personal talents, he was easily able to accurately replicate this
current enemy threat in order to maximize realism for the soldiers
training at the center.
5. It was only after SGT Hausmann-Stokes established himself as a trustworthy and highly proficient soldier in
our unit, that he began creating a new reputation for himself as a
master of making short films for our unit. His creativity and drive
to accurately replicate rotational historical events impressed both
seniors and peers alike. Eventually, his ability to create excellent
short films could not be overlooked and our commander moved him from
his normal soldierly duties to a position where he could propagate his
talents by working nearly full-time in a position where he could
continue to make short films for the unit. His films fully
demonstrated his potential to excel and eventually warranted his
separation from the military in order to further his education in that
field.
6. The films that SGT Hausmann-Stokes produced for our unit were used for a variety of purposes, including
entertainment, morale-boosting, training, and historical
documentation. The soldiers who viewed SGT Hausmann-Stokes’
work were always impressed, always entertained, and filled with an
immense sense of pride for their unit. As the senior soldier of our
battalion, I attest to you that what SGT Hausmann-Stokes did for my soldiers could not have been accomplished, nor received by
our soldiers, by anyone else.
7. Again, I strongly recommend that you select
Mr. Kyle Hausmann-Stokes into the USC School of Cinema-Television. He is an honorably
discharged veteran who proved himself capable as a soldier, an
American citizen, and will bring credit to your school if admitted.
If I can provide any further information to this matter, please do not
hesitate to contact me at (254) 288-9477 or e-mail at: Richard.a.beal1@hood.army.mil.
RICHARD A. BEAL
Command Sergeant
Major, U.S. Army
|
