Press Release
☷8th TSC Engineer leads Civic Action Team Palau
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Mar 19,2024
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The Civic Action Team 84 - 09 , part of the 84th Engineer Battalion , 130th Engineer Brigade , 8th Theater Sustainment Command , gathered for a photo at Camp Katuu in Palau on February 7 , 2024 , as they took on their duties . For over 60 years , service members from the Department of Defense have been supporting engineering and community outreach projects on the island , with the Navy , Air Force , and Army taking turns . 1st Lt . Ryan Thistlewood , who was previously serving as a Sapper Platoon Leader in Hawaii , was thrilled when he found out he would be leading a squad to Palau . However , he knew he would have to catch up with the team ' s training as they had already completed it . Despite this setback , Thistlewood ' s background in sports , particularly basketball , prepared him for leadership . Growing up in Colorado , he was always active and excelled in basketball . His former coach , John Anderson , remembers him as a talented and determined player . Thistlewood went on to play basketball at George Fox University , but started thinking about his future beyond college . That feeling inspired him to apply for the United States Military Academy during his first and second years of college . "I got a call from my local rep who was helping me with the application and they were like , ' Hey , congrats , you got into West Point , ' " Thistlewood said . "But I was like , ' No , actually I got a letter saying I didn ' t get in and to try again next year . ' " Thistlewood found out later that someone else had declined their offer and he was next in line . This kind of situation would happen again in his life , but it also provided him with many opportunities . Ryan credits his desire to serve to his grandfather , Larry Hadley , who served in the Air Force during Vietnam and then coached at the United States Air Force Academy shooting team . "Wanting to serve definitely comes from my grandfather . He always wanted one of his grandchildren to join the military and I always felt like that was the path I was going to take . He used to tell me stories about his time in the service when I was a kid , and I guess they stuck with me and made me want to serve too . " Hadley doesn ' t hold Thistlewood ' s choice of service against him , but they always have a lot to talk about during family gatherings . When Thistlewood got to West Point , he thought about trying out for the basketball team , but decided to join the club handball team instead . He didn ' t think he was good enough to play Division I basketball , but luckily his skills translated well to handball . Thistlewood went on to excel as a player on the Army West Point team and became captain in his senior year . In February 7 , 2024 , Civic Action Team - 84 - 09 took over the engineering and community engagement activities in Palau from Civic Action Team 133 - 31 at the Ngarchamayong Cultural Center . This transfer of authority ceremony was attended by the president of Palau and the American Ambassador to Palau , highlighting the importance of their partnership . "Since the late 1960s , the Civil Action Team has been a vital part of the Palauan community . These Civic Action Teams have become known for their goodwill , collaboration , and selfless service , " said U . S . Ambassador to the Republic of Palau , Joel Ehrendreich . The CAT Team ' s hard work goes beyond just their military objectives and has become a positive influence in Palauan society . When people see them in uniform , they know good things are happening for the community . Thistlewood feels proud to continue the legacy of the team , which has been ongoing for seven decades . With a population of just over 18 , 000 , the team is already becoming familiar faces in the community during their planned events . They are actively involved in community projects and outreach , with members from different military branches rotating to support Palau . Thistlewood appreciates the diversity and hard work of his team , acknowledging their dedication to their mission . Their efforts have strengthened the relationship between Palau and the U . S . , bringing positive change to the community year after year . Soldiers from Civic Action Team 84 - 09 are working with the 84th Engineer Battalion , 130th Engineer Brigade to maintain yards and monuments in Palau as part of a long - standing partnership . For over 60 years , DOD service members have been supporting engineering and community projects on the island . The team is focusing on various projects and community engagements , such as installing security fencing , building sidewalks , and renovating emergency shelters . They are also offering Zumba classes , movie nights , and medical check - ups to reach as many people as possible . The team is focused on making a positive impact on the Palauan community and leaving a lasting impression . Their goal is to have a packed change of command ceremony as a measure of their success .
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