By Pfc. Christopher T. Grammer
U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Office
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Soldiers raised their right hands and took the Oath of Re-enlistment at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on the anniversary of the United States independence from foreign powers.
The 22 soldiers re-enlisted into the military to solidify their dedication, and service to their country as well as to ensure stability for their families and a proper retirement.
"We're celebrating our independence and the reason we have that independence is because of soldiers like these during times of war," said Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Mayo, a command career counselor for U.S. Army Central.
The Ceremony opened with a few words by Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, USARCENT commanding general, who spoke of the importance of having good non-commissioned officers in today's Army and of the Constitution which embodies the freedoms that Soldiers continue to defend.
After the Oath of Re-enlistment was read each soldier stepped forward to receive their copy and by congratulated by Lovelace.
For some of the reenlisting soldiers the Army is much more than just a job and a college education.
"The greatest thing about being a soldier is the ability to serve one's country. Not everyone has the ability, emotional, physical and mental strength to serve in the Army," said Toledo, Ohio, native Sgt. 1st Class Magdalena Rodriguez, 335th Signal Command G1.
The more than a million soldiers in the United States Army make up only about .3 percent of the total U.S. population. This fact sets these reenlisting soldiers apart from the general public not only due to the fact that they enlisted in the first place but that they are willing and able to do so during a time of war.
"This is a great moment to me as an American," said Mayo. "The world is a better and safer place because of what these guys do."
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