Rakkasan Soldiers take part in mass reenlistment

Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | Specialist Christopher Cora, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd...... read more read more

Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | Specialist Christopher Cora, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team receives his Rakkasan knife from Lt. Col. Daniel Dolwick, deputy commander of the 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), during a knife ceremony for re-enlisting Rakkasan Soldiers, July 4.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.08.2008

Story by Spc. Justin Snyder 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

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By Spc. Justin Snyder
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – "I, your name, do solemnly swear," began Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of Multi-National Force - Iraq.

Twenty Rakkasan Soldiers, amidst a total of 1,215 service members, repeated those words, took part in a mass re-enlistment ceremony at the al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, July 4.

"That I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic," continued Petraeus, with the re-enlistees right on his heels. "And that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

With those final words spoken, they shouted a thunderous "Hooah" that could've woken the spirits of their forefathers; those who gave the very first oath of enlistment in 1776.

The ceremony began with a slideshow, where the patriotic music of country superstars Hank Williams Jr. and Toby Keith serenaded the crowd.

Command Sergeant Major Marvin Hill, MNF-I command sergeant major, opened his speech by shouting, "Freedom," and thanking all the service members. On a day when the Army celebrated its 35th anniversary of an all-volunteer Army, he said the large group of volunteers was a sign to enemies and allies alike.

"This ceremony and the amount of people re-enlisting shows that we are strong, committed and united," Hill said.

This was the third re-enlistment for Sgt. Thomas Gilmore Jr., Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). However, this was his first ceremony.

"I was in the Navy and got out, then came back; then, I joined the Army. Those were the only re-enlistments I had," said Hill, a native of Oklahoma City. "Guys kept telling me how cool these ceremonies were, so I wanted to experience it for myself. I wasn't let down."

Soldiers can re-enlist from two to six years and, depending on their situation and time in service, can receive a bonus of up to $30,000. While the bonus is a good reason to re-enlist, it's not the only reason the Rakkasan Soldiers did so.

"My wife really encouraged me to sign back up," said Spc. Christopher Cora, Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). "With the way the economy is at home, this was the best choice for us."

Petraeus said, to his knowledge, this was the largest mass re-enlistment ever, referring to the service members as "America's new greatest generation."

A large flag hung from the rafters of what used to be Saddam Hussein's palace, serving as a backdrop for the ceremony on America's birthday. Petraeus, who assumed command of the MNF-I in 2007, thanked the Soldiers for their support of the war and their country.

"For no bonus – no matter the size – can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you makes as a custodian of our nation's defense," Petraeus said. "I'm proud to have served this great nation with all of you."

Following the ceremony, the Rakkasan Soldiers returned to Camp Striker, where they took part in a knife ceremony. Every Rakkasan who re-enlists receives a custom knife engraved with the unit's motto, "Let valor not fail."

Private First Class Anthony Burkman, Company A, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), said that he was planning to re-enlist soon, but the mass re-enlistment was the perfect opportunity.

"It was only a matter of time before I re-enlisted, and this way, I could meet Gen. Petraeus," said Burkman, a native of Malen, Mo. "The Army has given me and my family a good life, and this was a good way to give back. I love being in the Army."

Gilmore said he will always remember this day, even after he's out of the Army. He has eight more years of service until he reaches the minimum 20 years he needs to retire. By taking part in the Independence Day mass re-enlistment ceremony, he can now go out with a bang.

"When I joined the Army, they asked when I wanted to sign the papers and I told them, July 5," Gilmore said. "The office was closed on the 4th (of July); and that way, when I retire from the military, I can celebrate my service yearly with a fireworks celebration."