Deployed troops conduct mass reenlistment

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Johnson | Ohio Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Samuel Cordova (left), from the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, stands in a line of 22 Soldiers just after reenlisting during an Independence Day celebration at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Master Sgt. Shirley K. Parmi, Sgt. Susan Hanudel and Sgt. Adrian Newhouse, also from 37th, also reenlisted.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

07.11.2008

Story by Spc. Kimberly Johnson 

37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

By Pfc. Kimberly Johnson
37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Four Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers answered the call of duty during an Independence Day celebration thousands of miles from home.

Master Sgt. Shirley K. Parmi, Staff Sgt. Samuel Cordova, Sgt. Susan Hanudel and Sgt. Adrian Newhouse, all of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, were among 22 Soldiers who reenlisted, July 4, swearing to safeguard freedom at home and abroad.

Citizen-Soldiers embody a unique combination of warrior and civilian skills, making them diverse in their service.

"Being a Soldier is many things to many people. For me it's the opportunity to give back," Newhouse said.

The Soldiers are deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"The greatest part of being a Soldier is being able to serve my country and help fight for freedom," Hanudel said.

Cordova said he is most proud of the years of service he has completed and all the challenges he has worked through along the way.

Among the dignitaries present was Lt. Gen. James J. Lovelace, commander of U.S. Army Central, who served as the event's honored speaker.

"Now that you have served, you can never go home the same," Lovelace said. "Your service has changed you forever."

Newhouse, who returned to military service after a 20-year separation, echoed the general's statement.

"Returning to service brought me focus. I've regained a sense of pride and duty to country that had waned throughout the years of complacency in civilian life. It has made me a much better person," Newhouse said.

As they raised their right hands, the Ohio Soldiers renewed their commitments to serving their communities, state and nation.

"I reenlisted because I still haven't found anything I'd rather do with my life," Parmi said. "The Army has given me a true appreciation for what a great country the U.S. really is. I would never want to call another country home."

• Date Taken: 07.11.2008
• Date Posted: 07.11.2008 12:55
• Story ID: 21390
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW