Finance stays Army Strong

Courtesy Photo | (Right) Sgt. Camille Padonu, a native of Kingsland, Ga., and the non-commissioned officer in charge of customer service for A Detachment, 24th Finance Company, re-enlists at the International Zone in Baghdad on the diving board of the Freedom Rest pool, Sept. 5. Upon her redeployment, she is slated to move to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio to attend Advanced Individual Training for respiratory therapy. "I look forward to the new experience and opportunity to travel to a new location," said Padonu.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.16.2008

Courtesy Story

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

By 1st Lt. Amanda Psiaki
1st Sustainment Brigade

BAGHDAD – In the past couple of months, four Soldiers from Detachment A, 24th Finance Company, re-affirmed their commitment to keeping the Army strong by re-enlisting for terms that range from four to six years.

During the month of September, Spc. Lanuola Pyles, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, and a cashier with A Det., 24th FM Co.; and Sgt. Camille Padonu, a native of Kingsland, Ga., and the non-commissioned officer in charge of customer service also with A Det., 24th FM Co., renewed their commitment to the Army by agreeing to serve four and five more years respectively.

Padonu re-enlisted at the International Zone in Baghdad on the diving board of the Freedom Rest pool.

Upon her re-deployment, Padonu is scheduled to re-class to become a respiratory therapist. She will attend Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, and she hopes to remain in Texas after her schooling.

Pyles re-enlisted at Forward Operating Base Falcon under the stabilization incentive, so she will remain at Fort Stewart, Ga., for at least a year after her redeployment.

Her husband is currently serving as the executive officer for the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and she is looking forward to being able to spend time with him once she returns.

"I am excited about the opportunity to spend time with my husband and continue serving the Soldiers in [the 3rd Infantry Division]," said Pyles.

In October, Spc. Felicia Wynn, a Millen, Ga., native, and cashier with A Det., 24th FM Co.; and Spc. Whitney Fisher, a Hughson, Calif., native, and cashier with A Det., 24th FM Co., made the same pledge to the Army by re-enlisting for four and six years respectively.

Wynn opted for the incentive to choose her next duty station, so she will be moving to Fort McPherson in Atlanta in May 2009. While deployed, Wynn has served in both the disbursing and customer service sections. She has been a valuable asset to the organization, and her experience will be priceless to her future unit.

"Furthering my military career is important, and location is an added bonus," said Wynn of her decision to re-enlist.

Also in October, Fisher re-enlisted for six years and received a bonus. She took the oath of enlistment at FOB Falcon, and she has plans to make the Army a career with hopes of one day becoming a drill sergeant.

Fisher's primary jobs throughout the deployment have been in customer service as a military pay clerk and in disbursing as a cashier. Her dedication to customers is her top priority, and she strives to meet the needs of every Soldier.

All four Soldiers who made the decision to re-enlist are a great asset to the Army and the finance corps. Their commitment is a testament of their dedication and desire to serve their country. The Army is fortunate to have them among the ranks.

• Date Taken: 11.16.2008
• Date Posted: 11.16.2008 09:04
• Story ID: 26414
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ