Brothers reunite for reenlistment

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Tierce | Capt. Gerald Rebeschini, (right) a native of Grosse Point, Mich., who serves as an information operations officer with 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, meets up with his younger brother, Cpl. Ken Potenga, who also calls Grosse Point his home, serves with Company C, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, which is a Michigan Army National Guard unit currently attached to Task Force Ramadi of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Rebeschini conducted a reenlistment ceremony, Nov. 25, for his younger brother just inside Entry Control Point Four on Camp Liberty.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

11.25.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Tierce 

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Sgt. Brian Tierce
2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – Philadelphia is considered the city of brotherly love. And although it is approximately 6,074 miles as the crow flies from Philadelphia to Baghdad, that didn't stop two brothers from joining together to commemorate their commitment to service.

Such was the case, Nov. 25, as Capt. Gerald Rebeschini, reunited with his younger brother, Cpl. Ken Potenga, and presided over his reenlistment, Nov. 25, at Camp Liberty.

Rebeschini, a native of Grosse Point, Mich., who serves as an information operations officer with 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. Cpl. Ken Potenga, his younger brother who also calls Grosse Point his home, serves with Company C, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, which is a Michigan Army National Guard unit currently attached to Task Force Ramadi of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Their deployment marks the first time in their careers that the two have been deployed to the same theater of operations. When Ken made the decision to reenlist, he knew just the right person for the job.

"When I originally talked about it with my first sergeant, I thought it was something that only happened in movies," said Potenga. "But now that it actually happened, it feels really good. I wouldn't have it any other way."

The ceremony was conducted right inside of Entry Control Point four on Camp Liberty was a far reach from other lavish places many Soldiers choose for their oath of enlistment. But for these brothers in arms, it's not about where you are but rather who you share the moment with.

"Reenlisting my brother in Iraq is a unique opportunity that doesn't happen every day," said Rebeschini. "This is defiantly a picture that will be up on mom's mantle for quite a while."

For Potenga, the moment couldn't have come at a better time since his tour of duty in Iraq will soon be over. He said he already has a short list of things planned upon his return to the states.

"We'll be back just in time for Christmas," said Potenga, "I'll get in the holiday spirit, have Christmas and then take a vacation."

For the elder brother, who is just getting his 12-month tour underway, he said going home is the farthest thing from his mind but the pride of knowing his brother is making a commitment to stay Army Strong is one he won't soon forget.

"He's made a big choice. There is a lot of pride about serving together in Iraq," said Rebeschini, "It's a unique opportunity that doesn't come by every day and I'm glad I could be here to do the reenlistment for him."

• Date Taken: 11.25.2008
• Date Posted: 11.27.2008 12:43
• Story ID: 26887
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ