Photo By Staff Sgt. Melissa Bright | Bastrop, Texas resident, Command Sgt. Major Alfred Cordova (front), the 72nd Infantry...... read more read more
BAGHDAD - Service members at Forward Operating Base Prosperity, Iraq, celebrated the Army's 235th birthday with camaraderie, cake, music and a military history presentation from the Headquarters Company 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team morale, welfare and recreation officer, 1st Lt. Sean Trobaugh, from Katy, Texas.
Prior to the celebration, Spc. Endina Zamora, HHC 72nd IBCT, from Houston, Texas, talked about her experience so far in the Army.
"I graduated high school and went right to basic training, at Fort Jackson, in May of 2008," Zamora explained, "We were issued [Army combat uniform] instead of the [battle dress uniform], but, we learned marksmanship with M-16s like everyone else; did the ruck marches and the seven-day campout."
"The experience was good for me though. It was when I returned home from my Advanced Individual Training for telecommunications operator that I learned I would be deploying and was then sent off to school again to fulfill a brigade requirement for someone trained on Air Missile Defense."
As for what she wants to do when she gets back to the United States.
"I want to be an 'English as a Second Language' teacher and thought I could use the military education opportunities to do that. I am taking online courses through Pierce College right now. When we get home my plans are to attend Lone Star Community College and take part in the Troops-to-Teachers program."
Zamora later participated in the cake-cutting ceremony that is traditionally performed by the most junior military member in attendance.
Master Sgt. Edward Hansen, another HHC 72nd IBCT Soldier from Houston, chuckled after seeing how many in the room weren't even born when he enlisted 1980.
While not the oldest in the room at 47, he certainly had more than enough time in service in the military to reflect on the difference 30 years in the National Guard can make.
"I joined at 17 as part of the split-training option and went to Fort Benning, Ga., to be an infantryman," he supplied smoothly. "We still had the steel pots for helmets; carried M-16's and wore khaki's."
"Enlisting wasn't even a question for me back then. I found out about the opportunity, jumped at the chance to gain independence and never looked back."
"There have been a number of changes from when I first came in. For example, this is only my second deployment in 30 years. I've met soldiers half my age with five years in and they are currently on their second or third deployment"
"Of the improvements that have occurred over the years, one that has made a huge impact in the lives of soldiers, I think, is in our military training and education. We have so much more knowledge now than ever before."
Despite their different initial experiences with the Army, Hansen and Zamora share a common bond. They are part of a voluntary Army deployed to Iraq, dedicated to a cause greater than themselves.
Lt. Trobaugh ended the evening by explaining why he spent so much time preparing his presentation and ensuring the success of the evening.
"We are celebrating the creation of an Army that is as relevant today as it was in 1775. We are re-affirming that our country is still worth defending with our lives our time and our fortunes. For when we stop believing that, we will no longer be the great nation we are today."
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2010 09:09 |
| Story ID: | 51595 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 647 |
| Downloads: | 280 |
This work, Texas Army National Guard Soldiers in Baghdad, Iraq Celebrate Army Birthday, Reflect on Changes, by SSG Melissa Bright, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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