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by Capt. Andrew Huth
CAMP ADDER, Iraq - Despite some Pacesetters being deployed to Iraq for the fourth time, the Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, lead the brigade in the number of soldiers who choose to stay in the Army.
Since the beginning of fiscal year 2011, the Pacesetter Battalion re-enlisted 71 soldiers in 23 days, surpassing its annual goal faster than any other battalion in the brigade.
Staff Sgt. Daniel Dever, from Hopkins, Minn., battalion reenlistment non-commissioned officer, enjoys his job and role as a mentor to young soldiers who are contemplating staying in the Army.
“I get to help ensure that the Army meets its retention goals and has enough soldiers to fight future wars, but at the same time, I help soldiers get what they want out of the Army, such as bonuses, MOS, and choice of assignment,” said Dever.
Dever doesn’t attribute the unit’s brigade-leading numbers to his own efforts, preferring to credit the ones raising their right hand.
“The soldiers are the ones who agreed to a commitment to extend their obligation to the Army and this nation. I’m just here to guide them,” said Dever.
One of the soldiers who extended his service had several reasons for re-enlisting.
“I re-enlisted because of the personal satisfaction I get from doing a job that impacts the lives of so many people daily,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Medina, from Pueblo, Colo., motor sergeant for Battery B. “Also, because the job market is so uncertain in the civilian world right now, it just makes sense for me to keep doing a job that I love.”
Despite having met the retention goals for the battalion, Dever, the leadership and soldiers of the battalion don’t plan on slowing down their efforts to re-enlist soldiers.
“It’s not about meeting the numbers and goals that are made for us. It’s about providing the Army with the best possible soldiers,” said Dever. We think we have some of the best soldiers in the Army, and whenever another one decides to stay in the Army, it improves our organization as a whole.”
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2010 11:48 |
| Story ID: | 61172 |
| Location: | CAMP ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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