History as backdrop to 2CR re-enlistment ceremony

Photo By Staff Sgt. Timothy Hamlin | Sgt. Daniel Kroutil, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, a Bakersfield, California native, re-enlists in the U.S. Army at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, May 22, 2018. Maj. James Anderson, operations officer, 4/2CR, officiated the re-enlistment ceremony during a squadron staff ride. Omaha Beach is a five -mile stretch of beachhead and was one of the main sectors in the Allied invasion at Normandy. Along with Utah Beach, it was the first U.S. foothold for the Allied offensive against Nazi Germany and a critical turning point in the World War II. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Timothy Hamlin, 2d Cavalry Regiment)  

OMAHA BEACH, FRANCE

05.22.2018

Courtesy Story

2d Cavalry Regiment

Written by 1st Lt. Patrick Piedad, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment

The decision to serve in the U.S. Army is an important decision not to be taken lightly. The decision to re-enlist and extend one’s obligation of service to the U.S. Army, knowing the sacrifices that are demanded of today’s Soldiers arguably carries even more weight. During the 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment staff ride to Normandy, France, Sgt. Daniel Kroutil, of Bakersfield, California, received the special honor of re-enlisting in the tides of Omaha Beach, May 22, 2018.

Omaha Beach, a five-mile stretch of beachhead, was one of the main sectors in the Allied invasion at Normandy, France. Along with Utah Beach, it was the first U.S. foothold for the Allied offensive against Nazi Germany, and a critical turning point in the war. Somewhere between 2,000 and 4,700 Allied Soldiers lost their lives at the landings at Omaha Beach, one of the most heavily defend sectors of the D-Day Invasion.

The Allied Forces successfully captured the beachhead thanks to the tactical proficiency and determination of the junior leaders who led the attack. Kroutil’s re-enlistment is a reminder of the importance of junior non-commissioned officers, and their legacy of professional expertise.

“On June 6, 1944, the United States invaded the beaches of Omaha and Utah in Normandy, France,” said Kroutil. “Their mission was simple, take the beach and win the war. While many more days of combat were ahead of them, this place decided the fate of the free world. It is a great honor to re-enlist here where so many made such a huge sacrifice.”

Kroutil requested Maj. James Anderson, operations officer, 4/2CR, be the one to administer his oath of re-enlistment as a testament to his gratitude for Anderson’s leadership and efforts in making the event a reality.

“The opportunity to re-enlist Kroutil in the tides of Omaha Beach is humbling and it served as a poignant reminder of the importance of our agile and adaptive junior leaders, the importance of our Soldiers’ decision to volunteer for continued service and it represents the future of our Army,” said Anderson. “I’m grateful to have shared that experience with him.”

Soldiers choose a variety of ways to mark their re-enlistment, from a small ceremony at a Squadron formation to an adrenaline-filled experience of re-enlisting before jumping out of an airplane. Kroutil’s re-enlistment at Omaha Beach was most certainly one of note, reminding us of the incredible sacrifice made at Normandy, as well as the U.S. Army’s bright future due to those that continue to serve.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2018
• Date Posted: 09.06.2018 06:02
• Story ID: 290139
• Location: OMAHA BEACH, FR
• Hometown: BAKERSFIELD, CA, US