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40 Years

Photo By Master Sgt. Lynette Hoke | Chief Warrant Officer 5 Fredrick Bailey and Pfc. Eric McAllister both of the 2nd...... read more read more

IRAQ

01.09.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Lynette Hoke

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By Lynette Hoke
34th Combat Aviation Brigade

Soldiers in the United States Army come from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, races, genders and ages.

The Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 641st (2-641) Aviation Regiment stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, are not any exception. The Soldiers of the unit vary in race, cultural upbringing and most interesting ... the span in ages of their Soldiers.

The oldest Soldier is Chief Warrant Office 5 Fredrick Bailey, Tactical Operations Officer, who is almost 60 years old and will be required by the U.S. Army to retire after returning from deployment. The youngest Soldier is nearly 40 years his prior; Pfc. Eric McAllister, Flight Operations, just recently turned 18 and just a few months ago would have been too young to deploy with his unit.

"Back in 1969, when I joined the military, the draft was in effect," said Bailey. "I went to a recruiter and asked what my options are ... I wanted to go Special Forces; but they said you have to go infantry and then apply. Then I said 'aviation,' I tested and got in."

"I never really gave any thought to any other service when I was looking to join," remarked McAllister. "My grandfather, father and brother all served in the Oregon National Guard ... most of all the person that inspired to join is my brother."

When a person decides to join the United States military, it is usually because of a varying variety of reasons or desires. Forty years ago, the typical service member didn't have a choice if they want to serve in the United States military.

"The most significant change is the all volunteer force now," said Bailey. "When I first came in, people who joined were serving four years whether you liked it or not."

"Back then you had people who would get in trouble with the civilian authorities and the judge would give them the choice, jail or military," said the native of Fayetteville, Ark. "Today's Army is different; everyone is here because they wanted to be here, whatever the reason."

Always an Aviator

To be a part of the small demographic of Army Aviators usually only attracts the hardworking and strong willed. This is prominent in the two Soldiers, despite the age range.

"Flying is something that I always wanted to do," said McAllister, a native of Portland, Ore. "If I could, I would build myself a set of wings and be off the ground all of the time."

"I chose the Army, over the other services, primarily because I could fly," said Bailey, the combat veteran who has seen eight commander-in-chief changes during his military career. "I wanted to fly helicopters, and the Army would let me fly them right out of flight school."

Basic Training

Basic Combat Training has adapted and evolved throughout the years due to the changing wars and Soldiers who come to defend their country.

"Going to basic training was the first time I have ever been to the east coast," said McAllister. "I am thrown in with this mix of people all over the country."

"Being in the military you learned a lot about yourself," said Bailey, an Aviator who has endured 10 uniform changes during his lifetime in the United States Army. "You learn a lot more about yourself going through the training. You get your system pushed and your comfort zone is thrown out the window. "

Deploying

In today's National Guard, a Soldier should consider the possibility of a deployment inevitable. The outlook and attitude, as always, is still the choice of the Soldier.

"Joining was the best thing I've ever done in my life," said McAllister. "It [the deployment] is a good experience and it gives me something to talk to with my friends and family."

"My first assignment out of flight school was VIP Vietnam. My last assignment for the Army is VIP for Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is a full circle," said Bailey, having experienced six deployments to six different countries during his four decades in the Army.

Retrospect

As the sun sets on one Soldiers career, the sun rises with another. Both Soldiers think about the past and the present.

"If I had not had the military experience, I wouldn't be the same person," said Bailey. "At the same, I don't think I could have denied the military experience. My wife jokes, when I bleed I green."

"You aren't just working the typical nine to five," said McAllister. "You could sit at home and do nothing or get up, put on the uniform and make something of it. I hope to get aviator wings, experience and retirement travel."

All the Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment, Task Force 34 are expected to return home this summer.