Two West Virginia Soldiers promoted in field

Courtesy Photo | Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Lee, command sergeant major for Task Force West Virginia, pins E-2 rank on Pvt. Joshua C. Graham during a field promotion ceremony at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station on Sept. 13 near New Orleans.  

BELLE CHASSE, LA, UNITED STATES

09.13.2005

Courtesy Story

153rd Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Sherree Casper 153rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BELLE CHASSE, La. -- When it comes time to climb the ranks, Soldiers in the West Virginia National Guard are promoted anywhere.

A hurricane can't even stand in the way.

Spc. Joe E. Robinson and Pvt. Joshua C. Graham were promoted to their new rank on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Belle Chasse Naval Air Station, near New Orleans, by Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Lee, command sergeant major of the 77th Brigade Troop Command, West Virginia National Guard.

"He doesn't say a lot, but he will get the mission done," Lee told Soldiers in the morning's company formation who witnessed Robinson's promotion.

A medic with Headquarters Company, 1092nd Engineer Combat Battalion based in Parkersburg, W.Va., Robinson got word of his promotion to sergeant over the weekend via phone call from his supervisor, Staff Sgt. Teresa Miller.

"I knew it was coming. I have been up for it (promotion) for a while," said the 33-year-old from Reinersville, Ohio.

"It's been a long time coming," he added.

A Soldier with the West Virginia National Guard for 16 years, Robinson plans to serve at least another four years to bring his service record to two decades.

Although he is slated to spend two weeks with Task Force West Virginia, Robinson said he would like to return to the area in order to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"I wanted to help the people here," he said. "They have been through a lot."

After pinning rank onto Graham, Lee introduced the 20-year-old from Beckley, W.Va., as 'the newest private E-2 in the West Virginia National Guard."

A round of applause went up for the cannon crewmember from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery.

In the West Virginia National Guard for only seven months, Graham is getting a quick introduction to field life and what the Mountain State's Guard is known for -- helping those in need.

Graham said he was glad to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

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• Date Taken: 09.13.2005
• Date Posted: 09.13.2005 18:09
• Story ID: 3001
• Location: BELLE CHASSE, LA, US