Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kelvin Ringold | Brigadier General Darren Werner, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commander,...... read more read more
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SAN ANTONIO — Less than one percent of the United States’ population serves in the active component of the military and less than ten percent can say that they have served. While some leave after their initial enlistment is over, there are those who decide to raise their right hand and reaffirm their commitment to helping defend this nation and its citizens.
Seventeen Soldiers from 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command stationed at Fort Hood participated in a mass reenlistment ceremony at AT&T Center on Sunday.
The ceremony was organized by Sgt. Maj. Rex A. Fortner, 13th ESC’s retention sergeant major, in order to build esprit de corps, boost morale and to retain some of the most qualified Soldiers throughout unit.
Fortner and the 13th ESC leaders believe in giving Soldiers the opportunity to make their reenlistments special and have made it a point to have events like this whenever they can.
“This will be our fifth reenlistment event with a professional sports team and the second time with the San Antonio Spurs,” said Fortner. “I like doing these to give the Soldiers something a little different for their reenlistment ceremony,” Fortner said.
The commander of the 13th ESC, Brig. Gen. Darren L. Werner, administered the Oath of Enlistment and was proud of the Soldiers for their decision.
“It’s committing you to the service and your support to the defense of the constitution against all enemies, that’s a big deal and I appreciate all of you,” Werner said.
Cordele, Georgia, native Cpl. Darius Thomas, 13th ESC, has been in the Army for almost three years and decided to stay in for another term of service.
“I came in to develop leadership skills, and I want to continue to do that and keep improving myself,” Thomas said.
Spc. Ashley Phillips from 1st Medical Brigade, 13th ESC, is a native of New Jersey and works at Carl Darnell Army Medical Center. She initially enlisted for three years, but just reenlisted for five more.
“I love the Army and the opportunities it has given me and my Family,” Phillips said. “The military has brought me a long way and I never thought I’d stay longer than three years. I definitely plan on doing 20 years.”
When a Soldier reenlists, it’s not only about them, but about their Family, friends and loved ones too and Werner asked for a round of applause to recognize them as well before the conclusion of the ceremony.
“What you all do, our friends and Families … you uproot yourselves and your kids,” Werner said. “You do it for your love of your Soldiers, but also for the love of your country. Thank you for what you do, we couldn’t do it without you.”
As a senior leader, 13th ESC’s Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl N.M. Greene revels in seeing Soldiers continue their career in the Army.
“It shows that Soldiers believe in their profession and that they are willing to continue to be a part of something greater than themselves,” Greene said.
“It’s good that we are retaining the right Soldiers, at the right time, in support of the nation.”
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2018 17:25 |
| Story ID: | 303523 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Raising right hand to nation service, Soldiers reaffirm Army commitment, by SFC Kelvin Ringold, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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