Four stars and two parents make for a special re-enlistment ceremony in Afghanistan

Photo By Beth Sherman | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Combined Joint Task Force-82 commanding general, signs an oath of re-enlistment for U.S. Army Spc. Alexander Moore at Combat Outpost Wilderness, in eastern Afghanistan's Paktya province. Moore's mother and step-father are government contractors at Bagram Airfield, and were able to attend the April 10, ceremony.  

AFGHANISTAN

04.10.2010

Story by Beth Sherman 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — U.S. Army Spc Alexander Moore's mother and step-father didn't get a chance to see him enlist in the Army two years ago. However, they more than made up for it when they watched him re-enlist April 10, in an unlikely place, Afghanistan.

"I feel very fortunate, surprised and privileged that I have parents that do what they do, and can see me on this special occasion," said Moore, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 320nd Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Beth Moore and husband, Anthony Ralph, are government contractors at Bagram Airfield and only a 45-minute flight away from their 29-year-old son stationed at Combat Outpost Wilderness.

"Words cannot begin to express the joy and pride we feel being here," said Mrs. Moore, a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. "It truly is a very special day for us."

Moore's step-father is a retired U.S. Army sergeant first class, and was thrilled to be by Alexander's side. "It's an exciting day, an important day, and a milestone. This one is special," he said.

While Moore was thrilled to have family at COP Wilderness, he also had star power at his re-enlistment. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, Combined Joint Task Force-82 commanding general, re-enlisted Moore and two other soldiers at COP Wilderness. Moore was touched the commanding general would take the time to be there. "It makes us feel important," said Moore with a smile. "It says what we do really matters and is making a difference in the long-run. "

For Scaparrotti, it was an opportunity to connect with those carrying out the mission.

"It makes my day. It's why we're here. They're doing the hard work. You have to go out to see them and despite all of our intelligence on the battlefield, I always learn a lot," he said about the fight.

The men and women of Moore's unit also saw how much the Afghans cared about the fight when Commanding General 203rd Afghan National Army Thunder Corps, Maj. Gen., Abdul Khaliq, said a few words at the ceremony. "I think it's truly amazing that such great Americans with such great American families would re-enlist to help the cause for Afghanistan."

Moore's family said they felt at home at COP Wilderness. With only enough soldiers to field a few football teams, Moore says it still reminds them of Sierra Vista, Ariz. " It reminds me of Arizona, except there are no mesquite trees and the dirt is gray instead of red."

While other moms may not know all the risks their soldiers face, Mrs. Moore is all too familiar. As a contractor, providing full motion video feeds to the Joint Operations Center, she sees the dangers of war every day. Yet, she says she'd rather know than wonder. "Sometimes your imagination can be far worse than reality," Mrs. Moore said. "It also provides a great deal of comfort to his wife and grandparents knowing I can keep an eye on what's happening in his area."

For Ralph, faith in his step-son's training, his unit and his survival instincts also brings some peace of mind. "It helps to be a phone call, e-mail or rotary flight away."

While Moore's wife, Andrea and two children couldn't be at his ceremony, the third generation soldier admits, this re-enlistment may be tough to top.

• Date Taken: 04.10.2010
• Date Posted: 04.12.2010 17:56
• Story ID: 48044
• Location: AF