Courtesy Photo | Cpl. Natasha Lewis (right), a joint distribution center non-commissioned officer with...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jorge Anaya
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Soldiers the 40th Quartermaster Company, 110th Combat Service Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, demonstrated dedication and commitment by re-enlisting solidiers during the month of August at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
Although August is one of the hottest months in Iraq, the 40th QM Company found it to be a great month for retention with the re-enlistment of four of its soldiers. Some soldiers commented on what drives them to serve.
“Nothing demonstrates commitment to duty than the Soldier that re-enlists,” said Sgt. Kemoathe Green, re-enlistment non-commissioned officer with the 40th QM Company, and a Saginaw, Mich., native. “Many people outside the Army simply don’t understand of whether the soldier is standing outside in full gear in 115-degree weather, or is deployed to an unknown country and is away from immediate family for an undetermined amount of time, that these conditions will not deter these soldiers from continuing their service to this country. It simply explains why we have the best armed forces in the world.”
Green said that he knows every soldier has additional reasons for their commitment and these will always vary from soldier to soldier.
“I enjoy being in the Army and serving my country,” said Cpl. Natasha Lewis, a joint distribution center non-commissioned officer with the 40th QM Company, and a New Bern, N.C., native. “I plan on staying in for 20 years. I was offered another opportunity to stay in Hawaii, and also managed to get a bonus for my military occupational specialty. It was a great deal in addition to serving my country.”
Spc. Tanee Lowther, a JDC clerk with the 40th QM Company, and a Suffolk, Va., native, said that the Army is a way of life that she chose. “I’ve learned so many things in the Army and I’m always looking forward to my next chapter in learning,” she said. “I chose to go to Europe for my next assignment. I love to travel and experience that which many only see on television.”
Spc. Jason Vickness, a motor transportation specialist with the 40th QM Company, and an Orlando, Fla., native , realizes how much knowledge he has gained because of his service.
“I knew the Army was going to be a great career opportunity ever since I was a kid,” said Vickness. “I’ve gained a lot of experience in the Army. I wish to obtain as many skills as I can handle, - sort of like a jack-of-all-trades. I chose to change my MOS in search of new skills.”
That same appreciation for military service was echoed by Spc. David Harper, a heavy wheeled mechanic with the 40th QM Company, and a Stephenson, Va., native.
“I am definitely making my life in the Army,” Harper. “The Army has taken care of me and my loved -ones, so why would I ever think of going anywhere else? After this deployment, I will be stationed in Alaska. I’m looking forward to my next assignment. With every move, there is a different experience. Years from now, anyone can talk to me about Alaska, Hawaii, or any other place, and thanks to the Army, I can say I’ve been there and done that.”
Every soldier has a story to tell about his or her adventures while serving in the armed forces. It takes some time to live the Army experience; this is a reason why reenlistment exists. All 40th QM Company soldiers re-enlisted for an additional 4-6 years in their continued service in the Army and to their country.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2010 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 56149 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 12 |
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