Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debra Richardson | Staff Sgt. Douglas A. McCollam, an artillery mechanic, smiles broadly after receiving...... read more read more
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait — In a time when Army Guard soldiers are called upon to serve both state and federal missions and deployments occur as often as active army, a vow to reenlist is no longer an automatic response.
No longer considered a one weekend a month, two weeks a year commitment, reenlisting in the National Guard in this day and age entails committing to unknown missions, destinations and time requirements.
“In years past, Guardsmen dropped their plows to pick up their weapons to answer the call,” explained Sgt. Maj. Christopher Curtis, assigned to Army Central Command, ARCENT, and the guest speaker for the reenlistment ceremony. “Today Guard soldiers are the most resilient soldiers in the armed services as they serve side by side active duty components.”
As a member of the Guard component, soldiers provide support to their communities, state and country while balancing education and civilian jobs.
“Men and women in a pursuit to better themselves drop their books so Iraqi children can pick up theirs,” continued Curtis. “They leave their homes to assist other American rebuild their homes and communities after natural disasters.They put their profession on hold to provide opportunities so others in foreign countries can work toward a better life. And most notably, Guard soldiers leave their families so strangers can sleep safe at night with theirs.”
During the ceremony, 11 soldiers were recognized by Lt. Col. Clay Coatney, battalion commander for 1/201st Field Artillery, West Virginia Army Guard from W.Va. and over 50 fellow soldiers.
While presenting plaques as appreciation, Coatney said their choice to extend in a combat zone demonstrates confidence in the Guard organization.
“We’re proud of every single one of you and we’re proud of everything you do.”
The 11 soldiers, nearly all non-commissioned officers, are as follows: Sgt. 1st Class Craig A Westfall, Sgt. Larry R. Thomas, Sgt. Marci L. Seszko, Sgt. Casey N. Heflin, Spc. Kevin L. Myers, Staff Sgt. Douglass A. McCollam, Staff Sgt. Harry F. Accor III, Staff Sgt. Patrick J. O’Neil Jr., and Staff Sgt. Rhonda A. Loy. The two remaining soldiers did not want their names mentioned.
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2011 03:27 |
| Story ID: | 64891 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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