MND-B Soldiers renew commitment to Army

Photo By Spc. Joshua Ramey | BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, stand under Baghdad's Crossed Sabers monument after a ceremony in which they re-enlisted in the Army Sept. 17. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Joshua Ramey, 2nd BCT PAO, 1st Arm. Div.)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.22.2006

Story by Spc. Joshua Ramey 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Spc. Joshua Ramey
2nd BCT PAO, 1st Arm. Div.

BAGHDAD - When the time comes for Soldiers to decide if the Army has a place in their future, the decision is not taken lightly.

Nine Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, dedicated themselves to continue their service in the Army during a ceremony at the Baghdad Crossed Sabers monument Sept. 17.

"It really says a lot for a guy when he decides to stay and knows this fight is not going to be over tomorrow – or even next year. The men know they will be constantly called upon to serve anywhere in the world," said Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Sengbusch, 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt., "When you get down to the level of the guys patrolling the streets, all you've got is the bonds between your friends to see each other's safe return."

Staff Sgt. Edward Dalton, a re-enlistee who works in the intelligence shop and manages interpreter assets for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt., started his military career with the Marines Corps but moved to the Army, where he said he felt more opportunities were available for him.

He said he re-enlisted to stay in his battalion and, if given the choice, would stay in the unit for the remainder of his career.

"I have confidence in these men. There is no other unit I've ever seen that I would rather go to a combat zone with," said Dalton, after re-enlisting at the sabers.

"It takes an incredible commitment to re-enlist in a combat zone," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Paige, career counselor, 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt., who worked with the Soldiers who re-enlisted to ensure their career goals were consistent with the needs of the Army. "At least 80 percent of the Soldiers are on their second deployment, and we've had 91 re-enlistments throughout the past year."

During his second tour in Iraq with 1st Bn., 23rd Inf. Regt., Spc. Patrick Drake, of Co. A, said he re-enlisted because of the benefits and stability the Army offers to his wife and two children.

"I re-enlisted here in Iraq because it is really the only place where I have a genuine sense of purpose for being in the military," said Drake. "I'm working hard with my guys to get our job done and make sure we all get back in one piece."

• Date Taken: 09.22.2006
• Date Posted: 09.22.2006 09:00
• Story ID: 7803
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ