by Sgt. Sarah Scully
Desert Voice Staff Writer/
40th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (November 15, 2006) – Standing at attention in the setting sun beneath the American flag, the Soldiers repeated the words binding them to the Army and more years of service.
Seven Army Reserve Soldiers who chose to extend their commitment to the Army had the opportunity to hear words of encouragement from the Reserve commanding general as they raised their right hands and swore the oath of enlistment at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait Oct. 7.
"The willingness to come over here and defend America, sacrifice and be away from your families...your jobs, giving up all those good things to be over here in the hot sun and the heat defending your country – and now you're willing to step up and say, 'I want to stay with it. I want to re-enlist and be part of this organization for a long time,'" said Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command. "That makes me feel good and proud."
For many of the Soldiers, this is their second or third tour combating terrorism in the Middle East.
"I was getting emotional," said Sgt. 1st Class Rhonda Venning- Vernon, noncommissioned officer in charge of movement control with 1189th Transportation Terminal Battalion in support of Third Army/U.S. Army Central.
First serving in Desert Shield and Desert Storm back in 1991, she continued her more than 24 years in the Reserve by deploying again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"If it wasn't for these young Soldiers, I wouldn't do it," said Venning-Vernon. "I'm just here because I want to mentor the next Soldier coming up the chain."
Giving each of the Soldiers his coin, Stultz shook their hands and congratulated them as Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie, U.S. Army Reserve command sergeant major, gave the troops a hug.
"It meant a lot to me," said Sgt. Darius Taylor, 3rd Personnel Command. "You don't get the chance [to meet them] very often."
| Date Taken: |
11.15.2006 |
| Date Posted: |
11.17.2006 12:07 |
| Story ID: |
8302 |
| Location: |
CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: |
98 |
| Downloads: |
32 |
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