Photo By Maj. Randy Belden | Sgt. Maj. Geraldo M. Pirela, Sr., of the 416th Theater Engineer Command presents Ladd...... read more read more
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MARQUETTE, Mich. - The 652nd Engineer Company (Detachment) helped build a breakwater bridge for the 2012 Ensign National Championship Regatta sailboat race in Michigan. In partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a local boy got the chance to join the Army Reserve ranks and help.
The young boy, Ladd Anderson, has been diagnosed with leukemia. His wish through Make-A-Wish was to be a Soldier for the day. The 652nd En. Det. accommodated his wish and swore him in as part of their unit for the annual sailboat regatta.
On Nov. 2, Anderson, dressed properly in a small-sized Army Combat Uniform, received chain of command coins for his dedication as a 'Soldier' with the unit.
“Only Soldiers that do something really good get them,” said Anderson.
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael B. Koszuta, command sergeant major for the 88th Regional Support Command, and Sgt. Maj. Geraldo Pirela, Sr., operations sergeant major, 416th Theater Engineer Command, presented Ladd with patches for his uniform and special coins including a personal challenge coin.
“Part of the ceremony today was making Ladd aware that he's part of a bigger thing now. He's part of a big family of Soldiers and anywhere he goes throughout the United States. If he sees a camouflage uniform, he's got a brother or sister to talk to,” said Koszuta.
After the presentation, Anderson, his family, and the Soldiers enjoyed some cake before taking a tour of the facility and Army equipment.
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2012 13:53 |
| Story ID: | 99547 |
| Location: | MARQUETTE, MI, US |
| Hometown: | CALUMET, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 255 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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