|
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 3, 2008) - More than 1,100 servicemembers
stationed in Iraq will celebrate the nation's birthday tomorrow by
re-enlisting, the senior enlisted leader for Multinational Force
Iraq said today.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill said 1,157 soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines will re-enlist at the Al Faw Palace at
Camp Victory, in Baghdad. This may be the largest re-enlistment
ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, Hill said via
phone from Baghdad.
This is becoming an annual blockbuster event for the command.
Last year, 588 servicemembers re-enlisted.
"We are extremely proud of the accomplishments we have made in
security on the ground as well as proud of all of our great
warriors for the work they are doing since they arrived in
theater," Hill said. "We recognize the sacrifices they make and the
sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in
Iraq."
These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still
re-enlisting, Hill said. Some serve in "the most austere conditions
-- meaning they are in patrol bases and combat outposts," he noted.
Some of the re-enlisting servicemembers are in places where the
troops "hot-bunk it" -- that is, they take turns using limited
sleeping space -- and burn human waste because they lack plumbing.
Others are based in more comfortable surroundings.
The vast majority of the servicemembers tell Hill and others
that they are re-enlisting because "they are doing what they joined
the military to do," he said.
"If they joined to be a rifleman, they're doing it in combat,"
the sergeant major said. "If they joined to fix helicopters,
they're doing it and doing it in combat."
Often in years past, he said, some warriors probably felt they
weren't doing what they joined the military to do, he said.
"Now, since we've been fighting this global war on terrorism ...
these warriors are doing what they joined to do," he explained.
"They can see the fruit of their labor and see the fruit of the
sacrifices of those who have gone before them. It makes them feel
good about what they are doing."
The ceremony will be broadcast on the Pentagon Channel, Hill
said. Multinational Force Iraq Commander Army Gen. David H.
Petraeus will preside. Hill and Petraeus will speak at the
ceremony, then Petraeus will administer the oath of enlistment.
A 50-gun salute will honor of the nation's birthday, and then
all will sing "God Bless America." The ceremony will end with a
medley of service songs.
All components of the military are represented in the ceremony.
Officials said 738 active-duty soldiers, 188 National Guard
soldiers, and 122 Army Reserve soldiers are re-enlisting, along
with 54 Marines, 39 sailors and 16 airmen.
|
