Reserve Re-enlists Soldiers at U.S. Capitol Ceremony

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers reenlist at U.S. Capitol to kick off 100 Year Anniversary Celebration for the Army Reserve.  

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

04.24.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Reserve Command

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2007) – Army Reserve Soldiers from around the country took the oath of enlistment at 3 p.m. on the steps of the Capitol. The Soldiers reaffirmed their commitment to serve the Nation and launched a one-year celebration of the Reserve's 100 years of service.
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The 43 re-enlisted Soldiers include several who earned Bronze Star and Purple Heart awards for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are part of a very different Army Reserve than the organization formed in 1908 to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department of the United States Army.

"Today's Army Reserve is no longer a strategic reserve," said the Chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, who will administer the oath of re-enlistment. "Instead, it is an operational force and an integral part of the world's greatest Army."

Attrition is at its lowest point since fiscal year 2000, and the Army Reserve is exceeding all retention goals.

"I'm re-enlisting because I know I made a difference in Iraq helping to rebuild local communities as a civil affairs Soldier," said Staff Sgt. Judith Aiksnoras, Civil Affairs Battalion, Danbury, Conn. "Through the Reserve, I've gained discipline, self-respect and mental and physical strengths I don't think I could have learned in the civilian world."

• Date Taken: 04.24.2007
• Date Posted: 04.24.2007 14:49
• Story ID: 10103
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US