Courtesy Photo | Pvt. Christopher J. Forit Jr. (left), food service specialist from Renegade Troop, 4th...... read more read more
By Sgt. Brandon Little
Task Force XII Public Affairs Office
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – When Christopher J. Forit Jr. decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, more than two years ago, he started a voyage that would lead him halfway around the world. It all began with a trip to the recruiter's office.
Forit, a native of Fresno, Calif., chose to continue his family's tradition of military service by becoming one of the thousands of Soldiers who joined a military deeply entrenched in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"My family really influenced my decision to join the Army," said Pvt. Forit, a food service specialist in Renegade Troop, 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas. "My grandfather was an infantryman in the Korean War, and my dad was the in the Army for a while; he was stationed in Italy for a few years."
In addition to helping this 23-year-old make the decision to join the military, his father and grandfather also influenced another member of his family to enlist.
"My brother, Derek, joined the Army the exact same day I did, and we even shipped off to basic training the same day," he said.
Enlisting in the military, during this time of civil unrest throughout the world, Forit knew his first deployment would be in his near future, he said.
"When I found out I was coming to Iraq, I was really excited," he said. "My family and my fiancé, Chong Lee, were all very sad I was leaving but they're all proud and supportive of what I'm doing."
Since his deployment to Iraq, Forit has been performing various jobs in, the Renegade Troop operating, Command Sgt. Maj. Cooke dining facility.
"He's a good Soldier," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Williams, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Command Sgt. Maj. Cooke dining facility. "I really think he has a bright future in the military."
Forit says he plans on staying in the military for a long time to earn a college degree and hopefully retire as a first sergeant.
Many years from now, after he has retired, Forit may one day be able to share his experiences in the military with his children and grandchildren.
"I think when I look back on my service (many years from now) I know I'll be proud of what we accomplished," he said. "Sometimes I wish I could do more, but just being in Iraq makes me feel like at least I'm doing my part."
| Date Taken: | 01.04.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 01.04.2008 19:55 |
| Story ID: | 15192 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 275 |
| Downloads: | 240 |
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