Photo By Pfc. Michael Schuch | Soldiers from different units serving throughout Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Michael Schuch
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – During an Independence Day celebration, 63 Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division joined in the largest re-enlistment ceremony to date in Baghdad. More than 1,200 U.S. military personnel participated in the ceremony.
The Iron Brigade Soldiers, currently serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, reenlisted for a combined total of 183 years. Soldiers took their oath of re-enlistment from a well-known Soldier, Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of Multi-National Forces - Iraq.
The ceremony was held at Al Faw palace in Baghdad, previously owned by Saddam Hussein.
Participants included service members from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, all of whom are serving together throughout Iraq.
"I thought this was an amazing experience," said Staff Sgt. Yazmin Tull, of Salisbury, Md. "It allowed us to take a break from our jobs to enjoy ourselves, and offered us a chance to meet Gen. Petraeus. We were also taken to many of the areas formally controlled by the (Saddam's) regime and told of what went on, giving us a better idea of how far Iraq has really come."
For some Soldiers, the event wasn't just about the future; it was a chance to meet with past leaders.
"I had served with Gen. Petraeus in one of my former units," said Spc. Keelock Forde, of Brooklyn, N.Y. "So when I was offered the chance to be sworn in by him and get to talk with him again, I jumped at the chance."
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2008 05:01 |
| Story ID: | 21380 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 350 |
| Downloads: | 274 |
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