Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, of Irvine, Calif., the commander of the 419th Combat Support...... read more read more
By 1st Lt. Grace Brown
10th Sustainment Brigade
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - On New Year's Eve, Soldiers from the 1538th Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, an Indiana National Guard unit from Elkhart, gathered in their company area for a ceremony to honor 12 Soldiers who swore an oath of reenlistment.
These soldiers, made up of specialists through sergeants first class, are all trained combat veterans who are involved in daily convoys that make up the 1538th Trans. Co.'s mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"They are the drivers, fuelers, trainers and mechanics who keep our mission accomplishment at its current level," said Sgt. 1st Class James VanHuffel, a native of Saint Joseph, Mich.
Retention has always been an important mission for every branch of military service. It ensures that trained, experienced leaders are present to train the next generation of America's military men and women.
"It keeps well-trained Soldiers in the Army, which will be useful to the new and yet-to-be deployed Soldiers. This puts out a message that they love what they do," said 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Spencer, of Westport, Ind.
Those who reenlisted were Sgt. 1st Class Brian Harvey, of Logansport; Staff Sgt. Kyle Mundy, of Indianapolis; Staff Sgt. Bryan Fisher, of South Bend; Staff Sgt. David Bernard, of Osceola; Sgt. Clarence Pedigo, of Edinburgh; Sgt. Michael Babin, of New Paris; Sgt. Jessica Patton, of Elkhart; Sgt. Kai Buwalda, of Fort Wayne; Sgt. Nathaniel Shannon, of Greenfield; Cpl. William Calhoon, of Columbia City; Spc. Joseph Earp, of Elkhart, and Spc. Christopher Vosmeier, of Indianapolis.
"These 12 people represent a force that will impact the mission readiness of the Indiana National Guard and the U.S. Army for the next three to six years," said VanHuffel, "These Soldiers are the patriots of the state of Indiana and by renewing their commitment to the Indiana National Guard, they are also sending a message to the people of the state of Indiana that they are willing to go into harm's way to protect all Hoosiers and Americans."
| Date Taken: | 01.14.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.14.2009 06:17 |
| Story ID: | 28812 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 170 |
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