W.Va. Guard Adjutant General reenlists troops in Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ruth McClary | Maj. Gen. Allen Tackett (left), the West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General, and the West Virginia State Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Vance (right) pose for a photograph with 1st Sgt. Don Fleming of 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, after his promotion at the al-Faw Palace, June 17. Tackett and Vance visited with W.Va., troops here to address their concerns and boost morale.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.22.2009

Story by Spc. Ruth McClary 

30th Armored Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD — Maj. Gen. Allen Tackett, the West Virginia State National Guard Adjutant General, swore in 20 Soldiers of 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, during a re-enlistment ceremony at the al-Faw palace on Victory Base Camp, June 17.

Tackett, who traveled to Iraq with State Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Vance, also surprised Sgt. 1st Class Don Fleming of Princewick, W. Va., with a promotion to first sergeant.

"I can never say thank you enough," said Tackett to the Soldiers. "We are here to show you that we care. Take care of yourselves, look out for each other and keep yourself safe until you make it back home."

Tackett and Vance had lunch with the squadron's A Troop at the base dining facility. There he asked for feedback on the deployment process.

He also discussed the status of the West Virginia Army National Guard, complimented the Soldiers on their outstanding training record, and thanked them for their service and sacrifices.

The Soldiers who reenlisted are:

1st Sgt. Wanzer Reynolds, Beckley, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Reynolds, Salt Rock, W. Va., reenlisted for two years.
Staff Sgt. Travers Brake, Elkins, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Staff Sgt. Damon Coleman, Summersville, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Staff Sgt. John McNair, Tyrone, Pa., reenlisted for six years.
Staff Sgt. Mike Pedri, Mullins, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Staff Sgt. Richard Venoy, Hurricane, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Whitt, Glen Lynn, Va., reenlisted for six years.
Sgt. Joseph Ellison, Athens, W.Va., reenlisted for three years.
Sgt. Christopher Mace, Charleston, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Sgt. Rudy Rodriguez, Louisburg, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Sgt. Joseph Thompson, Bancroft, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Poleman Brown, Buckhannon, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Shawn Healy, Elizabeth, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Christine Honaker, Jenkins, Ky., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Ron Kessel, Mason County, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Duane Painter, Marietta, Ohio, reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Nicholas Rhodes, Charleston, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Spc. Timothy Simmons, Princeton, W. Va., reenlisted for six years.
Pfc. Cleve Meadows, Princeton, W. Va., reenlisted for one year.

• Date Taken: 06.22.2009
• Date Posted: 06.22.2009 09:18
• Story ID: 35464
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ