Stay Army, be Army Strong

Courtesy Photo | 307 paratroopers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division await the start of the re-enlistment ceremony at the stage at Camp Buehring, Kuwait Oct. 14.  

10.16.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Marcus Butler 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs

by Spc. Marcus Butler
4th BCT, 25th ID PAO

The true strength of an individual is never really shown in situations where a person feels comfortable or secure but in situations where their resolve, selfless service, loyalty, leadership and duty are pushed to the limits – situations like facing war.

Even in the face of war, the Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division are more than ready for the challenge.

The 4th BCT (ABN), 25th ID stationed out of Fort Richardson, Alaska, who just recently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, are now holding the largest deployment reenlistment ceremony in Army history with 307 Paratroopers, giving an entire new meaning to the phrase "stay Army"

"This ceremony says a lot about the personal courage and selfless service for these Paratroopers," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Turnbull, command sergeant major for the 4-25th BCT (ABN). "They understand they have a tough mission ahead of them and are still willing to commit themselves to continue in the Army"

With such a large turn out, the new slogan Army Strong is a perfect fit for paratroopers of the Army's newest airborne brigade.

"This ceremony sends across a very strong statement to everyone in the unit and Army," said Col. Michael X. Garrett, commander of the Spartan Brigade.

Displaying the candor and responsibility to step up to the challenge set ahead of you is no small task by any means. Volunteering to continue to serve your country and everything that goes along with that is an act of heroism that cannot be surpassed.

"Many are going to attribute this record setting event to the reenlistment incentives," said Garrett. "But on the eve of deploying north to Iraq, these Paratroopers show that it is on a much more personal level. These Paratroopers have seen something in someone somewhere, whether it was a squad leader, platoon leader, or commander that lead to this moment."

The Paratroopers themselves can attribute to this and the reasons why they reenlisted.

"I am reenlisting for the same reason as any other paratrooper here in this formation, I want to serve my country and I love the Army," said Cpl. Brian Anderson, 4-25th BCT (ABN), 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne), recon scout. The message been conveyed but the Paratroopers from the Spartan Brigade is crystal clear – we are here to stay Army Strong.

"If these fine paratroopers don't embody the very essence of Army Strong, I don't know what is."

• Date Taken: 10.16.2006
• Date Posted: 10.16.2006 08:34
• Story ID: 8023