YAMANASHI PREFECTURE, Japan – For centuries, Japan's most revered mountain has captured the imaginations of millions across the globe. Every year Mt. Fuji attracts hundreds of thousands of travelers to adore its majestic grandeur and, during the summer months, climb to its peak protruding 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) above sea level.
Even in August, Mother Nature shrouds the summit with a white mist that dampens the rock-strewn landscape void of plant and animal life. Thunder billows and clouds bellow about its peak. Those courageous souls who made their way to the top either topple onto wooden benches for rest or huddle under huts for warmth. They walk slowly and speak softly in a forlorn hope to conserve the thin air ceaselessly teasing their lungs.
Amid the collage of grays, browns and blacks, a brightly colored, fluttering fabric cuts through the foggy cloak. Human hands helped by a bone-cutting breeze unveils red stripes and white stars on a blue background. As Old Glory flutters into view, two American Soldiers stand in front of the familiar flag and face each other. One raises her right hand and recites an oath, her voice echoing across the summit.
“I, Angela Wilson, do solemnly swear, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic ...”
An intelligence analyst with the 10th Support Group (Regional) in Okinawa, Army Spc. Angela M. Wilson could have settled for reenlisting in a cozy office or an ornate foyer. Rather, she decided to host it on top of one of the highest peaks in the Pacific.
“I've visited some interesting places around the world in my 10 years of organizing reenlistment ceremonies,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Danny Davis, career counselor, U.S. Army Japan (USARJ) and I Corps (Forward). “This one was by far the most unique.”
Wilson met Davis in Camp Zama in July 2015 during her 30-day Live Environment Training (LET) assignment with USARJ's Headquarter and Headquarters Company (HHC).
“I recognized Wilson's name from my roster of reenlistment candidates,” said Davis, a native of Kaycee, Wyo. “Within 10 minutes of speaking with her, she knew exactly what she wanted to do and where to do it.”
“Re-enlisting was an easy decision for me because I enjoy the Army and it's a stepping stone to attend nursing school,” said Wilson, a native of Okinawa. “Having the reenlistment take place on Mt. Fuji was also an easy decision because I enjoy hiking and HHC had already organized a trip to the summit.”
Wilson joined scores of Soldiers, family members and Japan Ground Self-Defense (JGSDF) service members who boarded buses at Camp Zama Aug. 7, 2015, bound for the fifth of 10 stations snugged along the winding mountain paths.
“I climbed Mt. Fuji two years ago,” said Wilson. “That doesn't mean today's climb was any easier. It didn't take long for the mountain to remind me about the pain you endure while ascending her heights. My thighs are still sore.”
During her upward trek, Wilson found comfort and confidence hiking alongside her USARJ and JGSDF companions.
“My battle buddies pushed me up the mountain through their encouragement and camaraderie,” Wilson claimed. “I also enjoyed interacting with our JGSDF partners and speaking Japanese – my mother's native tongue – with them … Everyone had me laughing the whole way up [the mountain].”
After five hours traversing dirt trails, stone steps, gravel switchbacks and concrete tunnels, Wilson and her band of brothers- and sisters-in-arms set foot on the summit.
“The soreness melted away as I took in beauty around me,” said Wilson. “The sense of achievement coincided with my commitment to serve my country.”
Another hour passed before Davis reached the top.
“That was toughest ruck march in my Army career,” Davis admitted. “Fortunately, the ceremony couldn't start without me since I was carrying this.”
Davis unzipped his backpack and unveiled a folded American flag. Two of Wilson's comrades unfurled the colors and held it high near the summit's edge. A small crowd gathered around Wilson as she took her place in front of Old Glory and recited the oath of enlistment.
“I didn't expect the ceremony to be so formal,” said Wilson. “I was pleasantly surprised to see so many people in attendance … Their support reminded me that the Army is a community of courageous and committed individuals.
Army Capt. Elizabeth Marlin, a USARJ G2 operations officer, conducted the ceremony.
“Wilson asked me to join her on her journey, and I was happy to do it,” said Marlin. “The Army is downsizing, so we must make sure we keep the best on our team. A Soldier with the physical and mental strength to reenlist on the top of Mt. Fuji proves to me that he or she is among the best of the best.”
“Most Soldiers who choose exotic locations realize that the reenlistment is a special event,” added Davis. “Wilson's choice of setting speaks highly of their creativity and esprit de corps. Her achievement also promotes the reenlistment program by motivating others to literally follow in her footsteps.”