West Virginia Guard Soldiers receive a 'refreshing' change in rank
July 30, 2009
BAGHDAD - Sgt.Timothy Simmons (left) and Sgt. Nathan Painter (center) have their previous ranks "washed" from them as they salute after being promoted from specialist to sergeant July 25. The two, from the West Virginia Army National Guard's 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, operate from Camp Stryker in Baghdad. Simmons hails from Princeton, W. Va., and Painter comes from Cool Ridge, W. Va. With temperatures hitting more than 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Baghdad for days on end, the dousing not only carries on a tradition, but is refreshing as well.
