Army recruits embrace military team at RIA

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. - "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." This quote by American author Mark Twain was echoed to Army recruits during their visit here, May 17. Maj. Gen. Duane Gamble, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command and senior mission commander at RIA, sat down with high school students interested in joining the U.S. Army.

The U.S. Army Recruiting Center in Dubuque, Iowa, sponsored a visit to RIA for prospective recruits interested in learning more about military life.

High school students from Iowa and Illinois arrived early to tour RIA and meet with ASC and installation leadership. Recruiters and students were not aware that they would have a chance encounter with Medal of Honor recipient (Retired) Master Sgt. Leroy Arthur Petry and Sgt. Jonathan Harmon, a double amputee who currently serves on active duty Army at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The recruits toured many areas including the newly built housing area, the health clinic, museum, Joint Manufacturing Technology Center, and garrison headquarters. The group also ate lunch at the Arsenal Island Clubhouse.

The students had an impromptu meeting with two American heroes, hearing their firsthand accounts of what they experienced during their military careers.

"Never leaving your hometown is like only reading the first chapter of a book," said Petry. "Either way you look at it, you're going to get something out of the military. I tell my kids, you guys are stepping up to the plate now."

One of the students from Hempstead High School, Shalonda Bell-Clark of Dubuque, expressed her emotions after hearing Petry speak. "I'm so grateful," Bell-Clark said.

Clark's service in the military has been delayed due to an injury and Harmon's continued service encouraged her and gave her hope of the possibility of a future in the Army.

Students also received advice and guidance from Gamble and ASC Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Ulloth.

"Get some of this experience and leadership development," said Gamble. "Being part of a team, that's what it's about."

Gamble explained the ASC role with the Army team. "We (ASC) deliver readiness to Army units."

"If you're going to do it, embrace it," Ulloth said. "When you're at the range and it's raining, cold and wet -- it's perfect. This is the big team event."

"The last bit of advice I would recommend to you - become a man or woman of integrity," said Gamble. "Whatever you do, guard your character and integrity."

Jaide Petersen, from Easton Valley High School, Preston, Iowa; said the most impactful advice she received was in the last thing Gamble said about keeping your integrity.

"I want to better myself," Petersen said. "When I sat down and thought about a job [in the military], I wanted my job to help others get to the point where they reach their dreams. I like how everyone is in a team and works together to complete a goal."

The tour included a visit to the RIA Museum which is the Army's second-oldest museum. Recruits learned about past military customs, traditions and different weapons the military once used.

"The clothes [military uniforms] in the museum were interesting and all the guns," Bell-Clark said.

Petersen leaves for basic training May 29, and was excited to learn that Harmon is getting a degree related to nutrition, which she chose as her military occupational specialty.

"It was really powerful, [to learn of] all the struggles he (Petry) went through and his friend (Harmon) kept going [serving in the Army]," Petersen said.

"Thank you for carrying the guidon after us. You guys are the greatest of our generation," said Harmon.

Upon leaving RIA, Sgt. 1st Class Nicolaas Moulton, of the U.S. Army Recruiting Center in Dubuque, said "the recruits would not stop talking about all the experiences they had at RIA."

"They took to heart the message the general and command sergeant major gave [them], and [they] talked about how it impacted them on their pursuit to do something greater with their lives," said Moulton.

"One student said, "When can I join the Army? I don't want to wait, I am truly excited to serve," said Moulton. "Another student commented that it was one of the most memorable moments they've had."