An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Army’s Newest Recruits Sworn in at Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo

By CSM Jessica ChoMarch 1, 2023

Pana'ewa Stampede swearing in ceremony
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. David Orzech, commander of 209th Aviation Support Battalion at Wheeler Army Air Force Base on Oahu, led the enlistment oath for six new Soldiers at the Pana'ewa Stampede, February 18, 2023. (Photo Credit: CSM Jessica Cho) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pana'ewa Stampede swearing in ceremony
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Recruiting Center Hilo, in coordination with the 209th Aviation Support Battalion and the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area partnered to hold an official swear-in ceremony at the Pana'ewa Stampede, February 18, 2023. (Photo Credit: CSM Jessica Cho) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pana'ewa Stampede swearing in ceremony
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – New Army recruits with Hilo recruiters, 209th Aviation Support Battalion and the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area leaders at the Pana'ewa Stampede, February 18, 2023. (Photo Credit: CSM Jessica Cho) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pana'ewa Stampede swearing in ceremony
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Six new Soldiers proudly took their oaths of enlistment at the Pana'ewa Stampede in front of family, friends and thousands of spectators amidst a downpour of rain, February 18, 2023. (Photo Credit: CSM Jessica Cho) VIEW ORIGINAL

Army’s Newest Recruits Sworn in at Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo

Story and photos by CSM Jessica Cho, Pōhakuloa Training Area

Six new Soldiers proudly took their oaths of enlistment at the Pana'ewa Stampede rodeo in front of family, friends and thousands of spectators amidst a downpour of rain, February 18, 2023. This important ceremony marks the beginning of an individual’s commitment to the nation, the Army and themselves.

The U.S. Army Recruiting Center, in coordination with the 209th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) and the U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) partnered to hold an official swear-in ceremony for the new recruits before they shipped to Basic Combat Training.

Lt. Col. David Orzech, commander of 209th ASB at Wheeler Army Air Force Base on Oahu, led the enlistment oath, as the future Soldiers stood in the middle of the field and raised their right hand to officially swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The crowd cheered with joy and congratulated the six new members of the U.S. Army.

“Thank you for being willing to serve, and congratulations for joining the greatest team in the world,” said Orzech.

The official oath of service can be found here: https://history.army.mil/faq/oaths.html