DALLAS — At the AT&T Stadium during football season, it is inevitable to see Dallas Cowboys fans tailgating, yelling at the opposing team’s fans, “this is our year,” and kids playing catch. However, on Feb. 24, a group of Soldiers with the 226th Military Working Dog Detachment arrived at the stadium, not to support “America’s Team,” but to support their teammate and her family.
Staff Sgt. Alexis Seales, a Dallas native and a lifelong Cowboys fan, arrived to AT&T stadium with an entourage that included her immediate family members, her closet friends and battle buddies. The larger group was there to take a tour of “Jerry’s World,” but more importantly, to participate in her re-enlistment ceremony.
For Seales, this re-enlistment was not only special because she had the support of her grandparents, her mother and her auntie, the re-enlistment ceremony was at her favorite team’s stadium but the contract she signed was an indefinite one. In other words, this ceremony signified to her family, the Army and her command team that she was committed to continued service for a minimum of 20 years.
This committed to service was ingrained in her from stories told to her by her grandfather, who served in the Army for six years and was stationed at Fort Hood from
1974 to 1976.
“When I was younger, my grandfather would always talk about his military experiences and how serving was one of his greatest accomplishments,” a slightly emotional Seales said. “And through those stories, I always knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps and join the Army.”
The path that her grandfather paved provided her inspiration and guidance throughout her career, which led her to raising her right hand and reciting the oath of enlistment in the middle of Dallas Cowboys’ star during the stadium tour.
Immediately following the oath, Capt. Michael S. Freas, commander of the 226th Military Working Dog Detachment, spoke highly about Seales and the positive impact she has had on their unit in such a short period of time.
“Since Staff Sgt. Seales joined the unit last November, she has had an absolutely tremendous impact on the team,” Freas said. “She has shown to be a passionate leader, whose personality and dedication to the Soldier and the mission has allowed for even stronger bonds within the organization. We are all very appreciative of the value that she has added to our unit just by her mere presence and infectious attitude.”
Following Freas’ speech to Seales and the group in attendance, Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Pearlstein, the 226th Military Working Dog Detachment Kennel Master, continued to express how the command team and the Soldiers of the detachment would be just as supportive as her mother and grandparents would.
“When I met you a few months ago at a symposium, I told you, ‘I got you,’ and I told your previous commander that I would look after you like a little sister,” Pearlstein said. “You’re a blessing to the unit, you’ve been a breath of fresh air, so keep doing what you’re doing and before you know it you’ll be in charge of your very own kennel.”
To close the ceremony, Seals took time to thank everyone that supported her throughout her career, that tuned in through streaming services and attended the re-enlistment ceremony in person.
“Personally, I’d like to thank everyone for coming out. Thank you to the command team for helping me get to Fort Hood,” Seales said. “Since I arrived at the detachment, I’ve felt like family since day one. To my family, thank you for the unconditional love and support – especially to my grandfather. Thank you for paving this way because you’re the reason why I do it."
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