PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Lt. Col. Craig A. Bonham II, Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander, had just delivered opening remarks at this year’s Pumpkin Sling competition on Oct. 25, when he had to “adjust fire” and jump into a very different role just moments later.
The pumpkin slinging contest allows participants to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in a fun and competitive way. By building catapults to sling pumpkins, participants use physics and mathematics skills such as linear kinematics, projectile motion, trigonometry and engineering physics.
The Garrison Commander welcomed the students, noting that their challenge was to design a human-powered trebuchet or catapult that can propel a two- to five-pound pumpkin through the air into Lake Picatinny.
Soldiers assigned to the North Jersey Recruiting Company were attending the annual event when they asked Bonham to walk to their headquarters to administer an impromptu oath of enlistment to a young man who was interested in enlisting in the U.S. Army.
Without hesitation, Bonham and Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Franks, headed to the nearby recruiting company facility where the garrison commander administered the oath of enlistment to Brandon Cueva.
Everyone who joins the military, whether enlisted or as an officer, has one thing in common – they must swear in by the military oath of enlistment or military oath of office.
The U.S. Armed Forces oath of enlistment dates to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army.
Cueva, whose father is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, enlisted as an Air and Missile Defense Crewmember and signed a six-year contract with the Army.
He was able to choose his first duty station assignment and received a $20,000 signing bonus.
“Ironically, he was enlisting to become a Soldier in the Air Defense Artillery branch of the Army, which is where I started my Army career as a Lieutenant,” Bonham said as he reflected on the event.
“I felt extremely proud and profound joy to receive the opportunity to enlist a young recruit into the U.S. Army on that morning,” the garrison commander said. “While the event was not planned, the commonalities between what this young man wants to do in the Army and my career journey told me that everything worked out exactly as they should. I wish him and those like him who commit to support and defend the U.S. Constitution health, strength, and success.”
Cuevas departed for Basic Combat Training, also known as "boot camp," on Nov. 4. The 10-week training is required for all new enlistees create a strong foundation for their Army experience and future goals and is a physically and mentally demanding program that prepares individuals to become Soldiers.
The opportunities offered to those who willingly, voluntarily join the military are unmatched, so if you are thinking about joining the Army, visit GoArmy.com or call 1-888-550-Army.
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