CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE, Iraq - Amidst the work indoors and the sand outdoors, Soldiers have a lot to contend with while they are deployed in Iraq. Yet in an oasis of calm, in a shaded break-area filled with palm trees and a mellow atmosphere, two battle buddies, Spc. Roy Beatty and Spc. Nicholas Burnett, chose to re-enlist at a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Nov. 12, so that they can continue to serve together., this time in Germany.
Specialist Beatty, an Atlanta native and a human resources specialist, and Spc. Burnett, a Chicago native and an Entry Control Point guard, are both assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Support Company, Division- Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.
"I feel good," Spc. Beatty said. "I'm reenlisting with my battle buddy so that makes it a whole lot better."
All of those who attended the ceremony said that the two comrades are inseparable and have been since they met.
Specialist Burnett said he is happy to be going to Germany. He joined the Army when he was 17, and said he is looking forward to his future in the military.
"I got my boy on-board going to Germany," Spc. Burnett said. "The Army gives you a lot of opportunities and a lot of chances to travel. I joined the Army to go to other parts of the world."
Specialist Burnett added that his first years in the Army have been so good because of the great training he has received and the people he has met.
Lieutenant Colonel Nora Marcos, commander of D-STB, 3rd ID, attended the event. She works with Spc. Beatty every day, and said she was excited to be witnessing a "phenomenal performer who takes initiative," remain a Soldier.
"I'm proud to be here," she said. "These are two deserving Soldiers, and I'm happy we're keeping them in the Army."
Sergeant Jarvit Guerra, Sergeant of the Guard at the Entry Control Point and Spc. Burnett's supervisor, said that he is happy to see his Soldier re-enlist because he is "squared away" and always takes initiative.
The day was not just a celebration of Spc. Beatty and Spc. Burnett's accomplishments, though both Soldiers have an excellent military service history; it was also a celebration of two friends who are going to travel the world together while serving their country.
"Battle buddies forever," said Spc. Burnett.
Social Sharing