More than 300 Soldiers reenlist in record breaking ceremony

By 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Public AffairsOctober 16, 2006

More than 300 Soldiers reenlist in record breaking ceremony
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CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (Army News Service, Oct. 16, 2006) - On the way to a yearlong deployment in Iraq, 307 Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, participated in the Army"s largest-ever reenlistment ceremony held during a deployment Saturday.

Headquartered at Fort Richardson, Alaska, the unit ceremony took place at Camp Buehring, where the Soldiers stopped for final preparations before entering Iraq.

"This ceremony says a lot about the personal courage and selfless service of these paratroopers," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Turnbull, command sergeant major for the 4th BCT, 25th Inf. "They understand they have a tough mission ahead of them and are still willing to commit themselves to continue in the Army."

The large turnout underscores the service's new campaign slogan, "Army Strong," said the brigade's commander, Col. Michael X. Garrett.

"Many are going to attribute this record-setting event to reenlistment incentives. But, on the eve of deploying north to Iraq, these paratroopers show that it is on a much more personal level," Garrett said. "These paratroopers have seen something in someone, somewhere - whether it was a squad leader, platoon leader or commander - that led to this moment."

Cpl. Brian Anderson, a recon scout with the unit's 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, said he reenlisted for much the same reason as his comrades.

"I am reenlisting for the same reason as any other paratrooper here in this formation. I want to serve my country and I love the Army," he said.