If you are going to re-enlist in the U.S. Army, why not do it where the organization had its origins 235 years ago'
Sergeant Joseph Schnell of the Operational Forces Interface Group at Natick Soldier Systems Center did just that, giving four more years to his country Dec. 14 on the Lexington Battle Green in Lexington, Mass. At that site, Minutemen clashed with British Regulars for the first time April 19, 1775.
Schnell said he had chosen the location for the ceremony because of his interest in the American Revolution.
"This is a great piece of history here," said Schnell after the ceremony. "It's how our country was founded. This is virtually the birthplace of the United States Army right here."
With his wife, Christina, and 14-month old son, Hunter, on hand, Schnell took the oath of re-enlistment in a ceremony conducted by Lt. Col. Brian Wood, executive officer to Brig. Gen. Harold Greene, NSSC commander.
"I'm honored to be here with Sergeant Schnell and all of you," Wood said. "It's a very historical place and a very fitting place for Sergeant Schnell to want to re-enlist for an additional four years. It's a commitment for Sergeant Schnell, his wife, Christina, and for Hunter."
Schnell, a 24-year-old Stevens Point, Wis., native, has been in the Army for six years, the last two at Natick. He has deployed twice to Iraq.
Christina, a former Soldier now studying nursing, received a certificate of appreciation from Wood. She talked about Schnell's decision to re-enlist.
"It was actually a pretty easy one," Christina said. "I mean, he's wanted to be in the military since he was a little kid. As it is, he loves it."
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