 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
SEND TO A FRIEND  |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
SEND US A REENLISTMENT STORY |
 |
|
 
Whether you are a Soldier, a top Army leader or a family member of a Soldier, please take a moment and share your reenlistment story. Your story may help shape someone’s future. |
|
|
CLICK HERE to Submit a Story | |
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Soldier Testimonials
SSG Martonio Patterson
On Veters' Day 2008, SSG Patterson reenlisted in Balad, Iraq under the Indefinite reenlistment program and recieved a $7,500 bonus. His reenlistment officer was BG Michael J. Lally. SSG Patterson is a Career Counselor assigned to the 21st TSC.
"I joined the military in January, 1998, because I didn't have any personal goals or plans. I worked a few jobs for about 7 months after graduating. Since I played basketball, football, and baseball for 4 years in high school, I was accustomed to being a team player. I knew joining the military would be a great way for me to be a part of a team while instilling great attributes that would help me throughout life.
The Army provided me skills and training beyond my expectations. I have served as a BFV Mechanic, Petroleum Supply Specialist, and Career Counselor. Being a career counselor is truly the highlight of my career. I assist other Soldiers and family members in defining and achieving their goals. There is nothing more satisfying than serving your country and enjoying the job you do. The Army is not just fulfilling, but it is also a great way to provide for my family.
SGT Christopher Henry
"In the spring of 2008, I reenlisted for the second time in Iraq for the current station stabilization, Fort Huachuca. In addition, my unit gave me 6 months to be a full-time college student. Hopefully this will prove to be a break from the normal grind of Soldiering and provide a great life experience to enhance my leadership and people skills.
During my first reenlistment, I obtained a bonus a MOS that was not available when I initially enlisted. Reenlisting is a great way to better yourself, your career, and of course the Army."
SSG Mahoma Tello
"I joined the Army in 1998 for two years just to see what the Army was all about, and of course, the college money. I reenlisted at my first duty station. In addition to my reenlistment option, the 35th Signal Brigade retention policy offered me time-off to attend college. Then I PCSd to South Korea with a mindset ETSing after my tour. That was until September 11th, 2001, which was actually September 12th in Korea. I was actually going in front of the SGT promotion board that day. After the board, and with a big sigh of relief, I was confident that I achieved the rank of SGT. As my time in the Army was running out, I thought about my short and long term goals, and the fact that I was not financially stable enough to leave the Army and do things on my own in the outside world. I also thought about what had happened on September 11th and decided to stay and make the Army a career.
SSG Joy Pariante
"When I first joined the Army and arrived at my first duty station, I never thought I would make the Army a career. As the time for my first reenlistment approached, I stopped by my reenlistment office to check-out my options. They said there was a mix-up with my paperwork, and my ETS date was in about two weeks. I faced a sudden decision to either sign-up for another four years or head home to college life. I chose to stay, despite knowing the result of being deployed to with my Soldiers. The decision was really hard on my parents, but I don't regret it at all! Although the Army is tough, at first, to get used to, I'm ready to make a life of it. My reenlistment window opens again in March of 2009, and I'm more than ready to raise my right hand to dedicate another 3, 4, 5, or 6 years to being a Soldier."
SFC Raymond
"My wife and I were both junior enlisted, I was assigned to the 57th Medical Company (DUSTOFF) out of
"The Army has been good to my family and I, the second best decision I ever made (marrying my wife was the first). I am now over 16 years and looking at 22 to 24 years right now. Regardless of where you are, or what you're doing, life is what you make of it. Go through life choosing doors; don't let life chose for you."
My wife says, "The best thing about being an Army wife is pride. I have never been so proud in all my life." Families are Strong. Army Families are Army Strong. Standing behind every Soldier is an Army of husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers.
Pictured above is the Brunson Family. Left to right:
