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TF34 Soldiers re-enlist, celebrate Guard’s 372nd Birthday
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Task Force 34 was well represented at the National Guard’s 327th Birthday celebration in the Al Faw Palace rotunda Dec. 13 when 60 TF34 Soldiers reenlisted accompanied by more than 150 other Multi-National Corps Iraq Soldiers.
The TF34 reenlistments “totaled 300 years of additional commitment of service to their states and country. The Soldiers will earn nearly $1 million in bonuses,” according to SGT Tim Stocking, TF34 Retention NCO.
“We’ve been answering our nation’s call, just like our forefathers did 372 years ago,” said Maj. Gen. Nelson Cannon, director general, Civilian Police Assistance Training Team, Directorate of Interior Affairs, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, and part of the Michigan National Guard. “The National Guard has constantly been serving as one of our most enduring institutions. We are all part of the legacy of what is now called, the National Guard.”
National Guard troops from all over theater descended upon the palace to devote further years towards serving their nation and to share in the birthday celebration of their component.
“On the thirteenth day of December we celebrate the National Guard Birthday,” said Col. David Sheridain, chief of National Guard affairs, MNC-I. “I am extremely honored to be with you here today. On behalf of General Odierno (commander, Multi-National Force – Iraq), Lieutenant General Austin (commander, Multi-National Corps – Iraq) and the many other senior leaders, I welcome you to Al Faw Palace and salute you for your continued service to our nation at a time when you are needed most.”
The ceremony highlighted the history of the United States military’s oldest component and featured a mass re-enlistment of more than 200 Army National Guard Soldiers from more than a dozen states. The National Guard service members, who re-enlisted during the birthday celebration, represent the wide array of troops who perform crucial missions in support of operations in Iraq.
“Today’s event comes at a time when the National Guard’s participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom is increasing,” Sheridan said. “The full gamut of Air and Army National Guard assets continue to roll and fly in and out of theater without pause, but none of this would be possible without the Soldiers and Airmen who are willing to volunteer to serve away from their loved ones.”
“We’ve set aside our communities, our careers and, most importantly, our families,” Cannon said. “We do this with much personal sacrifice.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer, TF34 Public Affairs Chief
Dec. 14, 2008
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