A Co. Soldiers Re-Enlist

Three Soldiers from A Co., 834th Aviation Support Battalion re-enlisted at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, on Mar. 18.

These Soldiers included SPC Rory Kluever, Water Treatment Specialist from Sioux Falls, SD, on his second deployment; SPC Nicholas Schwieters, Transportation Specialist from Melrose, Minn., on his second deployment; and SPC Aaron Olsen, Transportation Specialist from Fridley, Minn., on his first deployment but has extended his time in Iraq for a second year.

All three Soldiers re-enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard for an additional six years, and took their oath of enlistment while aboard a Chinook helicopter.

Administering the oath was CPT Christopher Staples, A Co. 834th ASB Company Commander.
           
“I think it was a great opportunity for the Soldiers to be able to re-enlist in a Chinook.  I could see the general excitement as they took their oaths,” CPT Staples said.

The Soldiers were then treated to a fifteen minute fly over of Joint Base Balad.  It was a fitting locale for the ceremony, as A Co is part of an Aviation Brigade, and a real treat for the Soldiers.

“The Soldiers really enjoyed their chance to go up on a flight,” CPT Staples said. “When we were back on the ground their faces were nothing but smiles.”

By SPC Justin Adelmann
A Co. 834th Unit Public Affairs Representative
18 Mar 09