Posted on 08/19/2005 4:16:58 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Aug. 19, 2005) -- Family tradition, especially in the military, is something a lot of people value, honor and pass on to future generations. One Bridgewater, N.J., native here is continuing a family tradition dating from World War I.
Sergeant Brittany L. Greenhalgh, intelligence communicator, G-2 Section, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), followed in the footsteps of her family’s heritage and enlisted in the military shortly after graduating from Bridgewater-Raritan High School in 2000.
“My family’s military history sparked my interest in the military,” she said. “I have three grandparents that were active duty during World War II. It’s ironic; both my grandfathers were fighting on opposite sides during World War II.”
Greenhalgh said one grandfather was serving in the United States Army Air Corps flying in bombing missions during the war, and the other was serving in the German Army in the same conflict.
“My mom and her whole side of the family are from Germany,” she said.
For Greenhalgh’s family, the history doesn’t stop there; her grandmother served in the Navy after completing college during World War II.
“My grandmother on my father’s side was a WAVE [Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service],” she said.
Greenhalgh’s German great-grandfather was a Prisoner of War in Russia during World War I.
The tradition has been kept alive by generations since World War II.
“My dad and uncle were both on active duty during Vietnam,” she said. “My dad was in the Army as a tank commander.”
Greenhalgh’s uncle served in the Navy during the Vietnam War era.
Today, the tradition has been passed to a new generation of warriors.
“My brother is on active duty right now in the Army,” she said. “He’s about to do his third tour in the Middle East.”
Greenhalgh said she is the first member of her family to serve in the Marine Corps.
“I realized the Marine Corps would be more of a challenge,” she said. “Leading an active lifestyle pretty much fit in with the Marines.”
In high school she played soccer and field hockey, and welcomed the challenge the Marine Corps offered.
“I had started talking to the recruiter my junior year,” she said.
Exactly one week after graduating from high school, she left Bridgewater for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., to begin her journey in the military.
Today, on the last leg of her enlistment, Greenhalgh serves in support of operations in Iraq, and carries on the tradition her family began more than 60 years ago.
“I am very glad I got a chance to come over here,” she said. “I wanted to end my enlistment knowing I contributed. I wanted to be a part of what the military is doing. I feel strongly about family history and keeping tradition alive. I’m proud to be a part of this family tradition.”
Greenhalgh has hopes of obtaining a degree in dentistry when she completes her enlistment.
New Jersey MARINE PING!
Lady Marine PING!
Following in your footsteps Maggie. I'm sure she makes you proud.
Bridgewater Raritan High School East - Class of 1981 alum here.
We are proud of our servicemen and women and we wish all of them, no matter where they are from, godspeed for a safe and successful return from their missions.
I indeed want to commend Sergeant Brittany L. Greenhalgh on her sense of the need to be involved in the ideals of Americans.
Unlike most nations, we go to war to ensure our future, and/or help oppressed/threatened others.
I wish her nothing but the best in her future life.
BTT!!!!!!!
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