Chance to salute and serve again

The Washington Times ^ | 4-7-06 | Gary Emerling

[JZelle]

Sgt. 1st Class Juanita Wilson yesterday stood at stoic attention on the steps of the U.S. Capitol -- a patriotic portrait of a soldier ready to give so much more for her country. "From the day of my injury, I never thought I was departing the military," said Sgt. Wilson, an Army reservist from Rosedale, Md., who lost her left hand two years ago while serving in Iraq. "It's an honor for me to be an American soldier. I'm very proud to wear the uniform." Sgt. Wilson was among nearly 40 Army reservists from across the country who re-enlisted yesterday during a ceremony on the west Capitol steps overlooking the Mall. The Army has boasted of ballooning re-enlistment numbers. At the end of February, the active Army had enlisted 109 percent of its goal, while the Army National Guard reached 106 percent of its goal, officials said. The Army Reserve reached 91 percent of its goal for the same period, statistics show, but attained 102 percent of its aim for fiscal 2005. Basking in the early spring sunshine, a throng of family members and curious tourists listened to Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, chief of the Army Reserve, administer the oath of service and pronounce the reservists as "real American heroes."

[JZelle]

" After the ceremony, Sgt. Wilson said she would readily go wherever the Army sends her -- even back to Iraq. "I love America enough to die for it," she said. "I will take my orders, I will salute and I will follow."

Truly very special people.

[Gay State Conservative]

I joined only in order to avoid being drafted.I seriously doubt that I would have served if there wasn't a draft.

Those men and women who join,and particularly those who re-up after having served in Iraq,have my profound respect!

Sgt Wilson,that goes for you,too! (poster salutes,even though the Sergent isn't an officer)