Fort Carson soldiers re-enlist (mass re-enlistment of 640 GIs)

The Denver Post ^ | 5/9/2006 | By Bruce Finley

[CAWats]

The mass re-enlistment of 640 GIs of the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment is considered invaluable to the Army's future.

A year ago, as Iraqi fighters detonated a bomb that shattered his convoy, Army Sgt. Gene Braxton led survivors scrambling out of their Humvees in the hot dusty haze to hunt for the triggermen.

Five months later, a bigger roadside bomb rocked the armored vehicle Braxton was in. Reeling from a concussion, he dragged a wounded buddy to safety.

Back in Colorado, Braxton has re-enlisted and will undergo parachute jump training in preparation for a possible third stint of combat duty in Iraq.

[maxter]

I know you must be proud. Congratulations!

[ExSoldier]

Braying is too strong a word. I apologize. You're an old time freeper and I should know better. But I'm not taking a Holier than thou attitude. I teach American history and I stand by my comment, otherwise. Too many people forget the sacrifices of Americans past. This generation is carrying the standard established on April 19th, 1775 at Lexington and Concord.

[TankerKC]

Is the above from the Spanish version of our national anthem?

No.

I've heard snippets of it, and it mocks and demeans our national anthem, imo.

Then you will know enough that my tag line mocks the Spanish version...José can you see.

[TomServo]

Too many people forget the sacrifices of Americans past.

Understood. I see it the forgetfulness all the time. I try and remind those around me (including my family) of those past sacrifices. I guess what really sets me off with this was that all we hear is how we're 'losing' this war, how it's "not worth it", etc. And here we have some good news about folks re-upping en masse and not a word from the media. Hell - I expected that but what was sadder still, was not much traction about it here on FR. My intent was not to draw attention to myself, but to the folks who sincerely deserved it. Apology accepted and please accept mine for any offense(s). ;-)

[noncommie]

Of course this barely made the news. The 3rd ACR is currently enjoying a 135% success rate at its re-enlistment goal.

Sorry, that story isn't "newsworthy."

Now, if it turned out we had a 4% drop in the number of left-handed albino volunteers, you'd see a week's worth of NYT headlines trumpeting that number in 24-point type.

[American Quilter]

It's great to see these photos--makes it a little easier to visualize what it's like there. Thanks!

[American Quilter]

I just logged on and saw this thread.

I live across the road (literally) from Fort Carson, and see these soldiers on a regular basis. When JimRob, Sheila, and Neil were in the Springs last month, we had a small FReeper rally at the main gate (and another one at the Peterson AFB main gate across town), and made sure the soldiers know FR supports them.

In addition, our local TV stations do often mention and/or televise re-enlistments, deployments, and the return of our soldiers. That joyous rush of spouses and kids toward their soldiers makes me tear up every time.

I understand your frustration last night, and I hope you're feeling better this afternoon. I know you know we can't be on-line 24/7, much as many of us try! And sometimes we're occupied on other threads or, like ExSoldier, just expand with quiet pride and admiration when we see an event like this.

I hope it won't annoy you to read this, Coop and TomServo. I just felt sympathetic when I saw how upset you both were, and wanted to provide my own perspective on the issue.

[ohioWfan]

You're welcome!

And another BTTT for a great thread!

[MozartLover]

.....and another bumpity-bump!!

[maineman]

[MozartLover]

Capt. Bill Hamann (right) administers the oath of re-enlistment to his younger
brother, Sgt. Mike Hamann, on March 20 at Camp Buehring in Kuwait. U.S.
Army photo.

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, April 27, 2006 — U.S. Army Sgt. Mike Hamann of Alexandria, Va., was determined to be the first soldier of the 1/34 Brigade Combat Team to re-enlist while overseas during the unit’s deployment to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. And with the help of his brother, Capt. Bill Hamann, he was. Bill Hamann of the Brigade Combat Team headquarters, swore in Mike Hamann of the 134th Brigade Support Battalion for his six-year re-enlistment on March 20 just one day after their arrival at the camp. Days later, 20 more Minnesota Guard soldiers of the unit re-enlisted. Of those, 18 chose the six-year re-enlistment option, the longest available.

[Coop]

Oh, I appreciate your feedback very much. But my opinions of the widespread apathy were not directed at the Springs, or Colorado. It's forum wide. It's been that way for years.

Thank you so much for all you do for the troops. I hope more follow your lead.

[eleni121]

Words fail when it comes to thanking these heroes.

[STARWISE]

God bless him ... he's just a godly and good, caring guy ..the folks on whatever "beat" he chooses will be so blessed. I KNOW how proud you and Mr. O are .. and rightly so. You raised some great kids .. KUDOS!

[hsalaw]

Thanks for the great pictures, STARWISE. And your home page is wonderful, too!

[STARWISE]

Thank you ;)

[Cate]

Wahoo!!! My son is stationed at Fort Carson, currently serving in Iraq. These guys rock!!!

[Sundog]

God Bless them all.

May they come home safe.

[Candor7]

Thank you lads. I am e-mailing every MSM to ask why this was not carried.Does Drudge have it ?

Sgt. Braxton below.

[CAWats]

Wahoo!!! My son is stationed at Fort Carson, currently serving in Iraq. These guys rock!!!

God bless and protect your son.