Posted on 05/30/2003 6:52:38 AM PDT by FryingPan101
Spc. Joseph Hudson was congratulated Thursday at Fort Bliss by fellow former prisoner of war Spc. Shoshana Johnson after Hudson re-enlisted for two years of service. Both soldiers were captured March 23 in Iraq and freed April 13.
Maj. Gen. Stanley Green, left, Fort Bliss commanding general, thanked Spc. Joseph Hudson on Thursday for his service in the Army.
Spc. Joseph Hudson, surrounded by family members and four other former prisoners of war from Fort Bliss' 507th Maintenance Company, re-enlisted Thursday for another two years in the Army and hopes to teach soldiers how to survive capture.
"I'd like to thank God for still being here, and my wife, who supports me," Hudson told about 40 people. "I know my previous experience will help me in the future to train other soldiers. I thank everyone for attending, especially my 507th soldiers for coming. Hoo-ah!"
Fort Bliss commander Maj. Gen. Stanley Green administered the oath of re-enlistment to Hudson while the soldier's wife, daughter, mother and sister-in-law stood beside him.
"It's an additive when we get to re-enlist a veteran, and that much more additive when we're re-enlisting a prisoner of war," Green said.
"Our focus is always quality, not quantity -- and this is a quality soldier."
Hudson's mother supports his decision.
"I think it's good for him to do this right now," Anecita Hudson said.
"I'm just crossing my fingers that he doesn't go far away. He scared the hell out of me already; I'm hoping he doesn't do it again."
Hudson was captured by Iraqi forces along with five other 507th soldiers during a March 23 ambush near Nasiriyah.
Hudson will teach soldiers how to survive.
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Photos by Mark Lambie / El Paso Times Spc. Joseph Hudson was congratulated Thursday at Fort Bliss by fellow former prisoner of war Spc. Shoshana Johnson after Hudson re-enlisted for two years of service. Both soldiers were captured March 23 in Iraq and freed April 13. |
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Thank you, Pfc Hudson, for your service to and sacrifice for our great country!! I am proud to be your fellow American!!
Our military's awesome, ping!
Thank you for your service, Spc. Joseph Hudson.
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