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Sen. Reyes ineligible for deployment
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Posted on Dec 02 2004
His intention to serve again is noble but Sen. Pete P. Reyes’ present circumstances make him ineligible to be deployed for military assignment.
U.S. Army Chief for Enlisted Accessions Col. Norvel L. Dillard, in a Nov. 2, 2004, letter to Reyes, said that based on the senator’s background, prior military service, and age, he cannot qualify for enlistment.
“Your strong desire to continue to do your part in the Army is indicative of the love you have for our country. It is veterans like you that make us all proud to serve this nation,” said Dillard.
“Unfortunately, considering the information you have provided on your background, prior military service and your age, you are ineligible for re-enlisment,” he said.
He said Reyes’ disqualification is pursuant to Title 10, U.S. Code-Armed Forces and Army Policy.
“It is also unfortunate that there is no waiver to this policy,” Dillard said.
The Army official thanked Reyes “for the outstanding service that you have already rendered to our great nation.”
Reyes, 58, an enlisted personnel during the Vietnam War, wrote Defense Secretary Ronald H. Rumsfeld on Aug. 16, asking that he be allowed to serve in Iraq, possibly along with the CNMI reservists, in whatever capacity he can.
In his letter, Reyes said that he felt that he contributed “very little” to the country.”
“It is for this reason, that I feel incredibly drawn with the desire to seek your approval to allow me the honor to further serve my country in any capacity you see fit,” the veteran senator said.
Reyes said that, during the Vietnam War, he was enlisted with a rank of Specialist 5th Class, which is equivalent to buck sergeant, assigned to the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Supply Unit.
