Previous Story
NMI reservist re-enlists for six more years
|
Posted on Jul 26 2005
By SSG Fabian M. Indalecio
Special to the Saipan Tribune
Saipan native SPC John A.B. Blas, a member of the 100 Battalion, 442nd Infantry, Company E and is currently deployed in Iraq, has re-enlisted for another six years in the U.S. Army Reserve.
In light of Army recruiters not meeting their annual quota, soldiers like Blas are being commended for their courage in re-enlisting for an additional six years to serve the Army Reserve.
When asked about his feelings after re-enlisting, Blas said, “I’m very proud to re-enlist in the U.S. Army. It has been a very challenging six years and I look forward to another six.”
He admitted, though, that he misses his wife Cecilia, who is an active FRG leader for the Echo Company, and his parents and friends.
“I would like to thank my wife for supporting and encouraging me through the past six years and especially with this deployment,” Blas said.
He conceded that soldiers will have a hard time deciding whether to re-enlist or not, considering that they will be in a hostile environment, but he said, “I will not be content to go home knowing that my brothers remain here in Iraq.”
Blas was recently awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his outstanding performance during the six-month intensive training to prepare him for his deployment to Iraq.
