| Friday, 04 July 2008 |
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BAGHDAD — Servicemembers from all over Iraq gathered here today in the Al Faw Palace rotunda on Camp Victory, to re-enlist and celebrate America’s Independence Day.
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All 1,215 servicemembers celebrated by raising their right hand and pledging to continue defending the ‘land of the free’ in what is the largest re-enlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973, according to the Multi-National Force – Iraq Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt, Maj. Marvin L. Hill.
“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed – is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”
Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.
"We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq," Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still re-enlisting.”
All together, the servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.
“It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation,” said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.
The re-enlistees have every right to feel proud, according to Petraeus.
“You and your comrades here have been described as America’s new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description,” Petraeus said. “It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.”
Feature Stories
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 CAMP TAJI — Children, at times, are easy targets for criminals and terrorists. Not only are they the victims of attacks, they are now the victims of recruitment into dangerous organizations.
Since the liberation of Iraq in 2003, there have been several incidents of al-Qaida using children to conduct their terrorist activities.
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| WASHINGTON — Lasting security in Iraq is one of the top challenges facing those in the country and one of the benchmarks for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, a senior military officer said July 2. |
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 BAGHDAD — Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, patrolled the Sadr City neighborhoods of Thawra 1 and Thawra 2 to assess reconstruction, security gains and ongoing projects that are revitalizing one of Baghdad’s important districts, July 2.
Task Force 1-6, currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, along with Iraqi Security Forces, is tasked with rejuvenating Sadr City, which suffered greatly due to the extremist activities in past months.
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 • This edition features a Gas Turbine Project outside Baghdad.
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• This edition features a ceremony displaying various weapons recovered in Sadr City and a visit to an Iraqi Vocational Center.
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