field file | rj
Unique Event Combines Soldiers Past, Present and Future By Debbie D. Cannon Denver Battalion
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amilies are a big part of the decision for a young man or woman to join the Army. As they often make the decision together, they also celebrate the decision together. A five-year tradition between the Denver Battalion and American Legion brought together more than 500 past, present and future Soldiers during a Future Soldier swear-in held in conjunction with the American Legion’s Mid-Winter Convention in Colorado Springs, Colo., in January. Brigadier Gen. Darsie Rogers, 4th Infantry Division deputy commanding general for support, administered the oath to 125 new recruits, five of whom were cadets, and promoted eight Future Soldiers. The American Legion’s Past National Commander Tom Bock pledged the Legion’s support to the new recruits now, through their entire career and after they retire. The Legion gave each Future Soldier a miniature folded flag made by a legion member. “Showcasing our newest Soldiers who are the best and brightest is a moving event,” said Lt. Col. William Rose, Denver Battalion commander. “I’m so proud of these young men and women who volunteer, and I enjoy meeting them, their families and friends.” Practicing for the event taught Future Soldiers a lot about military protocol, marching, and drill and ceremony. Then they
saw a large scale military event in action. Select Future Soldiers were interviewed by the area media, which showed strong support for this local event in the militaryfriendly town next to Fort Carson. Quinten Ziegler, a senior at Fountain Fort Carson High School, was promoted to private E-2. He followed in his dad’s footsteps by joining the Army. Ziegler said the even bigger impression to his decision to join the Army was at age six when his school was closed and everyone went home because of 9/11. Ziegler will receive training as a cavalry scout at Fort Benning, Ga., and said he hopes to attend sniper school at a later time. Another goal while in the Army is to get his college education. Matthew Cavanaugh, a 2011 graduate of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, has a family history of service to country as well with a granddad who was in the Army, parents who were in the Air Force, and a brother who was a Marine. Cavanaugh was promoted to specialist. Two brothers, 20-year-old Andrew and 17-year-old Anthony, were cheered on from the audience by their mom, Amber Barson, and sisters. “We’re very close. They’re my babies,” said Barson. “One son joined and two months later the other decided to.” Overall, the comments from families and Future Soldiers were those of gratitude and an overwhelming feeling of emotion that they would be honored at such an event.
Center Commander Connects With Youngsters in Marine-Dominated Community Raleigh Battalion
chandra ponder
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acksonville Recruiting Center Commander Sgt. 1st Class Johan Ponder teamed up with the Southeastern Preschool Education Center (SPEC) career week in North Carolina to connect with tomorrow’s future and provide information to the youngsters on what it takes to be successful in life. The SPEC career week offered representation in various career fields to increase awareness to students; Jacksonville Recruiting Center was invited to shed light on what it means to be a Soldier. The city of Jacksonville is predominantly Marine oriented because of its history with and proximity to Camp Lejeune. It has become a goal for the Jacksonville Center to create a positive representation through community outreach. “We simply display a care and generosity to our community like no other,” said Ponder, who delivered the Army presentation to the SPEC preschoolers. The presentation featured a demonstration on donning a protective mask (M-42A) and a detailed description on how a protective mask filtering system works. Students were afforded the opportunity to try on a small protective mask and speak through the canister. Ponder said the various dynamics of the lifestyle of being a Soldier in the U.S. Army on a daily basis was discussed during the presentation, as well. This effort has improved the center’s relationship with the community. Ponder added that a SPEC teacher has also reached out to the center for their assistance in helping to motivate the students with the focus and importance of having good behavior and listening.
Sgt. 1st Class Johan Ponder demonstrates the protective mask to North Carolina preschoolers during their career week. may-june 2013 | recruiter journal | 43