(L to R) SGTs Kade Miller, Jeremy Fowler and Emily Anderson, all of the 314th Public Affairs Operations Center, recite the oath of reenlistment with their commander, LTC Ignacio J. Perez, at the Combined Press Information Center, in Baghdad, Iraq, on January 28, 2009.
Today, January 28 at 1515 local time, 1215 Zulu or 0715 EST, I reenlisted in the United States Army Reserve. At that date, it has been six years, six months and seven days since I first raised my hand and took the oath to defend the Constitution. I have fulfilled my first contract and am now locked into a second, six-year obligation. I am dizzy with thoughts of wondering what the next six years will bring, where it will send me and where I will find myself after that time.
I think back to the last six years and wonder where all that time went. It doesn’t seem that all that long ago I was sitting in a recruiter’s office in Dover, NH, pondering the idea of whether military service was at all for me. My mother will tell you that she always knew that she would see me in a uniform. I wore one for 15 years as a boy scout and I suspect she always knew that I would carry on military heritage throughout her family. I remember the Military Entrance Processing Station in Portland, Maine. I still remember the flag draped room where I first raised my hand and took the oath for the first time.
I remember being more fearful then, that night before leaving for basic training, more than anything since. I feared the future. I remember feeling all alone in a hotel the night before my flight to South Carolina; my brothers, father, mother and my maternal grandparents treated me to a farewell lobster dinner somewhere in Portland’s old port. I still have a picture of my older brother Steve and I, shaggy hair and all, kicking around from that evening. Then they dropped me off at the hotel where I was to check in. I had a roommate, that evening he fell asleep early while I stirred most of the evening with nervous anticipation and wonder. Thus I began my enlistment.
Between then and now seems like a flash. I’ve been to the other side of the world and have served all over the United States and Korea. Now I sit in the Coalition Press Information Center in Baghdad, Iraq, missing all that I’ve accomplished in the last six year. I miss my family, my brother, my friends, I miss Jen, the love of my life, I miss the farmland on the Salmon Falls River that I will always consider home.
I’m not lonely though. I have brothers and sisters that I see every day. My fellow Soldiers with whom I serve has become my temporary family.
It is because of that, I have managed to find the ability to easily reenlist in the Army Reserve. But, it is only through the overwhelming support of my girlfriend, my family and friends that I could really do it without hesitation.
I have found that the Army life is very fitting for me. Teamwork, honor, selfless service, weapons handling, maintenance, survival skills, driving skills, journalistic skills, people skills, and leadership; this is only a brief synopsis of what I have learned in the last six years. What will the future hold? I am eager to find out.
To all those who support me, thank you. I can only hope to make you proud.
Thursday, 19. February 2009
Jer I knew there was no doubt you’d be re-enlisting. Honestly, I can’t imagine you not being in the Army. Since being with you it has become a big part of both our lives. You have all of my support and you know I am here for you no matter what… I am so proud and so honored to have you in my life. On behalf of everybody back home, Thank you for your service to our great country!
Friday, 20. February 2009
I salute you, Brother Soldier!
Saturday, 21. February 2009
Jeremy,
A mother can not be prouder of the man that you have become!
You are the inspiration to all of us back home, especially your younger brother. We thank and honor each and everyone of you, who choose to protect our freedom and allow the oppressed a chance to experience what so many of us take for granted. Thank you!
My son , I love you ,honor you and Thank you!
Saturday, 21. February 2009
Jer, Congrats on the re-enlistment. This country is so lucky to have such a wonderful person defending us. You are such an inspiration to many. Keep up the wonderful job you are doing. Love, Amanda, Lance, Nickolas and Logan.
Sunday, 22. February 2009
Hey Jer, hope all is well. we miss you! See you soon-Steph
Monday, 23. February 2009
Thank you for being willing to do what 99 percent of your fellow citizens are NOT willing to do — raise your right hand, take the oath, put on the uniform and go into dangerous places in the defense of freedom. I am grateful for Soldiers like you. Keep leading!
Monday, 23. February 2009
Congratulations, I am certainly proud of you and I know that your grandfather would have been standing tall.
Tuesday, 24. February 2009
Hi Jer
Congrats on the re-enlistment, I like to let you know what an honor it is to know you. I know I can speak for those at NPC that we salute you for your willingness to protect and defend our great country. It is men and women like you that deserve our praise. I look forward to the day you all come home. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you. Brian & Therese
Tuesday, 24. February 2009
Jer! We all are keeping a close eye on your blog. Team 15 misses you tons! Poor Noel is getting quite hen pecked(grin) Hey someone has to keep him in line….. You aren’t around for me to pick on. (pout) Anyway, we are damned proud of you in good ole New Hampshire. Stand tall, be safe and know that our thoughts and prayers go with you and all of the troops over there.
Anne
Friday, 27. February 2009
Hey Jer!!! Your old team (15) has gotten together to just say hi.
Suzanne sends her best wishes to you.
Noel says to tell you Hi from the Speedoman (cringe) He also says take care and be very careful and we all miss you.
Catherine says Hi We heard rumors that the Easter Bunny (please don’t kill thumper) was going to be in your neck of the woods and to make his life easier he wanted to know what you would like in your easter basket? So if you have any suggestions we would really like to know. (so we don’t send you alot of stupid stuff) Take care my friend. My prayers are with you every day.
Mary says hurry back we need some comic relief. Even though I won’t be on the same team when you get back. Miss you!!
Connie is out today. You know that compressed schedule of hers. But, I’m sure she’s gonna be mad at me for not thinking of this sooner.
Anyway, I thought it would be nice to hear from all of us at once. We all miss you bunches. I don’t think a day goes by when your name isn’t mentioned from one of us. Of course we try to keep our eyes on Jen for you. And there’s a photo of you on our homepage at NPC. (grin) Aren’t you cute! (laughing) Seriously, be careful out there, we want you back here so we can pick on you again. Give your military family over there our fondest greetings!