Service members from across Iraq gathered in Joint Base Balad to re-enlist and commemorate Veteran’s Day.
Two hundred eighty-five soldiers and airmen from the 3rd Sustainment Command (expeditionary) and Joint Base Balad raised their right hand and recited the oath of enlistment with Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally presiding over the mass re-enlistment.
Among them was Staff Sgt. Mark Williams Jr. of Knightdale, who has served 10 years in the Army. He is the son of Mark and Kathy Williams of Granite Quarry. The senior Williams is a former Marine with service in Vietnam and is adjutant for the Faith American Legion Post 327.
The event was the first-ever mass re-enlistment at Joint Base Balad.
Ricardo Sanchez
Air Force Airman Ricardo Sanchez has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Marta Sanchez of Salisbury and a 2008 graduate of North Rowan High School.
Keenen Graves
Air Force Airman Keenen Graves has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
Graves, the son of Tammie Swygert and stepson of Gary Swygert of Salisbury, is a 2008 graduate of North Rowan High School.
Andrew Cooper
Air Force Airman Andrew M. Cooper has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
Airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
A 2007 graduate of South Rowan High School, Cooper is the son of Kenny Cooper of China Grove and Mary Lehn of Kitts Hill, Ohio.
Chase Eller
Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Chase A. Eller has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, core values, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate in applied science degree relating through the Community College of the Air Force.
The son of Mark Eller and Angie Shoaf, both of Salisbury, he is a 2005 graduate of Salisbury High School.