EVENT: Mass Re-enlistment

SPEAKER: COL-P Akin, 3

d
ESC COMMANDER
DATE/LOCATION: 27 FEB 2010, LSV


Good afternoon Soldiers, fellow Service
members of the Joint Logistics Command Haiti.
Thank you for attending this historic ceremony and
first-ever mass-reenlistment for the 3
rd
ESC on
water!
Sergeants Major Tennant and Thomas the
Soldiers and vessel look great today and I thank you
for that.
Id like to recognize a behind the scenes Soldier
whose determination, grit, and hard work have made
todays event possible. MSG Adam McKinney
where are you? Hes probably on the beach
somewhere signing up another re-enlistee! Raise



your hand. Everybody a round of applause please
for this great American who did all the behind the
scenes work over the past two weeks to make this
happen.
It is an honor to be here today amongst so many
who serve. As we gather together here in Haiti, we
really have two purposes. First, we remember and
honor the men and women of our Armed Forces
who in the past have come together to fight for the
causes of good. Second we celebrate these
Soldiers - and recognize the renewed sacrifice
demonstrated by the select individuals on this vessel
who will raise their right hands.



Both groups those that have come before us
and those here today have distinguished themselves
in their own right. Theyve defended America when
our borders, our people and our way of life have
been threatened.
They have also reached out when others were in
need. Like those fighting for survival here in Haiti
American Soldiers bring the hope of peace,
freedom, and a better day. When others turned
away, it was our Soldiers who were willing to stand
up, be counted and put their lives on the line -
yesterday, today and tomorrow.
As Sustainers we often speak in terms of
rounds, gallons, rations, and tons. But our most



potent weapons in war our most precious
commodities without a doubt, are the brave men and
women in uniform.
In each corner of the world, whether on forever
remembered ground or on rocky crags, icy roads or
muddy patches of earth whose names will never be
spoken again Soldiers like these symbolize the
nobility of selfless service and sacrifice by which
their deeds and service live on for generations.
They stood and still stand today to be counted
forever as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, -
AMERICANS ALL - fighting in the forces which
guard our country and its way of life.



We gather today to remind ourselves that our
mission as fighting men and women must continue.
And to continue we must have those that are
willing, able, and are inspired to raise their hands
again and again to be counted with those that came
before them.
These volunteers today this new generation -
come from all walks of life. They represent many
different races, ethnic and religious groups. They
come from all across America too.
Yet today they share a common bond with those
that have gone before them. They swear an oath of
allegiance to the Constitution and go where sent and
do what is asked. These common men and women



have always done, and will continue to do,
uncommon things.
Over the past month that uncommon thing has
been to support the Haitian in need. As I have
traveled the streets and alleys of this city and
country you can see the appreciation for your
service in their eyes. These are a resilient people
that we have in common. Through your efforts
sometimes not apparent to you you have impacted
the lives of millions of Haitians. You may never have
placed sack-one of rice in the hands of a smiling
Haitian woman. But you are no less responsible for
making it happen. Whether you operate a forklift,
drive a truck, purify water, work on a watercraft, or



choke back dust in the LSA you make each day
better for Haitians. Dont forget that you made
history here.
While history records the valor of the American
military in terms of units and armies and forces, the
role of the American Soldier is the story of each
individual who has answered the call of duty. The
stories of those in front of you are still being written.
Today another chapter has begun. Wherever they
go, whatever they do each story will be different.
Each will contain trials, and deployments, and tales
from lands yet to be seen. Who would have known
a year ago you would be in Haiti? However the
common theme in each will be their unanimous



sacrifice their universal commitment. Please join
me again in thanking these re-enlistees for their
actions today. [applause]
This gathering today is a tribute to their devotion
to duty, love of country, and bond for their fellow
Soldiers. In closing, Id like to paraphrase a quote
from Steven Ambroses book Band of Brothers. If
someone were to ask me today if I considered
myself a hero I would say no but I would say I
served in the company of heroes. Today I definitely
consider myself in the company of heroes past
present and future.
God bless you who came here today to share
this tribute. And, God bless the United States of



America where, because of all the service
members today, is still ... land of the free . . . home
of the brave.

Sustaining the Line!