Soldiers gather at Rotunda to re-enlist for combined 120 years

By Adam Wilson | The Olympian • Published October 03, 2008

• Comments (0)

The country is distracted by economic woes and a presidential race; it's a time of ongoing war, and 30 women and men on Thursday took a pledge to stay in the service.

In a state Capitol ceremony, soldiers from Madigan Army Medical Center, the Warrior Transition Battalion and the Dental and Veterinary Commands re-enlisted.

"Aside from serving the country, the Army helps serve us," Spc. Kaelin Thurmon said.

Thurmon, from Hawaii, said she joined the Army to see more of the world and is staying in because of the pride it brings her.

"I plan on going career. It makes you feel that you're part of something bigger," she said.

The group that re-enlisted had a combined service history of 160 years and signed up for 120 more, said Maj. Gen. Patricia Horoho, commanding general of Madigan.

"They always put the mission first. They always complete the mission. They never accept defeat. And they never leave a fallen comrade behind," she said before administering an oath to serve the country to the soldiers gathered in the Rotunda.

The ceremony gave special recognition to the reenlisting soldiers, with both Department of Veterans Affairs Director John Lee and First Gentleman Mike Gregoire congratulating them.

"I love doing what I do," Spc. Luis Arambula said.

He said he's been in the Army's medical supply service for more than two years, and signed up for another four.

His wife, Cynthia, and young daughters Victoria and Emma attended, and Arambula said he joined because of them.

"I wanted to give my family opportunities," he said.