JOINT BASE BALAD - With economic stimulating programs in place and the chance to make lasting memories, several TF 38 Soldiers re-enlisted. "Bonus. There's a bonus that's available to traditional NG Soldiers who are in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait," said Indiana NG Staff Sgt. Lee Ann Hiser, the TF 38 retention NCO.
The NG bonus was $5,000 if a Soldier signed a 6-year contract. It was given in a lump sum, and it was also tax free. Yet Hiser noted other benefits. "They get to stay in the Guard; that's their bonus," she said. "That's the biggest thing."
According to Hiser there're many other benefits to being a NG Soldier: college tuition payments, loan repayments, dental, life and medical insurance. "Just having those benefits right now, those are a lot of pluses," said Hiser. "I don't see why you'd get out at a time like now when people don't have jobs."
It's not only Guard Soldiers who collected the re-enlistment bonus, but also active-duty and reserve Soldiers. Four active-duty Soldiers with the 597th Ordnance Co, which was attached to the TF, re-enlisted while on their deployment. One of those 4 was Sgt. Demetrius Scott, a supply sgt with the 597th.
"First of all I re-enlisted because 1, with the jobs and economy in the real world, it was better for me and my family for me to stay in the military," said Scott, who has a wife and son. "2, I played sports in high school, and with the military there's that team aspect too; it just works for me." Scott, who's been in the Army for 9 years, signed up for 6 more years. As an active-duty Soldier his deployment bonus was $8,000.
Indiana NG Staff Sgt. John Brattain, Co D, 1st Bn, 137th Aviation Regt tech inspector, re-enlisted for future benefits and possible advancement. He has served more than 20 years in the military, and he signed up for 6 more. "I wanted to have longevity," said Brattain, who planned to submit his packet for warrant officer candidate school when he returns from his deployment. His re-enlistment ceremony took place atop an aircraft shelter here, and he said he'd fond memories of that event. "It made it feel like I was really here, in Iraq, and part of something special," said Brattain, who was given the oath by his friend and fellow Soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Bill Leonard, TF 38's material mgr. "You could see the whole base up there; it's surreal," said Brattain.
The 597th's NCO-in-charge also had a memorable re-enlistment ceremony. "I was thinking for this event I might as well have somebody senior to re-enlist me," said Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Camara-Falu, Carolina, Puerto Rico. "And since my home station bde cmdr isn't here, I decided on Col. Wood," said Camara-Falu.
