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Pine Bluff Arsenal Commander Col. Collin K. Keenan (middle) poses for a photo with members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Command during a NASCAR event at the Martinsville, Va. Speedway Nov. 3. From left is Staff Sgt. Brown (Roanoke Station), Staff Sgt. Sharpe , Staff Sgt. Simmons, and Sgt. 1st Class Jordan (Martinsville Station).
(Photo Credit: Cheryl Avery-Pine Bluff Arsenal)
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Pine Bluff Arsenal Commander Col. Collin K. Keenan, middle, issues the Oath of Enlistment to future Soldiers during an Army Recruiting Command event in Martinsville, Va.
(Photo Credit: Cheryl Avery-Pine Bluff Arsenal)
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On Sunday, November 3, I had the distinct honor of administering the Oath of Enlistment to several future Soldiers at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia prior to the NASCAR Xfinity 500 Playoff Race. United States Army Recruiting Command provided one of its largest national display trailers to highlight many of the exciting opportunities available to those who join America’s all-volunteer force. The theme of the weekend emphasized military service and people, the strength of the United States Army.
The parking lots were packed with die hard race fans participating in pre-race music, driver interviews, retail shopping, and eating/drinking at food concession booths. The estimated 60,000+ fans in attendance relished under fabulous weather conditions. Bright sunny skies and a daytime high in the mid 60’s provided conditions ripe for big smiles, loud cheers, and positive vibes throughout the raceway.
I personally engaged with many proud parents, family members, and close friends who traveled to the track to support their loved ones prior to reciting the oath. I couldn’t help but swell with joy as I conversed with 12 dedicated recruiters who were on site to facilitate the ceremony and other recruiting efforts. Each of the recruiting Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) with the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 79R, recruit qualified personnel for entry into the Army in accordance with applicable regulations, supervise recruiting operations, and personally recruit at designated support activities.
These patriots remain committed to enlisting heroes who are called to defend America’s values through military service. Did you know that over 150 of PBA’s employees served as uniformed service members at some point during their career? This point helps illustrate the importance of recruiting NCOs in our personal lives and careers.
At approximately 11:40 am the NASCAR Experience Team handed me a professional microphone and I proceeded up the stairs to the brightly lit pre-race stage filled with a huge digital backdrop used for projecting the Oath of Enlistment to the estimated 1,500 fans gathered in the paddock area. I proceeded to thank the fans in attendance and wove in a few comments highlighting my favorite drivers and passion for auto racing.
The crowd cheered loudly once I mentioned the drivers’ names and I requested the same level of applause for the brave heroes joining America’s all-volunteer force. The stage vibrated with cheers as the future Soldiers took their place on the stage. I introduced each enlistee by rank, name, hometown and MOS job title. The future Soldiers stood firmly at the position of attention and repeated the words as I administered the following oath:
I, (state your full name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
The oath is very similar to the Oath of Service, which all DA Civilian employees recite upon being hired as valued team members at Pine Bluff Arsenal:
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
The oath reminds us we are members of a higher calling. We remain committed to our nation’s defense and are guided by the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage (LDRSHIP). Additionally at PBA, we live the values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, and Respect (STIR).
As the Future Soldiers departed the stage, I proudly raised my arm in the air and loudly chanted “USA, USA, USA” in unison with the 1,500 fans in attendance. We should never lose sight of the fact that being a member of Team Army is high honor.
Our entire Workforce, consisting of Soldiers, DA Civilians, and Family Members, represents the strength of this Nation. It’s an honor to serve as your commander and I wanted to again thank all our DoD veterans during the month of November when we highlight Veterans Day! Lastly, please reach out to your local military recruiting office if you know a great candidate for military service. You may be the one who positively influences the start of a highly successful military career!
Be All You Can Be
41st PBA Commander
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Publish date : 2024-12-03 02:39:00
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