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Mass Reenlistment Leads to Massive Bonus
Story Number: NNS090310-02
Release Date: 3/10/2009 7:52:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joey Morgon, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) Weapons Department reenlisted together March 6 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71), currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
TR's Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler conducted the mass reenlistment ceremony for 42 Sailors.
"It is really a tremendous honor for me to be able to do this," said Wheeler. "I have been involved in a lot of reenlistments in my career, and this is by far the largest one. I am honored to be able to preside over this."
The mass reenlistment ceremony was the largest gathering of reenlisting Sailors during the ship's deployment.
"It's great to see Sailors reenlist in the massive group," said Chief Navy Counselor (AW/SW) Chad Krejcarek, TR's command career counselor. "It's good to get everyone together as a group and get everyone to talk a little bit and enjoy the company of each other."
The Sailors reenlisting during the ceremony were pleased to be able to share the moment with their shipmates.
"We're all a big family," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW/SW) Ashley Alvey, one of the 42 Sailors who reenlisted during the mass reenlistment ceremony. "We are supposed to have a close bond, and being able to reenlist with people from all over the department was just great."
"The idea of the mass reenlistment is a cool one," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Daniel Barrett, another Sailor who participated. "It's nice to know all of the people that I am reenlisting with."
The combined selective reenlistment bonuses (SRB) for all the reenlistments held throughout the day totaled $825,619.02, tax free.
Besides the tax-free advantages TR Sailors enjoy while in the Central Command Area of Responsibility, many of the Sailors who reenlisted did so in part due to the recent announcement that several rates will no longer offer an SRB after March 11.
The reenlistment bonus, while appreciated, was only part of the reason to stay Navy. For many Sailors, reenlisting, regardless of location and timing, was a way to secure a sound financial future.
"I just bought a house and feel this is a responsible choice," said Alvey.
Of the 68 reenlisting Sailors, each one has a different reason for their continued service.
"I've decided to reenlist for my first time simply to make my family proud," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Lonnie Brookins, one of the Sailors from the mass reenlistment.
Throughout TR's deployment, 320 Sailors have reenlisted.
The carrier and elements of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group are currently operating in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility providing air-support to ground forces in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.
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