287th Army Band marches on with reenlistments
By Sgt. 1st Class Mary Righos, 287th Army Band

On Friday, July 8th, 2005, the 287^th Army Band had 14 percent of the unit extend their enlistments!  The following six soldiers extended for various periods: Spc. Steven R. Eachus, Sgt. Ronald G. Smith, Sgt. Rodney D. Allen, Sgt. 1st Class Dean L. Dyer, 1st Sgt. Kevin L. Snyder, Spc. Aaron R. Queener.

Our newly assigned State Recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class Ralph Castle Jr, was present to assist in the ceremony and presented each soldier with a T-Shirt and an Army Video game.

Sgt.1st Class Charles A. Longfellow, our unit’s Recruiting and Retention NCO, stated that this is a very significant event for this unit.  Out of the 43 assigned Soldiers, 19 Soldiers have over 20 years service.  Four of the Soldiers extending on this date have over 20 years.  We plan on conducting another ceremony such as this one during the November MUTA.  It should also be noted that only 2 of the Soldiers who extended will be receiving the cash bonus.  This ceremony demonstrates the pride esprit that encompasses a long term military career with the 287^th Army Band.