Taking time to honor

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  While thousands of people gathered for ceremonies both large and small all across this great nation on Sept. 11, 2010, to remember all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of 911, a smaller ceremony with but a few witnesses, took place in a commander's conference room on Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

With his mother Saundra Denise Williams at his side, Brandon Roynell Curry arrived at the 917th Wing on Barksdale AFB, La., Saturday afternoon during the 917th Wing's Unit Training Assembly weekend almost unnoticed, to take the oath of enlistment into the Air Force Reserves.

The military oath of enlistment can be taken before any commissioned officer from any of the branches of the Armed Forces. For re-enlistments, usually, an officer known the best, or respected the most by the servicemember re-enlisting is requested for the ceremony, which can be from a large to a small event.

For the initial enlistment, of a basic recruit, any officer available is the norm.

For most, it's a common thought that wing commanders are far too busy with the day-to-day affairs of the wing, especially on a UTA weekend, to be bothered with such things as enlistments. Not this day.

When Col. John J. Mooney III, commander of the 917th Wing heard there was to be an enlistment in his command on Sept. 11, 2010, he graciously agreed to administer the oath.

"It's been a while since I've had the opportunity to do this," Colonel Mooney told Brandon and his mother. "And, I'm so honored to do it for you ... especially on this particular day."

Colonel Mooney offered Curry words of encouragement as he embarks on his military experience. "The Air Force has been a very exciting and rewarding journey for me throughout my career, and I can only hope that yours will be as rewarding as mine has been. Good luck."

An emotional moment for Ms. Williams, she said, "I am very proud of my son and the decision he has made."

Curry, who is a 2010 graduate of Haughton High School, is currently a student at Bossier Parish Community College where he is taking general courses until he leaves for Basic Military Training. He will return to Barksdale as an Electrical Systems Apprentice for the 917th Wing upon completion of his basic and technical training.