Gunner's Blog

By Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st BCT,
1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq -- The 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division marked its 100th reenlistment during Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation 06-08 here with the reenlistment of Spc. Joel Roderick, a combat medic for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.

Roderick, a native of Manton, Mich., who holds an associates degree in accounting from Baker College in Cadillac, Mich., originally joined the Army in 1985 as a quartermaster and left the service after serving in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991.

With nearly 13 years away from military service, Roderick was climbing the corporate ladder with a job as an auditor for a major hotel corporate office, but decided in 2004 that he wanted to serve his country again, he said.

“I had a really good job making a lot of money and I took a pay cut coming back into the Army. But I came back in during the war effort to do my part and save lives,” said Roderick, explaining why he decided to become a medic. “The job is personally rewarding because when you do something good for the Soldiers, it does make you feel good.”

Of his latest reenlistment which signs him up for another six years, he said he has received full support of his family back home.

“My wife is fine with it, she understands that this is my career path,” added Roderick who is a father of five.

Although getting a nearly $11,000 cash bonus for reenlisting was nice, he said, it did not influence his decision to raise his right hand again Dec. 27.

“Sure I’m happy with the bonus and the job security of being in the Army, but I would have reenlisted regardless of the money,” said Roderick. “My reenlistment was just the first step in fulfilling a 20 or 30 year career.”

“But I’m not sure yet whether it’ll be 20 years or 30 years, it just depends upon how well my body holds up I guess,” he added with a laugh.

Upon finding out that he was the 100th reenlistment for the Ironhorse Brigade during OIF rotation 06-08, Roderick said it was an honor.

“That’s pretty cool, it makes me feel good to know that there have been that many Soldiers in the brigade besides myself who want to reenlist even during a time of war,” said Roderick.

Capt. Patrick Inman, battalion surgeon for 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment and a native of Winslow, Ariz. praised Roderick’s decision to reenlist and his performance as a combat medic.

“We’re definitely keeping a good Soldier in the Army,” said Inman. “He’s a patriot and a great asset to the unit.”

Staff Sgt. James Ray, a 1st Brigade Combat Team career counselor, explained what the milestone of having reached 100 reenlistments means to the Ironhorse Brigade.

“This is a great achievement for the brigade and it says a lot for the Soldiers who are out here making sacrifices for their families,” said Staff Sgt. James Ray, a 1st Brigade Combat Team career counselor, and a native of Section, Ala. “It’s good to know that these Soldiers are willing to stand up, defend their nation and pay the cost for freedom.”