Female Chaplian's Assistant joins regular Army ranks

Story and photo
by Ron Toland
Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Kristen Long, 20, from Timber Lake, N.C., near Durham, joined the Army today as a Chaplain's Assistant on a 4-year contract.
     "I have family in the service and it is a personal choice to improve myself and my quality of life," she said.
     She plans to be a career Soldier and use her G.I. Bill to go into medicine as a Nursing Assistant.
     "I want to serve my country and serve others in need. I'm really excited and motivated since I've been waiting for so long," she said. "I'm a bit nervous to leave my family, but it is OK," she said.

     Long ships out March 1.

Brother and Sister Join the Army ranks

Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Siblings Sarah and Donovan McKenzie joined the Army ranks today, Jan. 20, 2016, together.

     Sarah, a 25U--Signal Support Systems Specialist and her brother, Donovan, an 11X--Infantry, feel good about their decisions.
     "We want to make our family proud since we have family, our father, in the service," they said.

     Although they feel they are upholding family traditions, they know this is a "life changing experience" and are ready for the challenge.
     They both have the GI Bill and plan to use it.
     "I want to be a teacher," said Sarah.
     "I want to do something in law enforcement," said Donovan.
     Both will graduate high school this summer and will ship off to basic training in August.



    

Army asset visits Sanford

Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Last Thursday, Jan 14, the Interactive Semi visited Central Carolina Community College.
     A hand full of college students came out to explore the asset and hear about career options in the Army.

Sgt. 1st Class Ray Schilz (l) discusses Army Career options with students from CCC as
Sgt. 1st Class Karen Hudson, ASB presenter, looks on.

CCC students try out the target game inside the IS1.

CCC students try out the target game inside the IS1.

Staff Sgt. Ross Downey discusses Army career options with a student from CCC.

Army Reserves gets another enlisted

Simmons

Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Jalia Simmons swore in today to the Army Reserves as a 92-Alpha, an Automated Logistical Specailist.
     "I want to live on the legend of my family," she said.
     Her grandfather, aunt and uncle all served and she wants to follow in their footsteps.
     "Giving back to the community and state, challenging myself and the benefits are important," she said.
     "I'm always happy and want to make the best of what is given to me," she said.
     Simmons will ship to basic training June 7th.

Female twins join the Army

Twins Erica (r) and Cierra (l) Bifffle, 17, joined the Army Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Twins Erica and Cierra Bifffle, 17, joined the Army Wednesday, Jan. 6, as IT specialists.
     They both are a bit nervous about basic training, they said, but also both feel good about joining the Army.
     Their dad, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Biffle, swore them in on Wednesday at the Raleigh MEPS.

Recruiters Compete at Jan. Battalion Board

     Phase line Jan. ‘16, RA, AR and Center Leader of the month board was conducted here at battalion HQs the first week of Jan.

     Those attending the board were: Sgt. 1st Class Parris Jones, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Morrison, Sgt. 1st Class Chauncey Halsey, Sgt. Terrance Bynum, Staff. Sgt. Donald Nicholson, Sgt. Richard Betancourt, Staff Sgt. Seth Snyder and Staff Sgt. Evan Woods.

     Winners were: Sgt. Terrance Bynum—RA; Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Morrison—Center Leader; and Sgt. 1st Class Parris Jones—AR.    Congratulations to them!