JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Navy Reservists from across the U.S. came together March 5, 2010, to participate in a group reenlistment at the Russell Senate Office as part of the celebration of the Navy Reserve's 95th birthday.
They represented all 50 states, including Guam and Puerto Rico.
One Naval Air Facility Sailor who has a tradition of reenlisting in unique circumstances, Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Dale Hicks, was selected to represent the state of Tennessee.
"It was an awesome opportunity to be included in the 95th anniversary event," said Hicks. "I've been a reservist my whole career and in a way the celebration was for what my family and I have committed to supporting for the last 19 years."
Of the 95 reenlisting Sailors, each one had a different reason for their continued service. Personnel Special-ist 1st Class Avunna Jones said, "I've been in for 11 and a half years. The Navy's been good to me, so I decided to reenlist for six years."
"The Navy Reserve has changed dramatically over my years in the Navy," said Hicks. "I have experienced first hand the sacrifices that my shipmates and their families make and I'm proud to be part of an organization that can always be counted on to meet the call of service, no matter where the call is coming from."
The commemoration events concluded at the Navy Memorial with a ceremony recognizing the critical link between civilian employers, families, and Navy Reservists. President and chief executive officer of American Standards Brand, Donald C. Devine, was awarded the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award for his companies continued support for the Guard and Reserves. The ESGR Seven Seals Award is symbolic of the seven services that comprise the Reserve components and is intended for individuals and organizations whose actions confirm their support to the National Guard and Reserve.