My friend Barry Free joined me for what turned out to be a 100-mile re-enlistment ride. Barry enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1968 and served till 1975. He decided to accompany a younger guy on the trip to stay in the Army one more year.
We rode together from Mt. Gretna on some back roads onto Fort Indiantown Gap, then to the Aviation Armory where I signed the re-enlistment paperwork. Sgt. 1st Class Dale Shade, who got the paperwork ready, was in charge of Public Affairs for 28th CAB when I was in Iraq. He said he will help me to submit the paperwork for yet another extension next year.
As we rode west on Range Road, we passed several rifle and pistol ranges. We were talking about how the rifle ranges and the weapons we use are the same as when he was in during the Viet Nam War. Back then, Barry and I fired the M16 or M16A2. Now my weapon is the M16A4. Not a big difference.
We then rode to the Public Affairs Office on Fort Indiantown Gap where I introduced Barry to the folks who do the same work I do. He met SSG Matt Jones, who I worked with for most of the time I was in Iraq, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols, and Majors Ed Shank and Angela King-Sweigart.
It was a great way to celebrate signing up for another year.
