Petraeus praises re-uppers at Iraq event

BAGHDAD – The U.S. military in Iraq celebrated the Fourth of July with what it billed as “the largest re-enlistment ceremony ever held,” and 1,215 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen raised their hands and re-pledged allegiance to America.

Gen. David Petraeus, head of all coalition forces in Iraq, administered the oath in Saddam Hussein’s former Al-Faw Palace. John Phillip Sousa’s marches blended with roars of “Freedom,” “hooah” and “oorah” from the men and women, many of them carrying their weapons, as they re-upped in their service branches.

“There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than here in Iraq,” said Petraeus, who described the troops as “America’s new ‘Greatest Generation.’ ” The troops’ commitment and sacrifice, he added, have given the Iraqi people “the most precious gift … freedom.”

The general compared the re-enlistees’ raising of their right hands to the language on most award citations: “In keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

He said the combined total of their additional service amounted to 5,500 years.

“The millions of dollars” they receive was certainly one motive, he said, “but no bonus no matter the size can compare with the sacrifices you make in Iraq or the sacrifices your loved ones make back home.”

Army re-enlistment bonuses top out at $40,000, Navy at $75,000, Air Force at $60,000 and the Marines at $45,000. Amounts depend on rank, specialty, years of extension, years of service and other factors. Re-enlistment bonuses signed up for in a combat zone become tax-free.

Said Debra Bradshaw, an Army master sergeant on her second tour in Iraq: “The money ain’t bad, but I’d rather deal with the situation over here than at home.”

After the ceremony, in one of the late dictator’s 99 palaces – this one used to entertain loyal members of his Baathist party – the newly committed troops ate pizza and chocolate cake and drank Gatorade.