: Lone Tree native reenlists during mass ceremony in Baghdad

AL-ASAD, Iraq (July 11, 2008) – A Lone Tree, Colo., native recently participated in a mass reenlistment ceremony at Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad July 4.

Marine Sgt. Bryna R. Morris, a career retention specialist and aerial observer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), was one of more than 1,200 service members who reaffirmed their allegiance to their nation by raising their right hands and once again stating the Oath of Enlistment.

Led by Army Gen. David Petraeus, the commander of Multi-National Force – Iraq, the largest reenlistment ceremony in history took place in one of Saddam Hussein’s old palaces.

“This [reenlistment ceremony] illustrates a true success story,” said Morris. “To do it on Fourth of July with 1200 other people who feel the same way I do.”

The MNF-I commander, along with command Sergeant Major Marvin L. Hill, the MNF-I command sergeant major, lead the event b addressing the service members with words of motivation and praise.

“It is great to celebrate our nation’s independence here with you and it is a true honor to preside over this reenlistment ceremony,” said Petraeus, who received a standing ovation from the entire audience upon his introduction. “There’s no place I’d rather be to celebrate America’s birthday than right here with you in Iraq.”
Petraeus noted the dedication each individual exemplified with their recommitment and expressed his gratitude for their service.

“You understand the service and the sacrifice to which you are committing today,” said Petraeus. “It is impossible to calculate the value of what you are giving to our country.”

Morris took all that into consideration when making her decision to reenlist.
“The Marine Corps has been my home and family for eight years now and I am not sure that any other job could offer the pride and satisfaction I feel coming to work everyday,” said Morris. “It is more than just a job for me.”
As a career planner, Morris supports Marines by facilitating their requests and helping them meet their career needs.

Her second job as an aerial observer in the CH-53 Super Stallion used by her unit, affords her the opportunity to travel throughout the country.

“It has been the highlight of my deployment,” said Morris. “We assist on the troop movement, delivery of supplies and the biggest morale booster in Iraq – mail.”
She has been deployed to Al Asad Air Base in the western Anbar province of Iraq since March 2008 and is scheduled to return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., sometime in October.