Alaska soldiers re-enlist aboard Navy ship on Sept. 11

PERSIAN GULF — Four soldiers from Wasilla re-enlisted in the Alaska Army National Guard Sept. 11 while aboard the USS Monterey (CG-61) in the Persian Gulf.

Sgt. 1st Class George Koval, Sgt. 1st Class Julie Small, Sgt. Kurt Miller and Sgt. Amber Hillman, all members of Alpha Company, 1-207th Aviation Regiment, are deployed to the Middle East with the 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade.

The soldiers are deployed to Camp Buehring in Kuwait for nine months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They were aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser to conduct Deck Landing Qualifications with the company’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The training is part of ongoing, joint Army-Navy operations that provides security in the region and the free flow of maritime traffic in the gulf. Of particular importance is the Strait of Hormuz between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, which is crucial to the export of oil to the world market.

Koval serves as a platoon sergeant in the company, which has been in Kuwait since April.

“I re-enlisted because this country needs people who still believe in her and are willing to sacrifice everything for everyone,” Koval said. “I am extremely proud to do what I do and at a time in history when it really means a lot.”

Soldiers often request a special location or a certain way to conduct the re-enlistment ceremony in order to make it unique and memorable. It’s also a reward for excellent work and service to country.

Hillman, a UH-60 crew chief, said that being on the Navy ship was awesome as it made the re-enlistment so much more special, out in the middle of the gulf with her extended family.

The significance of being deployed to the Middle East on the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001 was on these soldiers’ minds.

Miller, who also serves as a crew chief, said, “I was glad to re-enlist on the anniversary because it is not only a commitment to the military, but also a commitment to service to our nation.”

Getting the chance to work on board Navy ships is a new experience for these Army soldiers.

“It was great to be on the Monterey and see so many crewmembers working to make the ship run well,” Miller said.

Capt. Nathan Cornilles of Eagle River serves as the Alpha Company Commander. He said he’s proud of the commitment they have made to serve their country and draws strength from them for choosing to make Sept. 11 a day they reaffirm that dedication.

While the mission is first and foremost, life at home thousands of miles away in Wasilla remains on their minds.

“Thank you to all of my family and friends who have shown their support and love throughout this entire deployment,” said Small, who is married with three children. Small’s husband and one of her daughters also serve in the U.S. military.

The company will return to their home base at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage this winter.