Staff Sgt. Derek Scott and Sgt. Dawana Lynch-Scott, both of 4th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, repeat the oath of re-enlistment, which was administered by Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Ewing in the command conference room at Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Creighton Holub





By Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Nov. 1, 2006 — Two 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade soldiers serving together here as both comrades in arms and husband and wife, had a decision to make – re-enlist together and move the family to enjoy the palm trees and beautiful beaches of Hawaii or turn down the opportunity to re-enlist and return to Fort Hood.

Staff Sgt. Derek Scott and Sgt. Dawana Lynch-Scott stood side-by-side just as they did when they got married more than a year ago. But, instead of saying their wedding vows, the couple repeated the oath of enlistment in a ceremony before a crowd of about 30 soldiers in the CAB conference room, Oct. 26.

“It’s an honor being able to re-enlist with my husband,” Dawana said, following the ceremony, “especially considering where we are. Not too many people have the privilege of re-enlisting with their spouse, so really, it’s an honor and a pleasure – especially when it’s with someone you love so much.”

The Scotts met during the 4th Infantry Division’s previous deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom I. The fact that they hit it off and struck up a lasting friendship eventually led to marriage. They were married on July 5, 2005.

“I feel the same way,” said Derek, who serves as one of the CAB’s career counselors. “It is an honor to be with my wife out here and re-enlist together. We plan to walk on the beach together as well.”

The Scotts will be reassigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, shortly after redeploying to Fort Hood. Derek said they are looking forward to the assignment in the Pacific.

“I’m excited because it’s a change,” explained Dawana, who works as the supply sergeant in Company C, 404th Aviation Support Battalion. “This will be my second duty station. Fort Hood was my first, and I’ve been here six years. Now it’s time for a change in scenery and our kids will get to see a different place.”

The assignment to Hawaii was somewhat of a deciding factor for the Scotts.

They probably would have re-enlisted regardless, but being stationed in Hawaii makes it a sweeter deal, said Derek.
The Scotts both agree that the assignment to Hawaii is a high priority on their list of things to do. Because of this, they both are making special preparations.

“I’m still practicing my beach walk,” said Derek, a native of Newport News, Va. “I will have it perfected by the time we reach Hawaii.”

“I’ve been working on my abs,” said Dawana, a native of Rocky Mount, N.C. The Scotts are scheduled to report to Hawaii in March.


From DefenseLink