CONTACT: Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, CJTF Phoenix VII Public Affairs Officer at paul.a.fanning@afghan.swa.army.mil, Cell: 0798010642

FOR RELEASE: Friday, Jul 04, 2008

CAMP PHOENIX, KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (July 4, 2008) --New York Army National Guard Soldiers stationed at Camp Phoenix Afghanistan, marked the Forth of July with a re-enlistment ceremony and Five Kilometer run. Almost 20 Soldiers were re-enlisted in the Army National Guard by Col. Brian K. Balfe, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix and the New York Army National Guard’s 27th Brigade Combat Team. The day began with the 5 Kilometer run with dozens of members of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix taking to the base track in two groups at 6:15 and 7 a.m. The re-enlistment ceremony took place later. “On that long ago day in Philadelphia's Independence Hall, leaders of the day made a bold decision. When they signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, they risked everything to guarantee the rights of ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,’” said Col. Brian K. Balfe, commander, CJTF-P, to a formation comprised of soldiers, sailors and airmen. “The Declaration of Independence could have remained just words on paper had it not been for the strength, and will of the American people and its Army. For the Declaration of Independence did not make America independent from England-the Colonial Army did,” said Balfe. In his remarks, Balfe praised the members of his team for possessing the same spirit of 1776 that America’s forebears displayed. “We will fight for that independence from terror; and, in fact, we are engaged in that fight at this very moment. All of us here have heard and heeded a call to duty. Not every American responds to this patriotic summons. The nation commends those who do” he said. For members of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix in Afghanistan, the 4th of July was just another day in service to the nation. Members enjoyed classic summer picnic fare in the Camp Phoenix dining facility that included a patriotic display featuring the Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam and decorated cakes.