Baldwinsville resident Jared Forst, reenlists in New York Army National Guard while deployed to Kuwait.
KUWAIT (11/10/2020) — New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jared Forst, a Baldwinsville resident currently deployed to Kuwait, reenlisted for another term of service in front of a Kuwait national landmark.
Forst, along with Sgt. Becca Meerwarth, a Watervliet resident were reenlisted by Col. Sean Flynn, the chief of staff of the 42nd Infantry Division in front of the Al Qurain Martyr's Museum in Al Qurain, Kuwait on October 30, 2020.
The two work for Flynn in the division's command group.
The building was the site for a battle between Kuwaiti resistance forces and the Iraqi Army on February 24, 1991 during the Persian Gulf War.
A group of Kuwait students were preparing to support American and other forces preparing to liberate Kuwait when Iraqi troops attacked. After a ten hour battle only seven of the 19 Kuwaiti's survived.
Today the site is a museum.
"It was truly humbling to be there," Forst said. "The men who died there committed to their country, and with that in mind, we wanted to make a commitment to our country."
Forst was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service during the reenlistment ceremony.
Forst reenlisted to serve six more years in the Army National Guard. He serves as a joint fires non-commissioned officer.
This was Forst's second deployment in a military career that began in 2009. He also deployed with the 10th Mountain Division.
"Re-enlisting at the end of this deployment is the perfect way to cap it off," Forst said.
"I have been set up for success," Forst said. "I want the additional time in the Army to mentor my Soldiers and to master more of my field."
Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division, which is based in Troy, New York, deployed to Kuwait and the Middle East in March. They are expected to return to New York later this month.
Media Attachments
U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. A. Jared Forst, left, from Baldwinsville, and Sgt. Becca Meerwarth take their oaths of reenlistment on Oct. 30, 2020, in Kuwait. The reenlistment was carried out at the Kuwait Martyr’s Museum with Col. Sean Flynn administering the oath. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Trevor Cullen)
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