|
The military lifestyle is nothing new to Matthew Lassitter, also
known as Cpl. Lassitter, a military police specialist with 218th
Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion. In 2012 he
decided to follow in his father's footsteps, and he enlisted in the
U.S. Army. So, when it came time to re-enlist he didn't hesitate to
ask his father to do the honors.
Col. Doyle Lassitter
accepted his son's request and the ceremony was conducted at the
716th MP Bn. motor pool on Fort Campbell, KY on April 18, 2016.
|
April 18, 2016 - Col. Doyle Lassitter, commander for Distribution
Management Center, Army Sustainment Command, stands in front of the
United States flag along with his son, Cpl. Matthew Lassitter, as he
re-enlists his son for four more years in the U.S. Army on Fort
Campbell, KY. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
|
Fellow Soldiers, friends, and family members watched as Col.
Lassitter proudly stood in front of his son as they both recited the
oath that would finalize Cpl. Lassitter's re-enlistment in the U.S.
Army.
Like Cpl. Lassitter, deciding to enlist in the U.S.
Army was greatly influenced by family for Col. Lassitter.
“I
was motivated to join the Army by the example of my father's
service,” said Col. Lassiter, the commander for Distribution
Management Center, Army Sustainment Command. “He served during the
Korean War and continued his service as a Department of the Navy
civilian for 35 years.”
The Lassitter military history ranges
back to the original guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They
had family service in the Navy and Marines as well. Like Col. and
Cpl. Lassitter they have family members currently serving in both
the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
“I was what they call a
military brat growing up,” said Cpl. Lassitter. “Growing up joining
the military wasn't something I wanted to do. I ultimately had to
decide to what my next step would be. Having seen my father's
experience and my family's history in the military helped me make my
decision.”
In 2012, when Cpl. Lassitter enlisted into the
U.S. Army his father was there to support him.
“I had the
honor of conducting Matthew's initial entry oath,” said Col.
Lassitter. “His mother and I have tried to take part in each event
in his career so far. We attended his Advanced Individual Training,
Air Assault and Basic Leaders Course graduation.”
Christine
Lassitter, Cpl. Lassitter's mother, stated how extremely proud she
is of her son for enlisting and making the decision to continue to
serve his country.
|
April 18, 2016 - Col. Doyle Lassitter, Christine Lassitter, Cpl.
Matthew Lassitter, and Cpl. Kristie Lassitter together after Cpl.
Lassitter's re-enlistment ceremony on Fort Campbell, KY. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
|
“Matthew is not new to the Fort Campbell area,” said
Christine. “He was a dependent during the three times his
father served here.”
Col. Lassitter served all three
times under the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion
and even commanded the battalion during his last years on
Fort Campbell, Ky.
“I like sharing experiences like
this with my father,” said Cpl. Lassitter. “They have been
supportive since the day I decided to enlist and through my
first deployment.”
Cpl. Lassitter has served four
years all under the 101st Airborne Division and signed up
for four more years. He will stay on Fort Campbell, Ky.,
with his lovely wife Kristie Lassitter, also a Soldier on
Fort Campbell, Ky.
“As an officer it's a privilege to
recognize a Soldier's outstanding performance of duty, be
part of a Soldiers career progression and continued selfless
service to our nation's Army,” said Col. Lassitter. “As a
father it makes me extremely proud that he desired to
continue to serve. Being a Soldier is an honor and a
calling. Everyone is not cut out to serve and to have your
son willing to continue this selfless profession is an
honor.”
By U.S. Army Sgt. Neysa Canfield
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
Comment on this article |
