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BAGHDAD, January 28, 2006 - On a bright winter's day in eastern Baghdad, two brothers reenlisted for love of country, love of the Army … and love of their mom back home in Alabama. SSG Brandon Lloyd, hosted his brother, SSG Jeff Lloyd, a member of 10th Mountain Division (LI), at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah at 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team headquarters January 28. Jeff Lloyd's commander, platoon leader and platoon sergeant traveled with him from Camp Liberty to witness the joint oath of office. While Brandon Lloyd is older by two years, Jeff Lloyd enlisted in the Alabama National Guard before his brother joined the military. Jeff Lloyd later enlisted in the active duty Army. He subsequently sustained serious injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving with 1st Cavalry Division in the Baghdad area more than a year ago. With the love of his family, he recovered and returned to the freedom fight. The brothers stood together proudly as Brandon Lloyd's platoon leader led them in the reenlistment oath. "It is nice to see my brother and hard to describe how much it means to me to reenlist with Brandon," said Jeff Lloyd. Brandon Lloyd went on to describe how the brothers remain close from growing up together in the small town of Semmes, AL. They relied upon and supported each other then, and they said they still do. Just two weeks ago, Brandon Lloyd volunteered to provide medical coverage so he could visit his brother at the convoy's turn-around point. Jeff Lloyd serves as a mechanic supervisor for 10th Brigade Support Battalion, based at Fort Drum. The unit is currently stationed at Camp Victory near the international airport, while Brandon Lloyd is based out of Fort Campbell, KY, and currently deployed to the Currahee Cavalry. Brandon Lloyd reenlisted for five years, while his brother reenlisted for six; each received a sizable bonus. The older Lloyd also received current station stabilization money, which he said helped him and his wife, Deanna, decide on future plans. "I'm saving to buy a house with my wife. My mom is in real estate, and we hope she can help us find the right place," said Brandon Lloyd. Being single, Jeff Lloyd had other plans. "I'll pay a few debts and fix up my '79 Dodge hot rod truck," he said. The brothers know their mother back home has mixed feelings about them being in Iraq together. "We reenlisted on Mom's birthday on purpose," said Brandon Lloyd. "She understands that as noncommissioned officers, we want and need to be here. She knows we both love the military and our country." The Lloyds hope to see each other a few more times while serving in Iraq. They know that trust as brothers and their oath as noncommissioned officers in the Army will keep them going strong. |
