By Jason Cardenas/Fort Lee Traveller
FORT LEE, Va. (TRADOC News Service, Nov. 19, 2005) – The Military Entrance Processing Station marked its one-year anniversary on Fort Lee, Va., Nov. 9, with eight recruits reciting the oath of enlistment.
“This is a fantastic thing you have decided to do,” said Brig. Gen. Mark A. Bellini, Quartermaster Center and School commanding general. “It’s not going to be easy; it’s going to be challenging. There are people out there who sleep well at night knowing there are people like you who are willing to commit your energy and intellect into doing something for the greater good and common good of mankind.”
Among the eight individuals enlisting during the ceremony was 17-year-old Ray Spain.
“This will be a good experience for him,” said Spain’s mother, Betty K. Goodman. “He has always been interested in serving. I’m a little nervous about it, but any mother would be.”
Spain, who enlisted into the Army National Guard, said he looks forward to serving his country as a cavalry scout.
“I’m glad my family was on hand to witness this ceremony,” said Spain.
Since October 2004, when the MEPS opened, more than 4,500 applicants have taken the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Test, more than 6,700 physical exams have been given, more than 3,500 recruits have been enlisted into the delayed-entry program and more than 4,700 recruits have been shipped to basic training for the five service branches.
“The processing flow through here is a lot quicker,” said Navy Senior Chief Laurie Walsh. “The staff does an outstanding job here. They take pride in what they do.”
The opening of the Fort Lee MEPS has had a $5.5 million impact on the local community through contracts, local purchases and payroll, said Walsh, a senior chief engineman with the station.
"Everybody who has walked through here has been impressed,” said Walsh. “Everybody who works here has taken pride in taking care of this building.”