U.S. Department of Defense Header Image (click to return to U.S. Department of Defense homepage)
Department of Homeland Security Threat Advisory NoticeDHS Threat & Protection Advisory Level - Yellow: Significant Risk of Terrorist Attacks
Search DefenseLink.mil
Nov. 08, 2008  War on Terror   Transformation   News Products   Press Resources   Images   Websites   Contact Us 
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derek Scott and Sgt. Dawana Lynch-Scott
Husband, Wife Re-enlist at Taji
By Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers
Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq, Nov. 1, 2006 — Two 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade soldiers serving together here as both comrades in arms and husband and wife, had a decision to make – re-enlist together and move the family to enjoy the palm trees and beautiful beaches of Hawaii or turn down the opportunity to re-enlist and return to Fort Hood.

Staff Sgt. Derek Scott and Sgt. Dawana Lynch-Scott stood side-by-side just as they did when they got married more than a year ago. But, instead of saying their wedding vows, the couple repeated the oath of enlistment in a ceremony before a crowd of about 30 soldiers in the CAB conference room, Oct. 26.

“It’s an honor being able to re-enlist with my husband,” Dawana said, following the ceremony, “especially considering where we are. Not too many people have the privilege of re-enlisting with their spouse, so really, it’s an honor and a pleasure – especially when it’s with someone you love so much.”

The Scotts met during the 4th Infantry Division’s previous deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom I. The fact that they hit it off and struck up a lasting friendship eventually led to marriage. They were married on July 5, 2005.

“I feel the same way,” said Derek, who serves as one of the CAB’s career counselors. “It is an honor to be with my wife out here and re-enlist together. We plan to walk on the beach together as well.”

The Scotts will be reassigned to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, shortly after redeploying to Fort Hood. Derek said they are looking forward to the assignment in the Pacific.
 “I’m excited because it’s a change,” explained Dawana, who works as the supply sergeant in Company C, 404th Aviation Support Battalion. “This will be my second duty
Staff Sgt. Derek Scott and Sgt. Dawana Lynch-Scott, both of 4th Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade, repeat the oath of re-enlistment, which was administered by Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Ewing in the command conference room at Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 26, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Creighton Holub

station. Fort Hood was my first, and I’ve been here six years. Now it’s time for a change in scenery and our kids will get to see a different place.”

The assignment to Hawaii was somewhat of a deciding factor for the Scotts.

They probably would have re-enlisted regardless, but being stationed in Hawaii makes it a sweeter deal, said Derek.
The Scotts both agree that the assignment to Hawaii is a high priority on their list of things to do. Because of this, they both are making special preparations.

“I’m still practicing my beach walk,” said Derek, a native of Newport News, Va. “I will have it perfected by the time we reach Hawaii.”

“I’ve been working on my abs,” said Dawana, a native of Rocky Mount, N.C. The Scotts are scheduled to report to Hawaii in March.

Last Updated:
11/01/2006, Eastern Standard Time
The Pentagon Channel offers  live DoD programming and on-demand video of Pentagon and Baghdad briefings, Capitol Hill hearings, presidential addresses and more.
Live DoD Programming
Video On-Demand
Special Reports
VA on Data Security
Leaving Lebanon Photos
Travels With Rumsfeld
BRAC
Guantanamo Bay
Web Watch
Top Leaders
News Products
Press Articles
Press Resources
Pentagon Press Passes
Today in DoD
Press Advisories
Releases
Photos
Photo Essays
Speeches
Transcripts
Briefing Slides
Casualty Reports
Civilian Jobs
Commanders Page
Detainee Affairs
DoD Websites
Freedom of Information
Military Homefront
Military Pay & Benefits
Multinational Force Iraq
My Pay
Publications
DoD Updates
ExpectMore.gov
 Site Map   Privacy & Security Notice   About DoD   External Link Disclaimer   Web Policy   About DefenseLINK   FirstGov.gov