Last modified Thu., November 19, 2009 - 09:10 AM
Originally created Thursday, November 19, 2009

Brother reenlists sister at VP-16 - from Iraq

By Clark Pierce, Editor

With her father and shipmates looking on, LS3(AW) Najma Grant raises her right hand, faces her laptop computer, and repeats the oath of enlistment administered by her brother, Army CWO2 Barry Neverly, who is stationed in Iraq. Photos by Clark Pierce

LS3(AW) Najma Grant took the oath of enlistment Nov. 13 - via a live Internet connection - from her brother, Army CWO2 Barry Nevery, who is stationed at Camp Ramadi, in Al Anbar province, Iraq.

"I come from a military family, so I thought it would be cool for my brother to be part of the ceremony. We were going to do this a couple of months ago - but he got deployed to Iraq before we could set everything up. Since then, we decided to make it happen by using Skype," said Grant. Skype is an eBay company that to enables free PC-to-PC video and voice calls.

VP-16 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Anthony Corapi said, "Skype technology is a great way for our Sailors and families keep in touch. It's really the next best thing to being there or here. Reenlistments are a big deal with the War Eagles, so we're very proud that petty officer Grant chose to continue her Navy career here at VP-16."

Army CWO2 Barry Nevery administered the oath of enlistment to his sister LS3 Najma Grant via a live Internet video connection from Camp Ramadi Iraq to VP-16 at NAS Jacksonville.

After he administered the oath of enlistment, Nevery told the audience that, "This was a great, if not an unusual, experience. The military is a big part of our family. I also want you all to know that we'll commemorate this day by sending Najma an American flag that has flown over Camp Ramadi. Thanks to everyone who made this event possible."

Charley Grant, Najma's father, said theirs is a military family. "Three of my four daughters and both of my sons have served or are serving in the Navy, Air Force or Army. I'm pleased that Najma re-upped with the 'War Eagles' of VP-16. It seems to be a very good organization."

Grant provides supply functions that support maintainers at VP-16. Know your Oath of Enlistment

LS3(AW) Najma Grant of VP-16 displays her certificate of reenlistment to her brother in Iraq Nov. 13 through the live Internet video connection on her laptop computer.

I, (NAME), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.