WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) today met with a soldier from the Birmingham area who travelled to Washington to take part in a ceremony marking the 100th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Reserve.
Bachus met with Sergeant Christopher Bell of Homewood, one of three Alabamians among the 100 reservists from across the country selected to take part in the National Capitol Reenlistment Ceremony. The program, held on the West Lawn of the Capitol, featured reservists taking their six-year reenlistment oaths and remarks by the Chief of the Army Reserve, Lieutenant General Jack Stultz.
“Sergeant Bell’s commitment is an example for all of us and demonstrates the strong support that the Army Reserve has in Alabama. We are thankful for his service and the dedication of all reservists. The Army Reserve plays a vital role in protecting the national defense and helping our local communities during times of emergency. It is our privilege, as a grateful nation, to honor our citizen-soldiers and support them in every way possible,” Bachus said.
On April 8, Bachus voted for a House resolution that congratulated the Army Reserve on its centennial and noted the historic contributions of both veterans and current reservists. The resolution expressed gratitude to the veterans, soldiers, families, and employers who provide ongoing support for the mission of the Army Reserve.
Sergeant Bell, 24, is a member of the 75th Division Army Reserve in Hoover. He joined the Army Reserve in 2003. Bell was deployed in Afghanistan for nearly 13 months during 2005 and 2006, building roads and participating in other construction projects. A graduate of Oak Mountain High School, Bell is employed by Maxus Construction. He was accompanied to Washington by his mother, Christy Holt.