USTRANSCOM Army colonel leads O’Fallon “Future Soldier Appreciation Night”

O’Fallon, Ill. - For most people, Tuesday night was just another night of the week. But for the 24 men and women at O’Fallon Lodge 576, it was the start of a brand new chapter in their lives.

Surrounded by family and friends, these young men and women participated in “Future Soldier Appreciation Night” and were sworn in as the newest enlistees of the U.S. Army. The event, sponsored by the Collinsville Army Recruiting Station, brought together members of the O’Fallon community to support these new soldiers who are preparing to protect the American way of life.

Army Col. Howard Lim, U.S. Transportation Command’s chief knowledge management officer, provided remarks to the new enlistees and led the swearing-in ceremony.

“I was honored to be involved in the ceremony,” said Lim. “Anytime I have the opportunity to recognize the commitment of our new enlistees and support our newest troops, I take it.”

During his remarks, Lim spoke about perseverance, self-improvement and personal courage, and implored the young enlistees to “never give up, look for opportunities to improve themselves and do the right thing no matter what.”

Underscoring the importance of the night, Lim explained, “We are here tonight because these future soldiers represent that bright light of freedom and will soon join the ranks of many that came before them; they will be the next generation of those that defend our way of life.”

After his remarks, Lim administered the “Oath of Enlistment,” which all enlistees must take before joining the Army that finalizes their commitment.

Lim is a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps distinguished military graduate from Pacific Lutheran University and has served in the U.S. Army since 1988. He has been at USTRANSCOM since July 4, 2010, but will be reassigned to U.S. Central Command’s headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., later this summer. 

-USTRANSCOM-