USAG Stuttgart commander conducts oath of enlistment and welcomes new Army recruit

Official Statements

• U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, November 10: “BÖBLINGEN, Germany — For a moment, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart was home to the U.S. Army’s newest recruit following an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony on Panzer Kaserne, Nov. 6.

  Before administering the oath of enlistment, USAG Stuttgart Commander Col. Edward J. Sanford took a moment to look back on his own experience in basic training, sharing some invaluable wisdom with the recruit.

  "In the Army, we take our word seriously and we respect the words of the Army oath, but most importantly, we take care of each other,” Sanford said. “I am proud of you for doing this, it takes a special kind of person to take this oath."

  The recruit, Maroun Ghantios is a 22-year-old American Lebanese citizen who was living in Lebanon before starting his journey to sign up for the U.S. military.

  After learning about the recruiting program for U.S. citizens living abroad on the Army website, Maroun was flown from Lebanon to Germany and was assisted by Master Sgt. David Sass, station commander and recruiter, Europe Recruiting Company.

  “Last Friday’s enlistment of Mr. Ghnatios, a Lebanese American dual citizen, into the Army is another example of the unique opportunities we provide to U.S. citizens living abroad,” Sass said. “Over the past year, our team has helped more than 72 individuals enlist from countries spanning Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Denmark, Israel, Kuwait, and beyond. Through our growing partnerships with international agencies, we are reaching Americans who never realized serving their country was possible while living overseas. For us, it’s more than recruiting Soldiers; it’s about removing geographical barriers, opening doors, and giving Americans around the world the opportunity to serve something greater than themselves.”

  Maroun is looking forward to this next step in his life and is honored for this opportunity.

  “I want to serve this great country and join the greatest military ever,” Maroun said.

  If you would like to join or speak to a recruiter, please contact: SFC Talon C. Meeks Recruiter/Guidance Counselor Stuttgart at [talon.c.meeks.mil@army.mil](mailto:talon.c.meeks.mil@army.mil).”