"Everyone Deserves a Chance"

Snagged from Army.mil

Lifelong wish comes true for Soldier-at-heart

By Allison Choike

June 22, 2006

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Army News Service, June 22, 2006) – A roar of cheers echoed off the tree line that surrounded the bayonet course June 15, and they were encouraging words to help a fellow Soldier as he finished the last steps of the course. Over and over, more than 200 Soldiers chanted, “Bradley, Bradley, Bradley,” in support of their one-day comrade.

His dream had come true; Bradley Lewis was a real Soldier, and the Soldiers from Training Support Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood helped him make that dream a reality.

Lewis, who has Down syndrome, works at one of the post’s dining facilities, and has always wanted to be a Soldier. After submitting his dream to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, he was denied because of his age.

Staff Sgt. Charles Berry, TSB, who volunteers within the community had heard about Lewis’ story.

“I actually heard about it from some people while I was shopping at Wal-Mart, and they approached me to see what to do. I went to my first sergeant and explained the situation, and he told me to make it happen, and anyone who knows me knows I don’t fail a mission,” Berry said.

With support from TSB, funds were raised to make sure Lewis had an experience that he would never forget, including a full uniform with name-tags and badges, all to keep.

“To be a Soldier, you have to look like a Soldier,” Berry said.

A full day was planned for Lewis to ensure it was an experience he’d never forget, and when he arrived at TSB headquarters at 8 a.m., he was sworn into the Army.

First Lt. Zachary Humbles swore him in and was honored to make Lewis a Soldier.

“I have the great privilege and honor of administering an oath to a Soldier who, in heart and spirit, totally exemplifies what we should all hope to possess,” Humbles said.

Lewis was then given the opportunity to pick the rank he would wear for the day and soon became Sgt. Maj. Lewis.

Lewis viewed training at various sites, and also participated at the grenade range, the new weapons engaged systems training (EST 2000), M16 qualification and finished the day at the bayonet course, Berry said.

“Everything was fun. It was cool. I am going to remember everything and shooting a weapon, but it was easy,” Lewis said.

Each of the Soldiers gave Lewis a warm and great welcome at every training area and range he visited, Berry said.

As the day closed and Lewis finished his last obstacle, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion 48th Infantry Regiment, gathered around to say how proud they were to meet Lewis. They all broke out in a chant of, “We are number one.”

When asked why Berry wanted to help Lewis become a Soldier for a day he said, “Everyone deserves a chance." (emphasis mine - ed.)

Lewis was honorably discharged from the Army at 4:30 p.m., with his wish to serve his country granted.

“I just wanted to serve God and country. I wanted to make President Bush proud,” Lewis said.

(Editor’s note: Allison Choike writes for the Guidon at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.)

What a great story...