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Fort Campbell Soldier re-enlists live on the radio during Air Strike a program hosted by Clarksville’s WJZM 1400 AM

2nd Brigade Combat Team - StrikeFort Campbell KY - 101st Airborne DivisionClarksville, TN – In what is believed to be a first for the U.S. Army, a Fort Campbell soldier from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Strike) re-enlisted on the air as part of the Air Strike program on Clarksville Radio Station WJZM 1400 AM.

As part of the 15th Episode of the highly entertaining program, Sgt. Joe Padula interviewed SPC Ilka Zaneta Luna, from Company B, 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); a re-enlisting Strike Soldier, and her husband Jeramie.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63h-Xdc1AMU[/youtube]

SPC Luna was born in Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines; but calls Fremont California home. She has two Siblings Adrian and Kristine.

She is married, lives with her husband Jeramie, and their dog Kanga. They are eagerly looking forward to having their first child, “One is baking in the oven!”

SPC Luna joined the Army on September 21st 2010, and went to basic training at Fort Leoanrdwood, MO. She comes from a military family, “I joined the Army because I wanted to serve my country, and give something back to the Military which positively influenced my family growing up.”

Spc. Ilka Luna with her husband Jeramie Luna, and  SSG Claire Wood (Battalion Career Counselor)
Spc. Ilka Luna with her husband Jeramie Luna, and SSG Claire Wood (Battalion Career Counselor)

Fort Campbell has been her first and only duty station so far, and in the interview she states how much loves the community here.

Luna continues her public service by giving her free time volunteering at local animal shelters. She likes to participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking to keep herself fit, because “I love to eat!”

SGT Joe Padula, Spc. Ilka Luna , CPT Alex M. Holladay (B Co CDR), and 1SG Mario M. Ivankovich (B Co 1SG),
SGT Joe Padula, Spc. Ilka Luna , CPT Alex M. Holladay (B Co CDR), and 1SG Mario M. Ivankovich (B Co 1SG),

Also interviewed were SSG Claire Wood (Battalion Career Counselor) who shepherded her through the re-enlistment process, CPT Alex M. Holladay (B Co CDR), 1SG Mario M. Ivankovich (B Co 1SG), and CW2 Roy Swearengin who served as her re-enlistment officer.

And since SGT Padula never does anything half way, SPC Quenton Gilliam and SPC Jorge Torres served as the Color Guard for the Ceremony.

The re-enlistment ceremony was quite a sight, as the studio is actually quite small, somehow we managed to fit 12 people in that small space.Ā  During the ceremony Sgt. Padula explained what was going on for the listeners in a hushed voice.

CW2 Roy Swearengin the re-enlistment officer with Spc. Ilka Luna after her re-enlistment in the U.S. Army
CW2 Roy Swearengin the re-enlistment officer with Spc. Ilka Luna after her re-enlistment in the U.S. Army

Afterwards as the interview continued, Cannoli were had by all. They were quite delicious!

As SGT Joe Padula would say, “ABSOLUTELY!!!”

Photo Gallery

Video

This is a video of the complete Air Strike Radio Show episode 15.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkaJ5DqSuR4[/youtube]

About Air Strike, The Radio Show

WJZM, 1400AM Radio Station - Clarksville RadioAir Strike brings the Soldiers from the front lines into your favorite listening device. It features Sgt. Joe Padula, the lead Combat Correspondent for the Strike Brigade

The informative and entertaining Soldier radio show focusing on the The 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Strike); one of the most decorated, awarded and deployed units in the US Military and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).Ā  Strike was recently awarded a highly coveted Presidential Unit Citation.

The Air Strike program is broadcast live on the air every Friday@1:00pm CST from the studios of WJZM 1400 AM located in Historic Downtown Clarksville, TN.

You can listen to Air Strike, the radio show through your radio, your computer and your phone, Listen Live on the radio at WJZM 1400 AM. Listen online at at wjzm.comĀ  to their shoutcast server via Winamp.Ā  You can also subscribe via iTunes.

Bill Larson
Bill Larson
Bill Larson isĀ  is politically and socially active in the community. Bill is a member of the Friends of Dunbar Cave. You can reach him via telephone at 931-249-0043 or via the email address below.
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