Army officer re-enlists AF sergeant

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Tramel Garrett
18th MP Public Affairs, 21st TSC


Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has brought the Army and the Air Force together for a special event that seldom happens in the KMC.

Maj. Angel Vega, the 18th Military Police Brigade adjutant, administered the oath of re-enlistment to Tech. Sgt. Rey Duazo, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the aircraft arresting system stationed on Ramstein Nov. 5 on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.

“It’s an honor to have an Army major re-enlist me,” Duazo said. “He has mentored me through my martial arts training, and for him to re-enlist me is pretty cool.”

Traditionally, an officer of the same military service branch administers the oath to an enlisted service member. Since the KMC is a multiple service community, there are more opportunities for this unique honor between armed services.

Duazo and Vega have clocked numerous hours in the gym together practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.

“We inspire each other. It makes us competitive, and it makes us better,” Duazo said.

In addition, they are part of a small group of Army and Air Force service members, who form the Ramstein Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club.

“I feel very proud keeping a warrior in the military,” Vega said. “I love what I do and ensuring the best warriors stay in is a great honor.”