Sheridan National Guard Soldier re-enlists during underwater ceremony in Cuba

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GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA (03/21/2016)(readMedia)-- Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon of Sheridan, Illinois, re-enlisted for an additional six years with the Illinois Army National Guard during an underwater ceremony at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on March 20.

Castrejon enlisted in April 2004. She deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 and deployed for a second time to Sinai, Egypt, from 2010-2011. In June 2015, Castrejon mobilized with the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment out of Springfield, Illinois, for a nine-month deployment to Cuba. The unit is expected to return home in early April.

"I am reenlisting because my experience in the Illinois National Guard has been rewarding, fun and I continue to feel a part of something bigger," Castrejon said.

When Castrejon first enlisted, she said she planned on serving her original six-year commitment and getting out. However, the military became a consistent part of her life.

"The camaraderie of the servicemembers is largely why I stay in the military," Castrejon said. "The leadership experience, continuous education and travel are also reasons why I continue to stay. This is my third job in the military and thus far, the most exciting, challenging and rewarding job I have done."

Photo 1 Cutline: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba/ Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon of Sheridan, Illinois, standing in front of Joint Task Force Guantanamo headquarters in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Castrejon mobilized with the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment out of Springfield, Illinois, for a nine-month deployment to Cuba (photo by U.S. Army Capt. Dustin Cammack, commander, 139th MPAD).

Photo 2 Cutline: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba/ Capt. Dustin W. Cammack of Chicago (bottom left), commander of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) based in Springfield, Illinois, leads the re-enlistment ceremony with fellow members of the MPAD for Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon of Sheridan, Illinois (center), for an additional six years during an underwater ceremony off the coast of Cuba on March 20 (photo by U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Scholl, Director, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs).

Photo 3 Cutline: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba/ Members of the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment based in Springfield, Illinois, pose for an underwater photo during the re-enlistment ceremony for Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon of Sheridan, Illinois (center). Castrejon re-enlisted for an additional six years during the ceremony off the coast of Cuba on March 20 (photo by U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Scholl, Director, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs).