Courtesy Photo | Sgts. Rufino Quiñones, an equipment repairer specialist assigned to the 266th...... read more read more
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PAKTIA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Forward Operating Base Lighting, Afghanistan- Two brothers serving in the U.S. Army, currently deployed to Afghanistan, were promoted together to the rank of sergeant at Forward Operating Base Lighting, Paktia province, Sept. 1.
The ceremony had a special meaning for the two service members, as it brought them together after not being able to see each other for over two years.
Sgts. Rufino Quiñones, an equipment repairer specialist assigned to the 266 Ordnance Company, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico and Carlos Quiñones, an ammunition specialist assigned to the Regimental Support Squadron 3 Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood Texas, clearly expressed their happiness with their encounter and promotion.
“It has been great to see my brother again after two years. Getting promoted in the same day is definitively awesome,” said Rufino Quiñones.
Even though the brothers have been in contact through social media, their face to face encounter was not possible for two years due to their current duty assignments.
“We talked about everything, the family, the kids, our mission in Afghanistan, everything. We also went to the gym together, trying to spend as much time with each other,” added Rufino Quiñones, who is the proud father of Rufino Jr, 13 and Amaya 5.
“I have no words to explain how I feel right now. This is great," said Carlos Quiñones.
“I am very proud of my brother. He is a role model for me. That is why it is awesome to be promoted both on the same day,” added Carlos Quiñones, who is married to Belinda Adorno and the proud father of Bianca, 15, Karla, 12 and Caleb, 2.
Both soldiers, natives of Moca, Puerto Rico, stated that even though they miss their families, they believe their sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan is well worth it.
“I think our mission here is very important because we are saving millions of dollars to the taxpayers,” said Rufino Quiñones.
Rufino Quiñones is deployed in support of the Defense Logistics Agency, disposition services section, which manages the re-utilization of Department of Defense (DoD) property in Afghanistan. According to the DLA website, in the past four years more than $2.2 billion worth of property was reused each year across the DoD.
Carlos Quiñones was more personal when describing the meaning of his service.
“My service here is worth it. Our father was a Staff Sgt. in Vietnam and I am trying to make him proud of me,” said an emotional Carlos Quiñones.
After expressing their gratitude to their leaders for facilitating the encounter and the joint promotion ceremony, the Quiñones brothers departed to their respective locations in Afghanistan to continue their service in support of the needs of the nation.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2014 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 140895 |
| Location: | PAKTIA PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | MOCA, PR |
| Web Views: | 220 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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