Senior NCO Jordan decides to stay with his team in Iraq

Fayetteville Online reports "Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jordan asked to stay in the Army for a year beyond his mandatory retirement date so he could complete a deployment to Iraq with the 35th Signal Brigade."

''We are currently at war,'' Jordan said. ''We are doing things, and it requires leaders to do certain things. That's what I am, a leader.'' [...]

Command Sgt. Maj. Jordan and about 500 soldiers of the brigade are scheduled to depart today for a year in Iraq.

Under normal conditions, the 47-year-old Jordan, who entered basic training in June 1975 and had three assignments in Korea, would start winding down his Army career in the spring as he approached the 30-year mark.

His colonel promised to support whatever decision he made, but Jordan had no intention of getting on an airplane April 29, flying home and leaving his brigade.

''That's not the way you want to end a 30-year career,'' Jordan said.

''People ask, 'Why?''' said Col. Bryan Ellis, the brigade commander. ''The answer is, he is completely selfless. We all want to see it go well.''

So, what's the big deal about an old war horse who wants to stay with his men?

Answer, this old war horse is the older brother of retired basketball star Michael Jordan. I doubt he is doing it for the money.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------