Marine re-enlists because 'It's the right thing to do'

Marine re-enlists because 'It's the right thing to do'
Newly engaged, sergeant joins unit he was honorably discharged from
By DALE LEZON
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle

It's been a hectic few months for David Polyansky. The athletic, clean-cut Houston lawyer joined the Marines, got engaged and is soon shipping out for a few weeks' training before he is sent to Iraq.

He said it has been one of the most rewarding times of his life. "When you feel that something is the right thing to do, you ought to act on it," he said.

Polyansky, 33, joined the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines reserve unit under special circumstances. He had served in the Marines from 1992 to 1997, was honorably discharged and had completed his obligation to the Marines.

But a few months ago he heard the unit was mobilized, and he asked to join it. The Marines granted his request about 10 days ago.

He rejoined the unit without undergoing boot camp and other training and was allowed to return as a sergeant, the rank he had earned when he left the Corps. He will be an intelligence specialist.

The Marines occasionally allow former Marines who want to rejoin the Corps to forgo further training and testing if they already are expert in their area of specialty, said Gunnery Sgt. Matthew McMenimen, unit spokesman.

Like Polyansky, other former Marines no longer obligated to serve in the active or inactive reserves were given permission to rejoin the unit as "prior-service Marines," McMenimen said.

"He volunteered on his own to go and that makes me much more proud of him," said Alice Rekeweg, Polyansky's mother.

Engaged to Polyansky on Tuesday night, Kirsten Doty said she's happy for him.

"It think it's great," she said. "I certainly want him to be safe, but he feels it's something he needs to do."

Polyansky received a degree from the University of St. Thomas in 1999 and graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 2003. He joined a law firm and then met Doty about 10 months ago.

Polyansky said he expects to return to Houston with the unit in about 10 months. He'll complete active duty June 1.

He said his job is waiting when he gets back and that he and Doty plan to marry within about a year.

"I need to come back, practice law and build my own family," he said

...Here is hoping he certainly comes back well, and these kinds of stories help me to believe there are former soldiers/citizens who continue to feel the need to contribute and make my children's future safer...and I'm thankful for that!...