By By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

A Palauan soldier serving in Afghanistan fulfilled his dream of obtaining a sergeant rank a few months after he was promoted as a corporal.
Karmeleong Andreas, hard work and determination made him achieve a feat that is rarely accomplished.
Andreas was promoted as sergeant in Dec. 2006, a few months after being promoted as corporal.
Parents, Sebastian and Elaine are very proud of their son who at the young age of 23 attained so much in a span of less than three years.
Andreas entered the United States Army as a Non-Commissioned officer when he was 21 years old.
In a March 12, 2007 order from Andreas superior, it stated that he is being promoted for his display of "patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence."
"In view of these qualities and his demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the U.S. Army therefore, promoted from specialist to Sergeant," the order said.
Elaine said that his son likes his job a lot and is aiming at breaking the record by attaining an E7 rank within five years of his enlistment.
Andreas mother said his son gets inspiration to do his best from his daughter Selaine Moiwai Andreas.
Andreas will end his deployment in Afghanistan on June 2007 and will return to New York where he is based.
Andreas was sworn-in in Guam in May 2003 and was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 12, 2003.
In his stay in the Army, Andreas has raked in several awards such as an Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Certificate of Achievement, Army Good Conduct Medal, Nato Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon.
Elaine said aside from Andreas, there are more Palauan soldiers serving in the military.
She said some of the few who are in the military are Harlie Temengil, Andreas’ first cousin.
Arvan Subris, Andreas’ bestfriend and Delon Trolii another cousin of Andreas.