The Army's youngest soldier takes his oath today.
9 year old Neil Sauh came all the way from Houston to see his dream come true, as he battles an aggressive form of muscular dystrophy.
Neil fights for his life, and for as long as he can remember, he's dreamed of fighting for his country.
"I think it's cool to go in the Army," he said.
Friday, he got his wish, becoming an honorary 1st Cavalry Division trooper on Fort Hood.
Neil's mom, Nelini said, "Obviously, with his condition, there's a good chance that he may not be able to be part of this, and just being able to be part of it now, it's really great, and it might be a good motivation for him to keep fighting."
The day started off with troopers battling it out over a grueling obstacle course.
"For a lot of strangers, people that we don't know to go over and beyond, it's overwhelming, I'm very happy," said Neil's father Navin.
The soldiers ran from building to building with 65 lb. heat rounds, and the best part is, Neil got to tell them what to do.
And they drew off his strength to see the mission through.
"He definitely kept us motivated, everybody just trying to do this for him," said SPC Manual Estrada, 1-7 Cav.
Because as the saying goes, a soldier never gives up.
"I always teach him to be strong and go for your goals, the wheel chair shouldn't stop you from anything, and so hopefully that's going to keep him determined and keep him fighting," said Nelini.
So after earning his uniform, spurs and dog tags, Neil joins the ranks of our great soldiers.
"...I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend..." he promised as he took his enlistment oath.
And he just might be the strongest one of all.
Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com
Photographer: Chris Buford cbuford@kcentv.com
