Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathaniel Moger | Right arm combat patches represent Soldiers' times serving with particular units in...... read more read more
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By Nathaniel Moger
Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Most 58-year-olds have issues lifting 80 pounds, much less strapping that much weight to their bodies and running around all day. Yet at four times that age, the U.S. Army and the proud men and women who comprise it and its reserve components, the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard, can secure hostile ground in the darkness of night through the deployment of highly trained infantry companies, bring order to chaos with bunker busting and indirect fire from field artillery batteries, strike deep into enemy territory with mobile and lethal firepower via the rolling thunder of armored cavalry troops, and place a dozen thick-necked operators directly over the rooftop of any building, anywhere in the world ready to Aussie rappel from the relative safety of their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and kick down a door.
Not bad for a 232-year-old.
On June 14, Joint Task Force Guantanamo will celebrate the U.S. Army's 233rd birthday with a mess-style dinner at the Seaside Galley at 4:30 p.m.
"American Soldiers have fought in 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War and the current War on Terrorism," said Army Sgt. Maj. Donald Troxler, event coordinator. "The Army birthday dinner is designed to honor the proud history and heritage of our nation."
Members of all branches of service and civilians are cordially invited to attend, in civilian attire, and reflect on the centuries of selfless service by Soldiers around the world.
"We are in a joint environment," said Troxler. "We are proud of our heritage as an Army, and we openly invite others to share in our proud traditions and heritage."
The menu will include steak and seafood, and will be served in a mess environment with no segregation between officers, senior enlisted and junior enlisted. The price will be $3.85, and will be free to those with meal cards. There will also be toasts in honor of the President of the United States, the U.S. Army, to fallen comrades and to ladies, families and loved ones.
"It's also a time to acknowledge the sacrifices we have made to maintain a peaceful and secure nation," said Troxler.
The ceremony will conclude with the Army Song and a cake cutting ceremony with the oldest and youngest members present, signifying the past and the future of the Army and a chance to balance past achievements with upcoming challenges.
"I will be reflecting on all the battles the Army has fought throughout history and my continued amazement at the young men and women who have always served and how they continue to answer their county's call," said 525th Military Police Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Fowler. "I believe everyday we should give thanks for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who gave their life in defense of the United States of America."
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.27.2008 14:58 |
| Story ID: | 20915 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 53 |
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