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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – At over a hundred years old, very few things continue to become stronger, more agile, more lethal. Time and complacency typically strip away capabilities once adorned by the powers of youth. Even so, that’s not the case with U.S. Army Central, Third Army.
USARCENT celebrated their birthday at the command’s headquarters, Patton Hall, Nov. 7, 2019.
Today marks the 101st birthday of USARCENT, Third Army "Patton's Own." The signature Circle A, Army of Occupation, was constituted five days before the end of the First World War in Chaumont, France. For over a century, Soldiers of USARCENT have selflessly answered the call to service for our nation.
“Today is really a cool, special day; It’s our Birthday,” said Lt. Gen. Terry Ferrell, commanding general of USARCENT. “We turned the clock, hit the 101 mark and now we’re in a completely different environment.”
Looking back through history, where Third Army began is a stark contrast to what it is today.
“What was, what was experienced and the way we use to be, what we were very comfortable with for many years, no longer exists,” said Ferrell. “The way we operate today is the new normal. Just in the last six months, we’re now in an environment in our region that we have to be able to turn with agility that many have not experienced in many years in the United States military.”
During his speech, Ferrell shared his trust and upmost confidence in the current generation of Third Army and their ability to accomplish the mission. He also thanked the JRTC from Sumter High School for their attendance.
“But I will tell you as this New Year dawns, and we celebrate today, this organization can do that,” said Ferrell. “You have demonstrated quite well that you have the potential, the talent, the skill, and more importantly the drive and desire to accomplish the mission and get it done. We will set a new pace as we start a whole new era for Third Army USARCENT.”
With last year’s centennial birthday celebration marking a major milestone, Ferrell cemented present day actions as the next chapter in the command’s history.
“Last year there was a phenomenal event held in this headquarters celebrating the last 100 years,” said Ferrell.” Well you’re in a new era. Celebrate the birthday today and look back on history, know that today moving forward, you are writing history. You are writing it, you are living it.”
The command’s historian briefly spoke about Third Army, Gen. Patton, and about those who serve today.
“While Patton gets a lot of name recognition, we are on our 55th commander of this organization,” said Mike Clauss, USARCENT command historian. “Each of those commanders led thousands of people in wartime and peacetime. These are men and women who come from all corners of the United States and all walks of life to serve our country.”
Clauss was followed by Soldiers from within the command who dressed in period appropriate uniforms from conflicts throughout history. Each Soldier spoke to the crowd about their assigned timeline and closed the ceremony with a cake cutting. The youngest and oldest Soldier in USARCENT joined the commanding general and command sergeant major for the task.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.07.2019 15:46 |
| Story ID: | 350975 |
| Location: | SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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