Photo By Sgt. Jessica Barb | U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard host the annual Guard...... read more read more
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HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania National Guard held its annual Guard and Veterans Day at the Capitol here June 4, 2024.
Representatives of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs were present to share about their duty and military service to the commonwealth and country. Soldiers and Airmen were on hand answer questions that state legislators, employers and others had about their specific jobs in the second-largest Guard in the nation.
The theme for this year's Guard Day was: "Together We Serve: Past, Present, and Future."
"More than a theme or catch phrase, 'Together We serve' is a call to action, a reminder of our shared responsibility to honor the past, support the present, and inspire the future," Pennsylvania Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler said during remarks on the state House floor.
The day started with a welcoming breakfast and included a “Together We Serve” video and the ceremonial cutting of a cake. In the main lobby of the rotunda, Army and Air National Guard units and organizations set up displays to promote and educate legislators on their duties while serving their country.
Also during the event, Schindler, along with a veteran and one new Army and Air Force enlistee, were escorted onto the House and Senate floors to address the legislators.
One of the veterans who joined Schindler was Benjamin Melvin Berry of Philadelphia, who is a veteran of World War II's Battle of the Bulge.
"Drafted into service as a young man, Mr. Berry was a cook," Schindler said. "But, during the battle of the Bulge he put down his ladle and raised his weapon."
The event also included an enlistment ceremony where 18 new Army and five Air Force recruits took the oath of enlistment.
Outside the Capitol, Army and Air Force vehicles and equipment, including historical vehicles, were on display.
Staff Sgt. Marie Sutton, a combat medic in the Army National Guard and a medical instructor at Fort Indiantown Gap, was among the Pennsylvania National Guard members in attendance.
“Being able to come here and share our experiences on why we joined the military and the importance our unit brings to the Pennsylvania National Guard helps them understand how we can better serve our communities as well as how we can better serve us,” Sutton said.
“I think that this is really helping a lot of individuals grow," Sutton added. "What I have seen come through here is a lot of civilians, as well as younger children. This is exciting because the children being so young and not knowing what they want to do and see the military side of a career field. Hopefully, that will spark some interest and want them to enlist in the military.”
Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover of the 171st Air fueling Wing with the Air National Guard was also attended the event.
“I felt it was important for somebody in wing staff to be able to tell the whole story," Hoover said. "I have a unique job where I get to see the entire division of Pittsburgh, so I have a good understanding of most of the jobs that we have. We understand the total purpose of our mission and how to properly inform somebody else how we do that.”
The importance of the Capitol hosting Guard’s Day was to emphasize the close connection and support within the Commonwealth’s elected leaders and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. It is also an opportunity to help promote the Army and Air National Guard in Pennsylvania and educate legislators on their duties while serving their country.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2024 15:45 |
| Story ID: | 473103 |
| Location: | HARRISBURG , PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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