Photo By Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato | Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Riley, battalion command sergeant major, 86th ESB, tests...... read more read more
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Over 300 service members, coalition forces and contractors, gathered, June 18, to honor the U.S. Army Signal Corps’ 150th Anniversary. The celebration, hosted by the 86th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, an element of Task Force Thunder, was similar to a military ball held in the United States, but with some war-time modifications.
In the tactical environment of Afghanistan, the ballroom was replaced with a clam-shell tent in the 86th ESB’s command area, the Task Force Tiger compound. The kitchen to prepare gourmet meals was substituted with another tent to prepare salads and grilled chicken, steaks and bratwurst. A variety of camouflaged uniforms were the replacement for the fancy dress attire traditionally worn to a dining-in. It may have looked slightly different, but the intent and preparation were just as though we were in the states, said Capt. Robert Prigmore, battalion personnel officer who served as the ceremony emcee.
Just like in the states, the ceremony began with customary toasts upon the entrance of the official party. As there is no alcohol on military bases in Afghanistan, the attendees improvised and completed their toasts with water, Gatorade, or soda. Following tradition, the last toast was to honor the fallen comrades.
Before the traditional final toast could be fulfilled though, symbolic items were ceremoniously brought forward to a small table and single empty chair. A rifle represented the War of Independence. An empty chair represented the thousands of family members who waited for 292,131 Americans who would never return from WWII. And a yellow ribbon represented the hopes and prayers of the families and friends who await the safe return of those currently deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. As of June 11, 6,502 U.S. Service Members will never return home – 72 of them were Signaleers.
This time-honored physical display followed by a moment of silence and the playing of Taps brought a great deal of refection to the audience, said Sgt. 1st Class Kerry McMillan, career counselor, HHC, 86th ESB. “Remembering our fallen comrades during a ceremony is important, and it is always an emotional event for me.”
Actually holding the observance in a war zone made it even more significant than usual, said Sgt. Christopher Stillwell, human resource NCO, who carried the symbolic candle to the table to remind everyone of the ultimate sacrifice of those fallen comrades. “It was a unique opportunity to do the ceremony here in Kandahar.”
After the fallen Soldier tribute, the ceremony continued with some highlights of the Signal Corps and explained how messaging moved from signal flags and lanterns to satellites and IP addresses. The dynamic developments and escalating responsibilities of the Signal Corps have contributed greatly to the success of commanders and become a fabric of our Nation, said Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., chief of staff, U.S. Army, in a letter to the Signal Corps. “Throughout your 150 years, the Signal Corps has led our Army and our Nation in innovation to meet the challenges of a complex present and an uncertain future.”
Honoring the history of signal while you are here making history is an memorable twist, said SSG Gordon Turner, motor sergeant, A Company, 392nd ESB, a subordinate company to the 86th ESB. “You have a more definite feeling of what the Signal Corps is when you are here serving.”
For those guests who were not familiar with the Corps’ historical contributions, the ceremony was very informative, said Sgt. Eric G. Blohm, shop foreman, C Company, 86th ESB. “I didn’t know signal was such a big part of the Army’s history.”
Historical education, entertainment and good food were not the only features of the celebration however. The after-party events ranged from Wii Bowling to Texas Hold ‘Em to a “cable-dawg” race for the service members to enjoy. One of the highlights was watching the battalion commander and command sergeant major racing to roll a half mile of cable like the enlisted “cable-dawg” Soldiers, said a number of Soldiers.
Though it took countless hours to prepare all the facets of this celebration, we really wanted to put together a first-class event, said Lt. Col. Paul Craft, commander, 86th ESB. “My team and I tried to make it special so the Soldiers will remember the 150th Signal Corps Anniversary.”
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2010 09:57 |
| Story ID: | 51777 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR, AF |
| Web Views: | 782 |
| Downloads: | 469 |
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