Photo By Sgt. Cody Barber | The 1st Cavalry Division band played music for the National Guard's 375th birthday...... read more read more
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Service members and civilians, celebrated the Army National Guard’s 375th birthday with several festivities on Bagram Air Field, Dec. 13.
The celebration began with a 5K run in the morning and continued throughout the day with a formal ceremony, a luncheon and cake cutting. The guest speaker for the ceremony was U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles Petrarca, 43rd Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island National Guard commander.
Petrarca, a native of West Warwick, R.I., spoke on the importance of National Guard’s efforts in every U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War.
“The National Guard has participated in every conflict that our nation has been in. On a percentage basis, no reserve component has participated more in this war,” Petrarca told service members in attendance.
“I know all the service members of the U.S. National Guard have the capability to protect our nation’s defense. Thank you all for your service to our nation,” added Petrarca.
In keeping with one of the oldest Army traditions, the oldest and youngest National Guard soldiers on BAF joined Petrarca to participate in a cake cutting ceremony.
As the formal portion concluded, the 1st Cavalry Division Band played music as soldiers from all components enjoyed a buffet lunch and a piece of cake.
The oldest soldier, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Roosevelt Downs, a food supply specialist with the 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, said he missed the celebration last year but was glad to participate this year.
“I’m here representing the oldest guard members,” said Downs, a 56-year-old native from Greer, S.C. “This is a really great honor, I’m happy to be a part of it.”
U.S. Army Spc. James Rule, the youngest National Guard soldier and a motor transport operator with the 1138th Transportation Company, was a little nervous before the ceremony.
“I thought that were going to be using a chief’s knife, but then they pulled out the saber,” Rule, a native to Kirkwood, Mo., said. “I’m a little nervous, but it’s an honor to be chosen to do this.”
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2011 16:07 |
| Story ID: | 81371 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 138 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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