Army celebrates 237th birthday in Southwest Asia

Published June 18, 2012
By Army Sgt. Todd Robinson
11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Soldiers worldwide celebrated the 237th birthday of the U.S. Army by cutting cakes and having dinners to honor their service June 14.

The day-long celebration here began with Soldiers and Airmen assembling at the base gym to participate in a five kilometer run in the Army's honor, braving three-digit temperatures as the sun began to rise.

The 5K run was hosted by the 11th Air Defense Artillery "Imperial" Brigade and Terressa Santillano, the base Morale, Welfare and Recreation representative.

"I thought it was great to see so many people come from other branches of service", said Spc. David Schwenk, an Intel analyst with HHB 11th ADA BDE. "It was billed as the Army's birthday run and they came out to support us."

Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third place winners in both a male and female category.

Later in the day, first-time-deploying Soldiers with the 11th ADA BDE donned their unit's combat patch in a patching ceremony.

Army Col. Reginald Davis, 11th ADA BDE commander, awarded the members of Headquarters and Headquarters detachment, and was himself awarded his own combat patch by Sgt. Maj. James Lewis, 11th ADA BDE training sergeant major.

"I was highly motivated to make my mark in the area of responsibility and to be recognized in an honored tradition of this deployed unit," said Spc. Jared J. Houghton a signal support specialist. "It marks cornerstones in the individual's carrier to preserve a great tradition."

The combat patch dates back to World War I and was used to distinguish Soldiers on the battlefield. During World War II, the display of the unit patch on the right sleeve was used to distinguish Soldiers who have been deployed overseas in support of their country.

Today, Soldiers wear them on their uniform like a badge of honor. These patches identify which combat unit they are assigned to, and signify their unit's active participation or support of ground combat operations against hostile forces either directly or indirectly.

Following the patch ceremony was a cake-cutting celebration to celebrate the 237th birthday.

The cake was cut in ceremonial fashion by the oldest and youngest Soldiers in the unit. Davis represented the "most seasoned" member of the unit while Pvt. Gennesis Chavez, a supply specialist with HHB, represented the youngest member at 19 years old.

The first piece of cake was then given to the oldest Soldier. Upon receiving the first piece of cake, he or she then passes it to the youngest soldier signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of the organization.

"Being part of the traditional ceremony was a great honor and will be something I will remember throughout my military career," Chavez said. "Being the youngest Soldier in the brigade has motivated me to one day help lead Soldiers."