Fort Leonard Wood celebrates Army birthday

By Ms. Dawn M Arden (Leonard Wood)June 19, 2014

Fort Leonard Wood celebrates Army birthday
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Leonard Wood celebrates Army birthday
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Fort Leonard Wood celebrates Army birthday
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Dr. Ellis Mullinax, eldest Department of the Army civilian, and Justin Drushal, the youngest DAC, cut the civilian cake with the assistance of Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith and Dr. Rebecca Johnson at the luncheon in honor of the Army's 239th birthday, held ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Leonard Wood celebrated the U.S. Army's 239th birthday on Friday with an early morning run and a luncheon hosted by the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Nutter Field House.

The run started at Gammon Field, where the brigades formed together in the light of the full moon for some motivational words, recital of the Soldiers Creed, warm-ups and to render honors at reveille before taking off as the sun rose.

The theme of this year's luncheon was "America's Army: Our Profession," and attendees were able to view a special birthday message from Gen. Raymond Odierno, Army chief of staff.

Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, engaged the crowd asking some of the civilians in attendance what came to mind when they think of Soldiers, receiving back responses such as "protectors," "the backbone and support," "they rock" and "the epitomy of integrity."

"This is about our profession. The Army continues to demonstrate its extraordinary character and enduring commitment in defense of our nation, that character -- that competence, that commitment are the hallmarks of everything that we do," Smith said. "Competence is there for a reason and character is there because without our character, we have nothing."

Smith added, "Tomorrow's birthday is also Flag Day. That flag that flies over Fort Leonard Wood symbolizes those Americans, active-duty Soldiers, Reservists, civilians and Families who work together to accomplish those missions. It is really an honor for us to serve with you."

The traditional cake cutting ceremony had the eldest service member, Col. William Pfeffer, Garrison commander and the youngest service member, Pvt. Richard Rivera, Company D, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, cut the cake in honor of America's Army and their profession representing the past, present and future; with the assistance of Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major.

The eldest Department of the Army civilian, Dr. Ellis Mullinax, Dental Activity general dentist, and the youngest, Department of the Army civilian, Justin Drushal, Directorate of Public Works, cut the civilian cake with the assistance of Smith and Dr. Rebecca Johnson, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence deputy to the commanding general.

Smith and Murphy thanked those in attendance for coming out to help celebrate such a special occasion.

"Your service to the nation means more than what you could ever imagine, and your service to the nation is the reason why we are here, so happy birthday," Smith said.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood