Maj. Gen. Cobb honors service of US Soldiers from PR

By Maj. Carlos CuebasDecember 14, 2014

Maj. Gen. Cobb honors service of US Soldiers from Puerto Rico
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers, family members and civilians assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) , US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, gathered at the Ponce Hilton Hotel, to celebrate the command's Military Ball, a timeless tradition conducted to foster morale ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Cobb honors service of US Soldiers from Puerto Rico
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb, 81st Regional Support Command Commanding General, delivers her speech during the 1st Mission Support Command, US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico's Military Ball, Dec. 13.During her speech, Cobb highlighted the courage and dedication... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maj. Gen. Cobb honors service of US Soldiers from Puerto Rico
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb, 81st Regional Support Command commanding general (left), receives a token of appreciation from Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos, 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) Commanding General and senior Army Reserve officer in the Caribbe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

PONCE, Puerto Rico - Soldiers, family members and civilians assigned to the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) , US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, gathered at the Ponce Hilton Hotel, to celebrate the command's Military Ball, a timeless tradition conducted to foster morale and to reflect about the achievements of the command, Dec. 13.

Brig. Gen. Jose R. Burgos, senior US Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean and Commanding General of the 1st MSC, opened the floor welcoming the audience to the event and reminding all about the deployed troops.

"I want everyone to keep in mind that we currently have brave men and women from this command deployed in harm's way. Let's keep them in our prayers," said Burgos.

Next, Burgos introduced Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb, 81st Regional Support Command Commanding General, as the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the event.

During her speech, Cobb highlighted the courage and dedication of the U.S. Soldiers from Puerto Rico, making a historical reference to the service of the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War.

"Could you have done it, soldiers in this room? Could you have been part of the last recorded battalion size bayonet assault in the U.S. Army history? Would you have been worthy to wear the 65th Infantry Regiment distinctive insignia? I look around this room and I know that you are worthy of wearing that crest," stated Cobb.

"I wanted to make my remarks tonight about the great history of the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico. I thought it was important for a lot of young people to know about what the 65th Infantry Regiment has done and what the men and women from Puerto Rico have done for the military. We want the young people here to know where they come from and that they are the future," said Cobb in an interview shortly after finishing her speech.

The men of the 65th Infantry Regiment are known for their legendary courage while meeting the enemy on the battlefields of Korea. The members of the regiment have received thousands of medals to include the Congressional Gold Medal in June 2014.

Cobb also reflected about the importance of the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

"The relevance of the Army Reserve everywhere, particularly here in Puerto Rico, where it is the largest federal military force in the island, is that our mission is to be ready, when the active component calls us to duty to complement their operations. This is of huge importance because the nation will never go to war again without the Army Reserve," added a Cobb.

The Army Reserve generates thousands of jobs in Puerto Rico and contributes an estimated 150 million to the U.S. territory's economy.

"The strategic importance of the Army Reserve forces, men and women who serve in Puerto Rico cannot be underestimated. They are a critical piece of the larger Army Reserve Component," said Cobb.