Happy 234th Army Birthday

By BG Gary H. Cheek, WTC Commanding GeneralJune 12, 2009

BG Gary H. Cheek
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

From the time of "the shot heard round the world" at Lexington the Minutemen, and then Soldiers of the United States, have been providing each other Warrior Care. Comrades in arms stepped forward to take care of the wounded, ill, and injured in the ranks. Soon after the founding of the Army on June 14th, 1775, a formal medical department was created to treat Soldiers.

But Warrior Care has always gone beyond medical treatment. Those who have laid down their body on behalf of their country have had a place of honor in our hearts as a nation. From our beginnings as a poor country on the edge of a wilderness we as a people have taken care of those who keep the hearth safe. Even our national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner, is about a symbol that is battered, but never broken, and more inspiring for service because it has been tested. That is why we emphasize being the "home of the brave", because no great nation can long endure without those willing to sacrifice on its behalf.

This tradition has continued through the centuries, whether the Soldier wore blue, or butternut, or khaki, or digi. We as a people have endeavored to do our best by those Soldiers and Veterans to whom we nod our head in respect as they pass. And in all things we do as Americans, the way it was done yesterday is never considered "good enough". Each day we look to take care of Soldiers and their families better than the day before.

All those who serve Wounded Warriors in the Warrior Transition Command are humbled by the honor of serving in the greatest Army the world has ever known, and serving the best exemplars within it.

Join me in wishing the Army a Happy 234th Birthday.

BG Gary H. Cheek

Commanding, Warrior Transition Command, US Army Medical Command