Happy birthday, CDCs party for Army, 1st ID birthdays

By Deikeya GreerJune 27, 2010

Happy birthday, CDCs party for Army, 1ID birthdays
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Happy birthday, CDCs party for Army, 1ID birthdays
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FORT RILEY, Kan. - The Army celebrated its 235th and the "Big Red One" its 93rd birthday June 14, and the children at the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters Childcare Development Center partied in its honor.

Special guest Carol Brooks, wife of Maj. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, read the story of the Army to children and parents. While Brooks to children at the 1st Inf. Div. CDC, each CDC had a special guest reader.

"This book gives a great explanation of the history of the Army and lets the children know what their moms and dads are serving for," said Sonya Douglas Child, Youth and School Services director.

The book gave an explanation of the history within the Army from the Buffalo Soldiers to the Women's Army Corps.

"I just want to wish the Army a happy birthday, and thank you for taking care of my daddy," said 5-year-old Jada Allgood.

After the book reading children were ushered outside to release balloons into the air as a part of the celebration.

There was a simultaneous balloon release; each CDC on the installation released red, white and blue balloons totaling 235 as they sang "Happy Birthday Army."

Since the beginning of June children at the Fort Riley CDCs have been learning the importance of the Army community, history and birthday.

"This was a lot of fun; I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids were so well behaved and really impressed me with their knowledge of the 235th birthday of the Army," Brooks said. "The book was very realistic.

It not only had cartoon pictures but real photos of Soldiers and Families. For more information on CYSS and events, call 785-239-9935.

The Army Birthday book is available for download at no cost on the Military OneSource website at www.myarmyonesource.com/ChildYouthandSchoolServices/ArmyBirthday/default.aspx