FORT STEWART, Ga. - Third Infantry Division Soldiers, veterans, Family Members and Army Civilians gathered at Club Stewart for the first Right-Arm Night since the division's return from Iraq, Nov. 22. They also came together to honor the division's 93 years of service to the nation.
In a showing of pride and camaraderie, Soldiers arrived with guidons in hand, clad in Stetsons, spurs and other unit gear. Veterans, too, wore 3rd ID blue and white as a reflection of their time as Dog Face Soldiers.
Major General Tony Cucolo, 3rd ID commanding general, provided an historical summary of "the nation's rock." The presentation included Soldiers dressed in period uniforms - symbolizing nearly a century of service in peacetime and war - from every conflict dating back to World War I through operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In keeping with tradition, the oldest and youngest Marne Soldiers joined 3rd ID leadership in cutting the birthday cake.
Major Stanley Mason, division G-3 combat-operations officer, participated in the cake-cutting ceremony as the division's oldest Soldier. He considered the opportunity a distinct honor.
"I'm proud to be a member of 3rd ID," said Maj. Mason, "a premier division in the U.S. Army with a stellar history."
This marked the second year Maj. Mason, 63, participated in the Marne Birthday cake cutting. Private Jason Green, representing the "new blood," the new generation of Marne Soldier, shared the honor of cutting the cake as the division's youngest Soldier.
Private Green, an infantryman from 1st Battalion, 64th Armor, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, turned 18, Nov. 6. He's served with 3rd ID for less than a month.
Major General Cucolo recognized both Soldiers for their selfless service to the division and to their country.
"They don't have to be in uniform right now," he said. "But they chose to be."
The commanding general shared his vision for the Marne Division as it enters its 94th year.
Soldiers who joined the Army in 2001 saw a decade of great change and turbulence. As the Marne Division heads into the unknown, it will look to values-based Soldiers to lead the charge.
Dog Face Soldiers need leaders "who deny chaos and ambiguity," said Maj. Gen. Cucolo, adding that they will be able to accomplish this "because they will give their units focus."
Every Soldier within the division should adopt a can-do attitude, always ready to answer the call to service.
"We can do whatever we are asked to do," he said. "We are always ready for a fight."
Social Sharing