Army units celebrate 250 years of readiness, resilience at Garrison Wiesbaden

U.S. Army Soldiers with Headquarters Support Company, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, and German Soldiers with Landeskommando Hessen present arms ahead of a post run held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 13, 2025. Landeskommando Hessen is Germany’s local military counterpart to USAG Wiesbaden. (U.S. Army photo by Brady Gross)

WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden proudly joined the global celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday that included a week’s worth of activities, events and celebrations.

A legacy of service

The Army’s roots reach back to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army. From its humble beginnings, fighting for independence, to its modern role as a global force for readiness and stability, the Army’s story is one of courage, dedication, and unwavering service.

Wiesbaden, a community deeply intertwined with the Army’s history in Europe, honored that legacy with a series of events designed to celebrate its Soldiers, their families, and the enduring partnership between the Army and the local German community. The week of June 11-14 was packed with activities, showcasing the best of Wiesbaden’s Army spirit.

The U.S. Army’s connection to Germany stretches back over 80 years, becoming particularly significant towards the end of World War II. Due to its strategic location, Wiesbaden quickly became a vital hub for allied forces, organizing humanitarian aid through the Berlin Airlift efforts.

Today, as home to U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters, Wiesbaden continues to play a critical role in maintaining security and fostering strong relationships with our European allies. The Army 250th Birthday celebration isn’t just about looking back; it’s a recognition of the Army’s ongoing commitment to defending the warfighter and democratic freedoms, and a tribute to the sacrifices made and bonds forged over multiple generations.

Units battle for bragging rights

Army Col. Steven J. Curtis, commander of 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, and Command Sergeant Major Rose A. Shutts, senior enlisted advisor of 66th MIB, pose for a photo while holding the 2025 U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Army Birthday Sports Week, Commander’s Cup Championship trophy, during an awards ceremony at a family fest held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2025.

The fest came after a weeklong sports tournament where USAG Wiesbaden tenant units competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, bowling and a five kilometer run. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

Throughout the week, units across the garrison competed in a Commander’s Cup, a series of athletic competitions designed to build unit cohesion, promote physical fitness, and foster healthy rivalry. From flag football and basketball to volleyball and soccer events, the Commander’s Cup showcased the wide range of athletic talents within the Wiesbaden community. Eight units battled through bracketed games, with championships cumulating on June 13 across four sports. Ultimately, the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade came out on top – sweeping the competition and earning 24 points across multiple events.

U.S. Army Soldiers face off during a flag football game held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

Two U.S. Army Soldiers face off during a basketball game held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Community Members participate in a five-kilometer run in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 14, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Travis Thurston)

U.S. Army Soldiers compete in a golf scramble held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament in Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Travis Thurston)

U.S. Army Soldiers face off during a volleyball game held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

U.S. Army Soldiers face off during a basketball game held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force holds a down indicator during a flag football game held as part of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s Commander’s Cup Sports Tournament on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany June 12, 2025.

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, USAG Wiesbaden hosted a series of sports tournaments for its tenant units. From June 11–14, Soldiers from each unit competed in flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, bowling, a golf scramble, a fitness and tug of war competitions, and a five-kilometer run. Points were earned throughout each event, and a unit was declared the overall champion of the Commander’s Cup at the end on the Army’s birthday.

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

Reveille run builds spirit

Demonstrating a commitment to physical fitness and unit cohesion, the Clay Kaserne Troop Run started off with a bang – right at reveille on Friday, June 13. Troops from across the Garrison footprint, including German Soldiers with Landeskommando Hessen participated in the event. Starting at Allen Field and zigzagging throughout the installation, two buzzing Blackhawk helicopters accompanied them in the sky, as the Soldiers sang cadence calls in the early morning sun.

A formation of U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned tenant units stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, participate in a post run held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by the garrison on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 13, 2025. The installation-wide formation was led by Maj. Gen. John Rafferty, commanding general of 56th Multi-Domain Command and senior responsible officer of USAG Wiesbaden. (U.S. Army photo by Brady Gross)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, pose for a photo while standing at rest in formation ahead of a post run held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 13, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

"Every time we get a chance to do physical training it's about prep for combat—preparing ourselves for the rigor of combat, it's about leader development... and then it's team building," said Maj. Gen. John Rafferty, Commanding General of 56th Domain Command and Senior Responsible Officer of USAG Wiesbaden, at the formation’s opening remarks.

Soldiers stationed at U.S. ARMY Garrison Wiesbaden participate in a 5k fun run in celebration of the ARMYS 250th birthday June 13th, U.S.A.G Wiesbaden Germany. Troops from across the garrison footprint came out to support the official U.S.A.G Wiesbaden Post Run in support of our great militaries birthday. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO BY SSG GAVIN J LEWIS)

A formation of U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to tenant units stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, participate in a post run held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by the garrison on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 13, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Headquarters Support Company, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, and German Soldiers with Landeskommando Hessen stand at rest in a formation led by USAG Wiesbaden Commander Col. Troy Danderson after a post run held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by the garrison on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 13, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Brady Gross)

"And our big team here, we don't get a chance to do enough team building. Let's take advantage of this morning... and then let's enjoy the rest of the Army Birthday celebrations."

Family fun fest caps birthday week

The celebrations cumulated with a Family Fun Fest on June 14th, held at Wiesbaden Army Airfield. The event brought together Soldiers, families, and community members for an afternoon of games, food, and entertainment

U.S. Army Garrison Commander Col. Troy Danderson provides opening remarks during an opening ceremony of a family fest held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by USAG Wiesbaden, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2025.

The celebration also served as a culminating event after a week packed with activities for the garrison’s tenant units. In his remarks, Danderson thanked the garrison’s mission partners, Soldiers, and the countless volunteers who made all of these activities possible. He also reminded the audience that today's event was for our families that support the Soldiers.

"But as we recall, 250 years ago, it wasn't just the U.S. Army that came into existence," said Col. Danderson. "It was the Army family, and that's what this fest is about."

(U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus perform during an opening ceremony of a family fest held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

During his welcoming remarks, Col. Troy Danderson, Commander of USAG Wiesbaden, thanked the units, the Soldiers who participated in the Commander's Cup, the Garrison's mission partners, and the countless volunteers who made all of these activities possible. He also reminded the audience that today's event was for our families that support the Soldiers.

"But as we recall, 250 years ago, it wasn't just the U.S. Army that came into existence," said Danderson. "It was the Army family, and that's what this fest is about."

Attendees were treated to an opening ceremony that included a performance from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band & Chorus, highlighting both the German and U.S. national anthems, as well as a special performance of the Army Birthday song, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

As the event’s keynote speaker, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey G. Jackson, senior enlisted advisor of 56th Multi-Domain Command, explained how the Army’s birthday serves as an opportunity for the Army to honor all those who have served—and consider its path for the future.

"This birthday serves as a launching point for discussions about the future of our armed forces—how we will prepare to adapt and meet the challenges that lie ahead," said Jackson. "As we look to the future, let us focus on the transformation required to build a better Army—one that is ready to support and defend at any time."

The command teams of 56th Multi-Domain Task Force and U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden participate in a ceremonial cake cutting at a family fest held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2025.

To mark this historic occasion, these senior leaders were accompanied by volunteers dressed in Army uniforms from different eras throughout the Army’s history and Chaplain Maj. Whitham and Pvt. 1st Class. Rogers, who represented the oldest and youngest Army Soldiers in the Wiesbaden community. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

Rachel Bianculli; a private organization liaison with the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; is recognized by U.S. Army Garrison Commander Col. Troy Danderson for her role in organizing a family fest held in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, organized by USAG Wiesbaden, on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Stephen P. Perez)

Included in the presentation was a traditional Army Birthday cake and sword cutting, as well as special thanks and awards given to festival volunteers and organizers. Rachel Bianculli, an administrative management specialist and private organization liaison with the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation and Sgt. First Class Jason Buteau, a Military Equal Opportunity Advisor at the garrison, were specifically highlighted for their organizing efforts.

Friendship Fest on the horizon

Army celebrations in Wiesbaden will continue just around the corner, with upcoming events planned to celebrate the U.S and Germany’s long-lasting friendship and U.S. Independence Day. The annual Fourth of July and German-American Friendship Festival is scheduled for July 3-7 at the Lower Hainerberg complex on Hainerberg. The event promises five days of family fun, featuring live music from both American and German artists, traditional food vendors, a spectacular fireworks display, and activities celebrating the strong bond between the U.S. and German communities.

Event details here.