Fort A.P. Hill Opens the Gates to the Public to Celebrate the Army’s 250th Birthday

Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday on June 13, 2025, with a day of community engagement, fitness, and reflection on the Army’s storied legacy. Soldiers, family members, local leaders, Garrison employees and visitors gathered at the Beaverdam Recreation Area to honor both the United States Army, and Fort A.P. Hill’s enduring commitment to readiness and excellence.

The celebration featured activities that fostered camaraderie and showcased the Army’s capabilities, including a 5K run/walk, interactive outdoor displays, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue with community partners. After remarks from Lieutenant Colonel Matt Bauer, Garrison Commander, highlighting the Army’s past and future, and emphasizing Fort A.P. Hill’s critical role in preparing America’s warfighters, the Fort A.P. Hill’s Garrison Command team conducted a traditional Army Birthday cake-cutting ceremony. The ceremony honored Sergeant First Class (Retired) Claude Triplett, a Vietnam Veteran and the oldest Soldier present, and Staff Sergeant Levi Newhouse, the youngest Soldier present.

Outdoor displays were a major highlight of the event, offering guests a hands-on look at the Army’s advanced equipment and capabilities employed at Fort A.P. Hill. Soldiers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Center presented a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and operational EOD equipment, demonstrating the unique tools used in real-world scenarios. The Army Reserve’s 310th Engineer Company presented the sophisticated bridging equipment that they would employee in support of Large Scale Combat Operations. RTI Research, part of U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, contributed an impressive array of Unmanned Aerial Systems, ranging from simple designs to highly complex models, sparking curiosity and interest among attendees, especially younger guests. These displays not only showcased the Army’s capabilities but also provided an opportunity for Soldiers to engage with the community and answer questions about their work and expertise.

Distinguished community leaders in attendance included Chief Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, Bowling Green Mayor Tina Gambill, delegates from the Bowling Green government, representatives from Essex County, Caroline County Public Schools, and members of the Fredericksburg Military Affairs Council. Their presence underscored the strong partnerships between Fort A.P. Hill and the surrounding communities, as well as the shared commitment to collaboration and mutual support.

The event strengthened bonds between Fort A.P. Hill and its community leaders, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for the Army’s 250 years of service and its continued dedication to defending the nation.

“For 250 years, the U.S. Army has dedicated itself to fighting and winning the nation’s wars. Nowhere is that more relevant than here at Fort A.P. Hill, where since 1941, we have focused on building readiness and lethality in the Army and across the Joint Force.”

– Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Bauer, Garrison Commander

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