McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. -- Mission Training Center Bliss celebrated the 106th U.S. Army Reserve birthday here April 23, 2014 with Texas Army Reserve Ambassador Olin Brewster during ceremonial cake cutting traditions at the McGregor Range dining facility.
Soldiers from all components -- National Guard, Army Reserve and Active Duty -- filled the dining hall. Some were on their regular lunch break, enjoying the chance to taste the commemorative black and gold Army Reserve birthday cake.
Brewster's message was clear: the Army Reserve has been a crucial part of the success in defending this nation for more than a century.
"The Army Reserve, just like the rest of us, is an institution built on trust and confidence," said Brewster.
The trust and confidence built upon by Reserve Soldiers like Staff Sgt. Heather Holter, of Hartford, Connecticut, training non-commissioned officer for 5th Armored Brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, who has been with the brigade for six years.
"I absolutely love it," said Holter. "It's really a privilege."
Holter has served in the Army Reserve for more than 10 years, and over half that has been on active duty in support of ongoing operations in the Middle East and Guantanamo Bay. In her civilian career before coming onto active duty, she worked as a preschool teacher.
"I never saw myself growing to be a Soldier," she said. "I get the best of both worlds. I get to be a Soldier and teach kids. I never saw that coming."
Holter stood with Brewster and Col. Robert Thompson, commander of 1st Brigade (Forward), Southern Division, 75th Training Command, to cut the commemorative cake.
"It was an honor to share in the cake cutting to commemorate the 106th birthday for the U.S. Army Reserve," Holter said.
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