Independence Day: What it means to the TACOM workforce

By Chloe SeymourJuly 17, 2014

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The kids are illuminated by lightning bugs and sparklers as they chase each other through the yard. While you finish off the last of the barbeque, an American flag on the backyard flagpole catches a slight breeze -- you can hear fireworks erupting from the neighbor's house.

It's the Fourth of July. Or, more formally, Independence Day; the day Americans declared their independence from British rule.

Earlier this month, families around the country gathered to celebrate our nation's birth. Interestingly, the original draft of America's independence was signed on July 2, 1776, with a refined draft signed on July 4, 1776. Though the founding fathers declared America's official independence in 1776, the declaration, contrary to popular belief, did not kick off the Revolutionary War. The battles of Lexington and Concord, in April 1775 in Massachusetts, initiated the conflict. Though the United States of America was birthed from conflict, our nation has become the world's greatest protector through the continued dedication of our servicemen and servicewomen, and those citizens, like TACOM employees, that remain committed to freedom.

This year, we wanted to hear directly from the TACOM LCMC workforce about their Fourth of July traditions and how the meaning of Independence Day affects their holiday.

Our traditions

Most TACOM employees indicated that they would be spending the day with food, friends, fireworks and family. Others responded with special Independence Day traditions that make their holiday truly extraordinary:

"Our tradition is a mudslide that's on a hill that gets drenched with water and you slide down as fast as possible. Furthest person out wins and holds the record!"

-- Amanda Campbell, Administrative Assistant, Detroit Arsenal Child Development Center

"We have a pontoon boat parade and everyone decorates their vessel with the stars and stripes!"

-- Aaron Geister, Equipment Specialist, TACOM Integrated Logistics Support Center

"We usually do a neighborhood firework show and invite friends and family over. The kids will have some type of water activity, and we always pause to remember why we celebrate this day."

-- Jonathan Bush, Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Inspector, Red River Army Depot

Remembering the price of freedom

For most TACOM employees, Fourth of July is a reminder of why Americans are free. Whether sharing stories of military service, or of Independence Days past, each respondent's Fourth of July held special, individual meaning:

"As a National Guard Soldier and Department of the Army Civilian, I understand freedom is not free and requires constant sacrifice. I enjoy the time off with family and friends. There have been many times I have been away serving our country. I also say a prayer for those still in harm's way."

-- Damean McDowell, System Acquisition Manager, Program Executive Office, Combat Support & Combat Service Support

"July Fourth reminds me of the great sacrifices and resulting achievements of our country's forefathers while relying on God's protection. Creating a new form of government for the first time, a shot heard 'round the world, the government now receives its powers from we, the people, each of us! The government is dependent upon us, and we have the blessings of liberty. Now that's personal independence!"

-- Barbara Ann Thomas, Bridging Engineer, Sustainment, U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center

"It is a celebration of the American idea, that people of diverse cultures and backgrounds can come together and decide to cooperate with each other to govern collaboratively and secure each other's freedoms. The United States wasn't the world's first democracy, but it was the first nation to recognize the inherent sovereignty of the individual citizen."

-- Anthony Sclafani, Chief, Business Management Division, TACOM Materiel Systems Organization

The true meaning of Independence Day

Though families across the country celebrate our nation and our hard-fought freedoms on Independence Day, the holiday seemed to hold an even greater significance for TACOM employees:

"I think that the Fourth of July has a special meaning for TACOM employees. It's a time to reflect on what our freedom truly means and the sacrifices made to ensure our freedom. Working for the Department of the Army is an honor and a privilege."

-- Laura Runco, Human Resources Analyst, Army Contracting Command-Warren

"We as Army civilians are under oath to serve this nation. With our focus on our warfighters, we too make a difference in America's freedom. We at TACOM, I believe, are a little more patriotic than the average man on the street, as we are a little closer to the heart of this nation's strength. We are a little more grateful for the efforts and sacrifices. We share a common bond with our Soldiers that drives each of us to do the best we can at our jobs."

-- Margaret Hill, Logistics Specialist, TACOM Integrated Logistics Support Center

"Our jobs are to support the warfighters. We see every day the results of their efforts to preserve our freedoms and keep us safe. We know that they are depending on us to supply them with the equipment that they need to do their jobs and return home safely. The Fourth of July is a time to pause, for just a moment, and be thankful for all that they do today, and for the many that have gone before them."

-- Barbara Callaway, Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Inspector, Red River Army Depot