KILLEEN, Texas -- More than 600 Soldiers, civilians, and friends of Fort Hood gathered at the Killeen Civic Center to celebrate the patron saint of armor during the Saint Georges's Day Ball, hosted by III Corps, here April 23.
Saint George, a high-ranking soldier in the army of the emperor of Rome, martyred for his faith in 303 AD, is recognized as the patron saint of the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry branches and is considered by many to be the patron saint of mounted warfare.
"III Corps is the only armored corps in the Army and represents a significant portion of the of the Army's firepower. The units in the III Corps field approximately 700 M1 Abrams main battle tanks, more that 1,200 M2 and M3 Bradley Fighting and Cavalry vehicles, more than 1,000 M1126 Stryker vehicles, more than 400 helicopters and nearly 500 pieces of artillery. The number of armored vehicles and the amount of firepower III Corps provides when the nation calls certainly earns us our other nickname, "America's Hammer," said guest speaker Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General.
Commemorating the corps mounted warfare heritage in the spirit of camaraderie and tradition, the evening kicked off by awarding the Draper Armor Leadership award to Killer Troop, 4th Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment for best armor and cavalry unit. The award was also given to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment for best tank company.
Recognizing their leadership and contributions to the armor and cavalry branches, Command Sgt. Maj Alonzo Smith, III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major, Col. James Markert, and Col. Elmore Jones, received "knighthood" in to the honorable Order of Saint George.
"It was a tremendous honor that I didn't see it coming," said Smith. "What really made it significant to me was the presentation part, too many times in our Army we are just handed awards and to actually kneel to be knighted and be a part of that process had me pumped all weekend."
Following the presentation, an award, named in honor of the, heroine knight of France, Saint Joan of Arc, was given to Ann Marie Cox, Jenni Lai, and Sandra Smith, in appreciation for voluntarily contributing significantly to the overall welfare of the armor and cavalry units in III Corps.
"My wife was shocked," said Smith of his wife Sandra during her receipt of the Order of Saint Joan of Arc. "It was so special to watch her receive that kind of recognition."
Also presented to 25 service members and civilians, was the Nobel Patron of Armor award, given to those for their contributions to the operational success, or the morale and welfare of the armor and cavalry organizations.
Soldiers who are not assigned to the Armor or Cavalry units may wonder why the legend of Saint George should matter to them and McFarland reminded Soldiers that each member of III Corps, is a member of the Army's primary mounted warfare force.
"Each and every Phantom Warrior must exemplify the traits of Saint George -- courage, expertise in the mounted warfare, and the willingness to ride to the sound of the guns to defeat our nations enemies," he said.
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