Natick celebrates 240th Army Birthday

By Bob Reinert/USAG Natick Public AffairsJune 16, 2015

Natick celebrates 240th Army Birthday
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NATICK, Mass. (June 16, 2015) -- The Natick Soldier Systems Center observed the 240th Army Birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony June 12 in Hunter Auditorium.

Before the cake was cut and served, Col. Mark R. Withers of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine addressed the gathering. He noted that the Army was born less than 20 miles away, on Cambridge Common, in 1775.

"We have come a long way in almost two and a half centuries," Withers said. "In the dire days of the Continental Army, we recall, Washington's troops faced shortages of food, of supplies, of medicine, of ammunition, and at times, very serious shortages of morale."

As Withers pointed out, the Army more than overcame that shaky start.

"Today, our Army is more flexible, more innovative, and certainly much better resourced to face the complex challenges that confront us," Withers said. "Ensuring the nation's liberty has been the Army's proud and sacred duty since its earliest days."

Withers made reference to famous battles in the Army's history: Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, Normandy, Pusan, Ia Drang and Fallujah. He added that the Army has been on the offensive against "violent extremists" for more than 14 years now.

"In our time, we have served as not only Soldiers, but as diplomats, teachers, social workers -- not just warfighters, but as peacekeepers," Withers said. "In a word, we have been asked to be more professional in our soldiering than previous generations. And for longer durations.

"Fresh challenges emerge, even in this morning's headlines. But with every new challenge, and without fail, this Army has risen to the occasion."

For 60 of those 240 years, said Withers, "Natick has helped ensure that the Soldier has every possible technological advantage on the battlefield. At USARIEM, we are on the forefront of research that continues to change the Army. The 'physical demands' study conducted by USARIEM on behalf of TRADOC will set the new standards for all military occupational skills and determine what a Soldier -- regardless now of gender -- needs to do to perform her or his job."

Product Manager Force Sustainment Systems at Natick has also made important contributions, Withers said.

"The PM-FSS has developed a quality living space for Soldiers when deployed," Withers said. "And not only are the Force Provider kits being used by Soldiers at the FOBs, but the United Nations is purchasing them for use in settings around the world."

Withers said that the people of NSSC should be proud of the hard work they had done to keep Soldiers safe.

"And everyone here should experience a well-deserved surge of pride seeing a news report of returning Soldiers and being mindful that the work you do here has helped to protect them as they defend us," Withers said.

He reminded the audience that the Army's story is truly America's story.

"We are a place where anyone with a desire to serve, an ability to perform, and a drive to excel can achieve great things," Withers said.

Withers said the current generation of Soldiers bears the burden -- and privilege -- of carrying on for past generations extending all the way back to the War for Independence.

"Please take a moment today to remember our Soldiers, and the other service members, who are now serving in harm's way," said Withers, "and the families who are supporting them."