FORT SILL, Okla. (June 18, 2015) -- About 600 of the Army's newest Soldiers, who haven't even started Basic Combat Training, learned about the history, mission, heritage and their role in the organization June 12, as the 95th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) celebrated the Army birthday at Fort Sill.
The Initial Entry Training Soldiers had been here anywhere from one to five days as they in-processed before they began BCT this week. The timing of their entry into the Army was special as the service turned 240 years old June 14.
"This is their first impression of the Army, and they are the future of the Army," said Capt. Sarah Hernandez, A Battery commander, whose drill sergeants receive busloads of recruits. "I want them to be instilled with motivation, and to take that into basic training."
This was the first time the battalion celebrated the birthday with IET Soldiers, said Maj. Francisco Vazquez, 95th AG executive officer. It was the idea of Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Atkinson, 95th AG CSM, as a way to ensure trainees see where the Army has been, and to get a right start in their own careers.
Guest speaker 1st Sgt. Derrick Dixon, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 95th AG, spoke about the history of the Army and Soldiers' roles to keep the country free.
The modern Army has its roots in the Continental Army, which was formed June 14, 1775, he explained to the trainees.
"Throughout history the Army has transformed to answer the call to defend the country from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts," Dixon said. "Over the past 20 years, the Army has focused its efforts on the Middle East and the War on Terrorism."
Lt. Col. Ralph Perkins IV, 95th AG commander, welcomed the Soldiers and said the Army was glad to have them. The commander explained the time-honored tradition of cutting the cake by a unit's youngest and oldest Soldiers.
Then the youngest Soldier Pvt. Charles Hembree, 17, of Pass Christian, Miss., and Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Brott, 53, violently took a swipe at the cake with a sword sending icing flying to the delight of the young men and women.
After the ceremony ended with a singing of "The Army Song," Soldiers lined up for a piece of cake.
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