Seven 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers extended their Army careers during a Pentagon Courtyard Army Birthday cake-cutting ceremony June 11.
While commemorating the Army's 240th birthday in the June heat and humidity, Old Guard Soldiers re-enlisting were Sgts. Daniel J. Miller, Jacob M. Rebecca and Spcs. Todd D. Kline, Elliot N. Lamb, Jesse J. Todd, Zachary J. Topham and Sean R. Stabler.
In his speech to a crowd totaling close to 300, which included Soldiers and Pentagon staff, Secretary of the Army John McHugh gave a brief history of the early evolution of the American Soldier and commented on readiness and the year-after-year June heat.
"In my last six years as secretary, I've learned at least two things that are certain in life. Number one: When there's trouble somewhere, the United States Army will be there, and number two: When you have an Army Birthday celebration outside, it will be hotter than hell," McHugh said to laughter.
Before administering the re-enlistment oath, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel Allyn spoke of the men and women of the Army's all-volunteer force which has now entered its fifth decade of operation.
"Our Army remains the rock of stability in an unpredictable world," Allyn said. "Our all-volunteer force is now 40-years young and stronger and more resilient than ever. And after 13-plus years of war, we remain strong. The Army continues to attract and retain the nation's most talented men and women."
One of those re-upping to stay aboard with the Army family was Spc. Sean R. Stabler, who is a member of The Old Guard's funeral firing party detail. Stabler made the decision to re-enlist for three additional years, and he was proud to re-affirm his commitment at the Pentagon's Army Birthday party.
"This is just another opportunity to continue to serve my country," said Delta Company's Stabler. "This is a big honor to actually be here and doing this. I figured this is a once-and-a-lifetime opportunity, and I figured to try it out and do it."
After the re-enlistment, members of The Old Guard recited the Soldiers' Creed, then the guest star of the party - a 5-foot by 3-foot birthday cake - was wheeled front and center. McHugh and Allyn were joined by the Army's oldest active-duty Soldier Col. Arthur Wittich and the youngest, Pvt. Cody Clark, for the ceremonial cake cutting.
Additional support for the ceremony was provided by Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall's The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own," who entertained with pre-ceremony music, and The band's Sgt. 1st Class Robert Burner sung the national anthem.
According to the The U.S. Army Center of Military History, the Army was founded by a congressional vote on June 14, 1775.
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