First Army deputy commander visits Chicago for Armed Forces Ball

CHICAGO - May is National Military Appreciation Month with Armed Forces Day celebrated as one of the month's many military commemorations.

Maj. Gen. Charles Whittington Jr., Deputy Commanding General for Operations, First Army, visited Chicago, May 20, 2017, to celebrate, as the keynote speaker, at the Union League Club, Chicago's annual Armed Forces Ball.

Whittington welcomed the servicemen and women from each branch of service there to include former Army sergeant Allen Lynch, Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Whittington shared the history of the American military across the conflicts of the twentieth century, and the status of the force around the globe today. He shared the difficulties that the military is currently facing with a force of 1.3 million active duty troops and more than 800,000 serving in the reserve and guard components.

"General Mark Milley, the army's chief of staff has been quite clear to what his priorities are. Readiness is the army's number one priority," said Whittington. "There are no other number ones."

Following Whittington's remarks, Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Lt. Col. George Pina, Chicago Military Academy in Bronzeville, was awarded several recognitions for his accomplishments obtained during his four years in JROTC. Amongst the awards were the Pritzker Military Library Distinguished Cadet award, and challenge coins from Whittington and retired Maj. Gen. John Scully, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the State of Illinois.

National observances during National Military Appreciation Month include

Loyalty Day, Public Service Recognition Week, Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.