U.S. Army Central celebrated the 241st birthday of the Army at Patton Hall, June 14. Brig. Gen. David Glaser, chief of staff, USARCENT and Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Dostie, command sergeant major, USARCENT, lead 'Patton's Own' with a cake-cutting ceremony, a recognition ceremony for soldiers who scored 270 or higher on their latest Army physical fitness test, and a 2.41 mile fun-run.
"American soldiers have led the way for 241 years and will continue to lead in protecting the nation and defending the Constitution," said Col. Wayne Marotto, public affairs officer, USARCENT. "I am proud to be part of the greatest team on earth."
The U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. This year's Army Birthday theme was "The American Soldier -- Always, Ready, Always Leading."
Following Army tradition, the oldest and youngest soldiers standing in formation helped Glaser and Dostie cut the Army birthday cake prior to the run. Pfc. Matthew Roverso, stood as the youngest soldier in formation. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Linda Todman-Howard, was the oldest soldier in formation.
"It was funny being the youngest person out of everyone," said Roverso a geospatial engineer assigned to USARCENT. "But I was told it's a tradition so it was nice to be part of something that's happened for longer than I've been alive."
The Army birthday run corresponds with the social media campaign Earn Your Cake, which aims to encourage fitness along with celebrating the Army's birthday.
Todman-Howard, a senior all source intelligence technician, said being able to cut the cake was a career milestone and is proud to be able to represent the Army. She also stated getting as far as she has, is all about attitude and reminds soldiers that she can still achieve excellence and surpass them on the Army Physical Fitness Test.
"I tell soldiers one day you will hit this mark whether you're in the Army or not and hopefully, all will be well with the world and you've done your part to make it better," said Todman-Howard.
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