One Army, Indivisible: APG Honors the Profession through Service
ABDEEN PROVING GROUND, Maryland -- "Thank you for your service," said the young sergeant to the aging World War II Veteran seated before him. "We're all deeply grateful for your bravery and actions on D-Day." The words were clear, concise and echoed the poignancy of an occasion honoring service and the Army Profession: "One Army, Indivisible."
As members of America's Army, the Soldiers and Civilians of Team Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) annually reaffirm and reflect on the privilege of service during the "Why We Serve" program established by APG Senior Commander and Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, in 2014.
On Wednesday, more than 750 APG Teammates and guests once again gathered under their shared identity of 'Trusted Army Professionals' for the 3rd Annual Why We Serve event at Myer Auditorium. Energizing the theme of "Ready to Serve -- Accountable to the Nation," guest Keynote Speaker Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, the Army's Deputy to the Inspector General, joined Crawford to renew a focus on service to the Nation, built on values, standards and mutual trust.
"Today, we stop and pause to not only celebrate who we are as an Army," Crawford said "but to reaffirm our Oath, our commitment to service of our Nation. All of APG stands here, proud and fully visible for all to see us as we support the Army theme of 'One Army, Indivisible' and readiness of our Army as the number one priority."
Crawford went on to welcome all in attendance: Enlisted Soldiers; Officers; General Officers; members of the Senior Executive Service; Department of the Army Civilians; Military Veterans, Community organizations and ten of the Defense Department's newest service members who would be ceremoniously taking their oath of enlistment for the first time.
Crawford took the occasion to recognize distinguished guests, especially Gold Star Mothers and Families led by Maryland Chapter President Janice Chance, for tirelessly provide unyielding support to the installation and completing the APG team framework.
"You continue to be the conscience of the Nation when it comes to sacrifice, when it comes to perseverance, when it comes to keeping the faith that our Nation will never forget… it's fallen and their families.'
Crawford was also honored to welcome World War II Veterans Francis Sparr and Milton Leigh as "two representatives of our Greatest Generation," and the "absolute foundation on which this country was built." He encouraged future generations, like the new enlistees in the audience, to take heed of their stories of service and sacrifice.
Maj. Gen. Smith, who serves as Deputy to the Inspector General, Office of the Secretary of the Army in the Pentagon, followed Crawford and addressed the crowd with focused video, jovial audience interaction and pointed words.
"I am an American Soldier," Smith started. "I am a warrior and a member of the Army team. I will support Army values and serve as I must. It is that simple."
Smith went on to show a short video entitled "The Army Profession" that discussed the five Army tenets of Trust, Military Expertise, Honorable Service, Esprit de Corps and Stewardship. When completed, Smith tasked military and civilians alike to help him expand upon those in an audience-participation format. He used the format to tie the journey of the process into context for the past and future of those in the audience.
"These five items comprise the Army Profession," Smith said. "These five items are 'Why We Serve'. Yes, we learned from the greatest generation. They set the conditions by which we operate today. And the future enlistees and their families will serve as well and learn from us. And we will be there to serve them as well.
"As we reaffirm the present, with an eye to the future, I say to those embarking on that journey today, don't question the process but trust it."
In closing, Smith challenged the crowd with be mindful to plant the seeds for the future now.
"I want to task all of you here and now to go out and tell your story. Tell folks why you serve. It is not boastful, but it is important that you have the ability and opportunity to talk to young people who are looking to find their way. To make their marks. Tell your story to challenge them to do all they have the ability to do. That is why we serve. Army Strong."
In addition to remarks and keynote addresses, the event included stirring musical renditions by APG's own "Togetherness" musical group, and the reaffirmation of oaths by attending Officers, Enlisted Soldiers and Civil Servants.
The crowning achievement of the event was symbolized with the enlistment of ten new recruits into the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Upon concluding the oath, Crawford, Smith and CECOM Command Sergeant Major Matthew D. McCoy passed through the ranks of the newly enlisted and offered hearty handshakes of congratulations and words of luck and encouragement.
"We serve so that these future leaders of tomorrow can operate as an indivisible team -- a total force of Army Soldiers and Civilians," said Crawford. "They can advance and take the lessons gifted by 'Our Greatest Generation' with them into the future."
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