On June 16, dozens of Army Medical Command Soldiers and supporters came together at Joint Base Myers-Henderson Hall for a special run in honor of the Army's 242nd birthday.
The group, led by Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West, embarked on a 3.5 mile run that took them through a number of historic areas.
"I had never been to Arlington National Cemetery prior to the run," said first-time participant Maj. Stephen A. Tolbert, Jr.
Tolbert, who recently joined WCT as the Deputy of the Soldier Services Directorate, says it was an honor to be led by the MEDCOM Commanding General on the trek, which was open to Army personnel and civilians.
Each year, installations across the country celebrate the Army Birthday (which is observed on June 14) in their own way.
Maj. Susan Hopper, WCT's Active Duty Medical Extension -- Medical Retention Processing Program Coordinator, has participated in a similar run twice at Fort Sam Houston, and was glad to take part in this year's event for the first time.
"Running alongside fellow Soldiers reminds me of the unity we share as brothers and sisters in Arms," Hopper said. "We encourage each other when someone looks like they are struggling. We even fall back with a battle buddy who is having a hard time keeping the pace. We start together and we finish together."
Like Tolbert, it was also Hopper's first time trudging the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
"Running through the large gates and suddenly stopping our cadence calling as we honored those who gave their lives was very humbling, "Hopper said. "It was a great way to honor the 242nd birthday of the US Army. HOOAH."
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