And so it begins - not only does the Ordnance Corps mark its 197th anniversary this year, but it will also close the chapter on the U.S. Army Ordnance Center and Schools' 90-year history at Aberdeen Proving Ground as Phase I of the BRAC initiative begins its task of moving the schools to Fort Lee, Va., this May.
Beginning the week of May 4, the schools will host the final Ordnance Week at APG, ending with the casing of the school colors and a farewell ball at Top of the Bay.
Activities begin May 6 when the Ordnance Corps Association hosts its annual golf tournament, sponsored in part by many local merchants.
On May 7, the schools will begin to welcome a ground swell of current and prior service members, as well as their spouses who will attend various seminars including a briefing on the future of the schools.
May 7 also continues with another time-honored tradition as the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame inducts 14 new members into its ranks, with such notables as Bernard Baruch founder of Baruch College. Baruch was also senior statesman and advisor to presidents from Woodrow Wilson to John F. Kennedy on economics and industry. Louis Dellamonica, born in 1912, is the oldest living recipient of this award. Dellamonica started with the Ordnance Corps in 1941 and retired in January 2007.
The honored list continues with Lt. Gen., Richard Hack, Maj. Gens. Ray McCoy, John Raaen Jr. and Joseph Raffiani, and Col. Patrick Button, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Campbell, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Baskum LeMaster, Command Sgts. Maj. Timothy Ayers, David Stewart and Tyler Walker II, and Karen Farren, each of whom have left their indelible marks within the Corps.
On May 8 Brig. Gen. Lynn Collyar, chief of Ordnance and OC&S commander, will preside over the casing of the schools colors ceremony which will take place in Ordnance Circle in front of the corps' headquarters building. Preparation has already begun to receive the many dignitaries, news media, local residence and APG employees who will be coming to witness this historic event.
The uncasing ceremony will take place at Fort Lee, Va., which will be announced at a later date.
(Author's note: On a personal note, for those attending the Colors Casing Ceremony, especially any Soldier moving forward to Fort Lee, I would like to ask one favor - please take a moment to glance down at the sod you are standing on that day--picture the imprint of all the boots that once stood there, then proudly gather its energy into your heart before you move out...because...after all - we shall leave no comrade behind. Go Ordnance!)
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