WIESBADEN, Germany - U.S. Army Europe's National Guard celebrated their components birthday with a cake cutting ceremony on Clay Kaserne Dec 14.
Birthdays are a time to remember the past and celebrate the future, but for the Army National Guard it is also a time to honor achievement and sacrifice, as the U.S. Army National Guard celebrates 381 years of service to the Army and the Nation Dec. 13, 2017.
Tradition calls for the senior leader, joined by the oldest and youngest Soldiers, to cut the cake together. Senior commander Maj. Gen. John Gronski, U.S. Army Europe's Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard, led the ceremonial festivities.
Sgt. Maj. Dianne Ellwein, age 57, Reserve Component Command career counselor, U.S. Army Europe, represented the oldest Soldier and was joined by youngest Soldier, 1st Lt. Matthew Eldridge, age 25, G6 exercise planner, U.S. Army Europe.
The National Guard has been serving and protecting citizens since 1636. It is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions.
Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, more than 650, 000 Guard members have been called up by their states and the Federal government to provide security at home and to combat terrorism abroad.
"Although our Guard has evolved alongside our country, and our security environment has changed, our organizing principle of part-time Citizen, Soldier, and Airman remains constant as the core of our strength, and the foundation of who we are. We will be Always Ready...Always There! Happy Birthday, National Guard!" stated Gen. Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
The National Guard's vision represents three missions. To fight America's war, secure the homeland, and build partnerships. These missions are intertwined, where the capability built in one strengthens and reinforces the others.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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