In the spring of 1775 Britain's military was waging war was upon a fledgling America fighting for independence. Ten companies of riflemen were assembled to become the Continental Army by order of the Continental Congress June 14. Thus the Army was born.
Two days later the Finance Corps was established.
"We are celebrating a two-for-one, the Army's 244th birthday and the Finance Corps birthday," said Finance Corps Regiment and Financial Management School Command Sgt. Maj. Gennaro Penn. "We invited our privates, Basic Officer Leaders Course students, Senior Leaders Course students and cadre from around the post and school."
More than 100 Soldiers attended the ceremony that opened with a video highlighting the history and deeds of the Finance Corps from the Revolutionary War to today's current military operations and conflicts. The corps has handled the financing of every American military conflict by sustaining operations through purchasing and acquiring supplies and services. This includes financing military contracts and vendors, ensuring Soldiers receive their pay and incentives, creating and balancing budgets and all other financial matters that keep the Army running.
The video also remembered the financial management Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. At the time of this writing, roughly 140 financial management Soldiers have died in defense of the nation.
"For 244 years we have evolved to where we are now," Penn said. "I want you to enjoy this party because it's for you."
The U.S. Army Financial Management School commandant and Chief of the Finance Corps Col. Richard A. Hoerner, along with Penn and the youngest Finance Corps Soldier cut a cake with a ceremonial non-commissioned officer's saber.
"It was pretty crazy (cutting the cake). I was glad I was given the opportunity," said Pvt. Devin Rorrer, the youngest financial management student at just 18 years old. "The birthday celebration was well put together."
Once the cake was cut, attendees gathered around the cake with cups of juice and soda to join Hoerner and Penn for a toast to the corps. To close out the celebration, Soldiers and their civilian counterparts ate cake and socialized with one another and the command team.
"Thanks for all you do and your service," Hoerner said. "Happy birthday."
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