INSCOM celebrates the U.S. Army’s 245th Birthday

By Nathan BeckerJune 12, 2020

The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) celebrates the 245th Army Birthday with a ceremony recognizing the U.S. Army’s legacy of defending and protecting America at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 9. The event, which includes a...
The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) celebrates the 245th Army Birthday with a ceremony recognizing the U.S. Army’s legacy of defending and protecting America at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, June 9. The event, which includes a special cake-cutting ceremony, is celebrated annually throughout the Army and typically invites the oldest, or wisest, and youngest members of the command to cut a birthday cake with a ceremonial saber. (From left to right) Col. Howard F. Cantrell, INSCOM chaplain; Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kevin G. Boughton, INSCOM command chief warrant officer; Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, INSCOM commanding general; Sgt. Maj. Stanley L. Hall, Jr., INSCOM acting command sergeant major; and Pfc. Tyrell I. Jones, supply specialist, participated in the ceremony. (Photo Credit: Joy Brathwaite) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) celebrated the 245th Army birthday with a virtual ceremony at the Nolan Building here, June 9.

The event, which includes a special cake-cutting ceremony, is celebrated annually throughout the Army and typically invites the oldest, or wisest, and youngest members of the command to cut a birthday cake with a ceremonial saber.

The official party, led by Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, INSCOM commanding general, included Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kevin G. Boughton, INSCOM command chief warrant officer; Sgt. Maj. Stanley L. Hall, Jr., INSCOM acting command sergeant major; Col. Howard F. Cantrell, INSCOM chaplain and wisest member; and Pfc. Tyrell I. Jones, supply specialist and youngest member of the command.

Normally attended by hundreds of members of the command and honored guests, due to social distancing requirements caused by the coronavirus, this year’s ceremony was recorded for the entire command to celebrate online, June 12.

In his remarks, Johnston wished a happy birthday to every Soldier, Civilian and Family member at INSCOM and across the entire U.S. Army.

“This is your birthday, because it is you, the people, that give the U.S. Army its heartbeat,” said Johnston. “It is you that give it life. It is you who make the U.S. Army the special organization it is today.”

The Army theme for this year is “Our People” highlighting the message, “America’s Army: When We Are Needed, We Are There."

On June 14, 1775, the Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress for the purpose of common defense and on June 14, 2020, we recognize 245 years of defending and protecting America, and salute the generations of Soldiers who have answered the call to serve.