Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, and Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner, command sergeant major, MCoE and Fort Benning, joined the local senior and junior National Guard members to hoist the ceremonial sabre, cutting the cake and marking the National Guard’s 385th birthday during a ceremony at Fort Benning Dec. 13.

(FORT BENNING, Ga) – Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, and Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner, command sergeant major, MCoE and Fort Benning, joined the local senior and junior National Guard members to hoist the ceremonial sabre, cutting the cake and marking the National Guard’s 385th birthday during a ceremony held Dec. 13. (U.S. Army photos by Patrick A. Albright, Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence Public Affairs)
(FORT BENNING, Ga) – Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, and Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner, command sergeant major, MCoE and Fort Benning, joined the local senior and junior National Guard members to hoist the ceremonial sabre, cutting the cake and marking the National Guard’s 385th birthday during a ceremony held Dec. 13. (U.S. Army photos by Patrick A. Albright, Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: PATRICK A ALBRGHT) VIEW ORIGINAL

“We have always served shoulder to shoulder with our National Guard brothers and sisters,” said Donahoe. “We need these individuals that would stand up and serve their fellow citizens.”

First established in Massachusetts during 1636, state militias were organized to serve their home states. Following the signing of the National Defense Act of 1916, state militias were formally renamed as the National Guard, with members swearing allegiance to both the United States and their home states.

(FORT BENNING, Ga) – Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, and Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner, command sergeant major, MCoE and Fort Benning, joined the local senior and junior National Guard members to hoist the ceremonial sabre, cutting the cake and marking the National Guard’s 385th birthday during a ceremony held Dec. 13. (U.S. Army photos by Patrick A. Albright, Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence Public Affairs)
(FORT BENNING, Ga) – Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, and Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick C. Garner, command sergeant major, MCoE and Fort Benning, joined the local senior and junior National Guard members to hoist the ceremonial sabre, cutting the cake and marking the National Guard’s 385th birthday during a ceremony held Dec. 13. (U.S. Army photos by Patrick A. Albright, Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence Public Affairs) (Photo Credit: PATRICK A ALBRGHT) VIEW ORIGINAL

“385 years of getting after it,” said Col. Shawn Gavan, Senior Guard Advisor to MCoE. “We will remain responsive to our communities and neighbors, while training to protect America’s interests. The Guard is always ready, always there.”

For photos, please visit https://fortbenning.smugmug.com/Maneuver-Center/MCoE-Events/2021-12-13-National-Guard-Birthday-/