PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — Colleagues from across Picatinny Arsenal joined Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition and Picatinny Commanding General, to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday on Saturday. This year’s event broke attendance records for the annual ball with nearly 600 Soldiers, civilians, contractors, and their families attending the birthday gala and awards presentation, held this year at Birchwood Manor in Whippany, N.J.
The gala ball was the culmination of activities held at Picatinny during the week to honor the Army’s quarter millennium milestone. Other events included a 5K run and BBQ for around 300 base personnel. The events drove home the importance of this year’s birthday and the essential role the Army has played in American history.
“The beacon of freedom that America represents to the world has been protected and kept alight by the sacrifice and devotion of American Soldiers. And it is a role we are honored to continue for the next 250 years,” said Reim during remarks at the gala. He went on to praise the Picatinny workforce for their commitment to the Army and the nation. “I see a dedicated group that works hard to support our Warfighters. A group who strives each day to maintain the Arsenal of Democracy, so it can supply our troops and allies for generations to come.”
Erica Jeffries Purdo, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, delivered the keynote address, thanking Picatinny for its dedication and hard work. Picatinny Arsenal was also presented with several awards from local municipalities and the state of New Jersey to honor its role in supporting the Warfighter.
Festivities during this year’s gala included bourbon and scotch tasting, cigar rolling, gourmet coffee tasting, 360-photo booth, and a hand-filled cannoli station. Attendees toasted the country and the Army, remembered fallen comrades, and enjoyed fireworks, along with dinner and dancing.
In addition to celebrating the Army’s birthday, the newest members of the All Saint’s Awards were inducted into their respective orders – the Order of Saint Barbara (artillery), Order of Saint Maurice (infantry), Order of Samuel Sharp (ordnance), Order of de Fleury (engineer), Order of Saint George (armor), Order of Saint Martin (quartermaster), and the Order of Saint Michael (aviation). The All Saint’s Awards recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to their fields over their military or government careers.
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