WSMR celebrates at Army Birthday Ball

By Miriam RodriguezJune 17, 2025

Color Guard
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The WSMR Color Guard at the start of the June 14 Army Ball. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Ball team
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left: WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. George Turner, Richard M. Jackson, the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo at the June 14 Army Ball held at the Las Cruces Convention Center. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL
Cake cutting
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – From left: WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jamal Latore, WSMR’s youngest Soldier Pvt. Makenah Garbulinski, and WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. George Turner, and did the honors of cutting the cake as WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo looks on June 14 at the Army Ball. (Photo Credit: Miriam Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL

White Sands Missile Range celebrated the Army’s 250th Birthday during the Army Birthday Ball June 14 at the Las Cruces Convention Center along with members of the local communities.

The U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration honors the sacrifices, achievements, and true spirit of American warriors. Since its official establishment on June 14, 1775 - more than a year before the Declaration of Independence – the U.S. Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation.

The evening started off with the presentation of the colors and campaign streamer ceremony.

WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. George Turner and Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo welcomed guests to the event.

“We are gathered here at this moment to honor the sacrifices, achievements and true spirit of American warriors who have served,” Turner said.

Richard M. Jackson, the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, was the guest speaker.

“What an honor to be here tonight. This evening, we celebrate 250 years of freedom in this great nation,” Jackson said.

WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. George Turner, WSMR Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jamal Latore and WSMR’s youngest Soldier Pvt. Makenah Garbulinski did the honors of cutting the cake.