FORT BRAGG, N.C. - In keeping with Fort Bragg's tradition of leading the way, its paratroopers celebrated the Army's 235th birthday a little early with a four-mile run Tuesday morning. Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick and Command Sgt. Maj.Earl Rice, the senior leaders of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, kept the pace for the over 8,000 paratroopers running behind them.
Soldiers representing the many facets of Fort Bragg participated, from the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division's brigade combat teams to the garrison staff and Soldiers attending the XVIII Abn. Corps and Fort Bragg Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Some Fort Bragg's warriors in transition also ran with the corps, carrying their unit's colors with pride.
At the end of the run, it became a true birthday celebration as Fort Bragg's youngest and oldest Soldiers cut the large cake to reward the paratroopers with a slice of the nontraditional breakfast food.
As the paratroopers dispersed to shower and head to work, one Soldier shouted above the rest, "It's just another fine airborne day. Hooah!"
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