FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Fort Belvoir Installation Commander Col. Jerry Blixt and Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane were joined by the commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, Tuesday, to accept a proclamation from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors naming the week of June 14-20 "Army Strong" week.
The proclamation was announced at the board's regular meeting and will be recognized throughout the county. The U.S. Army celebrates its 235th birthday June 14.
After a demonstration and presentation of the colors by an ensemble of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, Sharon Bulova, chairman of the board of supervisors, read the proclamation.
"The Army's birthday is an opportunity to acknowledge the values, give us strength of character and honor us as a nation," Bulova said. "We are grateful for the community ties and partnerships between Fort Belvoir, the military community of Belvoir and Fairfax County."
Supervisor Jeff McKay of Lee District acknowledged the work Blixt has done as the installation commander.
"I am very appreciative of the relationship we have with the Army. We have a lot of challenges with Base Realignment and Closure, as you all know, but we also have a lot of success stories, as well," McKay said. "I want to particularly say to Col. Blixt, because I know he is moving on to another assignment, that the community is very grateful for your service. Col. Blixt's door has always been open to me, other members of this board and to the community."
Horst spoke about the relationship between Soldiers and the community.
"On behalf of the Department of the Army, Joint Force Headquarters National NCR and MDW, our Soldiers, our families and our civilians, thank you, for your continued support and acknowledgement of the contributions of the Army," Horst said. "We are proud to be neighbors and proud to call you our friends. Our families are an active part of your communities and we are Army Strong from those relationships."
Both Blixt and Berhane echoed those same sentiments.
"On behalf of all Soldiers, family members of Fort Belvoir, we thank you for this proclamation on the Army's birthday," Berhane said. "We are proud of the partnership we have with the county and thank you very much for all you do for our Soldiers."
Blixt thanked everyone and noted their success is a team effort.
"This is a team effort and I am personally touched by everything that has been said today," Blixt said. "I couldn't do anything without the Command Sgt. Maj or [Maj. Gen.] Horst.
"We will overcome all of our challenges together," Blixt said.
Closing out the ceremony was a surprise resolution from Bulova, recognizing Blixt for his work in the community and his impact and commitment for the best quality of life for our nation's Soldiers.
"Blixt exemplifies the highest standards of leadership the nation expects of the Army's commanders," Bulova said. "The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors hereby commends and congratulate [Blixt] for his steadfast leadership, valued service and contributions to Fairfax County."
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