DAEGU, South Korea -- “Since 1775 the Soldiers have been the strength of our nation,” said guest speaker Lt. Gen. John Johnson, 8th Army commander.
Soldiers and family members, from the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and their subordinate units, commemorated 236 years of history, heritage and tradition at the Army birthday ball June 4 at the Hotel Inter Burgo-EXCO.
City officials, Republic of Korea Army counterparts and Korean sponsors were also in attendance.
Army traditions heeded way to both nations’ anthems and flags when the 19th ESC color guard posted the colors as the ball began.
Toasts were given honoring the Republic of Korea and U.S. presidents, as well as the Army, command, Soldier and sister units of Area IV and Team Daegu.
The 2011 Army birthday ball highlighted the strength of the nation and where that strength originates.
“Our Soldiers are driven by the ideals of the Warrior Ethos and have committed themselves to succeed in any mission our nation has given them,” Johnson said. “Our Soldiers believe that our way of life and the freedom it guarantees are worth fighting for.”
A table set in white was placed at the front of the room to pay tribute to those fallen comrades who could not celebrate the Army’s 236th birthday. Attendees took a moment of silence to remember those who gave their lives to secure freedom and the right to celebrate such occasions as these.
Throughout history Soldiers have vowed to, if necessary, sacrifice their own lives to ensure freedom and democracy for thecitizens of the United States of America. Soldiers have honored that vow from the birth of our nation, to our current wars and conflicts.
“On June 14, 1775 at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the strength of our infant nation was the Army. And, the strength of our Army then, just as it is today, was the Soldiers and their families, who fought and sacrificed to oppose tyranny and oppression in our own home,” Johnson said. “Today’s Soldiers have emerged stronger and with a deeper commitment to the Army as a profession.”
The youngest Soldier in the unit, Pvt. Joshua Saez-Pacheco, at age 18, joined the 19th ESC commander, Brig. Gen. Thomas Harvey, and 19th ESC Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Connie to cut the Army’s birthday cake. All three of them grasped the saber and thrust it into the cake.
Soldiers, their spouses, children and friends reflected on the past year as a slide show played on screens throughout the ballroom as they ate dinner.
“My family is my everything. They are my world and my strength,” said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Palmer 188th Military Police Company. “They motivate me to preserve my Army career, because it’s not only my livelihood but something I am very proud of doing.”
The nation and its Soldiers derive strength from their families and their increasingly bigger role in the Army’s all volunteer force. Family members have cared for wounded Soldiers during various wars and have taken an active role in helping to improve the overall Army community.
“My husband has always supported me,” Palmer said, who attended the ball with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Palmer, 19th ESC G-3 Rear Operations noncommissioned officer. “He is definitely my backbone and strong base. Anytime I have a big project he is there to help me.”
After the formal portion was complete, guests took to the main floor. Soldiers grabbed their spouses, children and friends and danced the rest of the night away.
“In the Army it’s the people that matter, Soldiers and their families stepping forward to make the world a better place for all of us,” Johnson said.
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