Eighth Army holds U.S. Army Birthday Ball in Seoul

By Cpl. Hong Joon-sung, Eighth Army Public AffairsJune 21, 2011

Eighth Army holds U.S. Army Birthday Ball in Seoul
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SEOUL - The U.S. Army Birthday Ball was held here at the Seoul Grand Hyatt Hotel June 10 to celebrate the Army's 236th birthday.

Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. John D. Johnson, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert A. Winzenried, command sergeant major for United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, U.S. Forces Korea and Eighth Army and retired Republic of Korea Army Gen. Paik Sun-yup, the first four-star general in ROK Army, were present to recognize U.S. Army’s great traditions.

Johnson showed his gratitude toward the guests, sponsors and especially the NCOs for their crucial role in setting the event up.

“This entire fair is an NCO run affair," Johnson said. "Sergeant majors in United States Army put this together."

The guest speaker for the night, Gen. Walter L. Sharp, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. He started his speech with a roll call.

Sharp said that the U.S. Army has been defending freedom for almost two and a half centuries.

“Our Soldiers have fought against tyranny around the world first on foot, then by horse and now we fight using tanks, Strykers, unmanned aerial vehicles and vast amount of technological systems,” said Sharp.

Sharp also emphasized the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance.

In addition, a ceremony was held to promote Sharp, who is leaving Korea this summer, to an honorary Command Sergeant Major.

Related Links:

Eighth Army Web site

236th U.S. Army Birthday