19th ESC celebrates Army’s 239th Birthday

Photo By Sgt. Dong-weon Kim | The commander and the command sergeant major of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert F. Austin, cut the birthday cake along with two Soldiers, June 13.  

CAMP WALKER, 27, SOUTH KOREA

06.13.2014

Courtesy Story

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

CAMP WALKER, South Korea — The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command celebrated the 239th Army Birthday with a reception hosted by the commander, Brig. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, June 13.

This year’s event included a streamer ceremony, cake cutting, and comments from Army leadership.

The evening began with a streamer ceremony. Soldiers were dressed in various uniforms representing certain eras of Army history. Each Soldier hung battle streamers on the Army colors as a narrator recounted famous campaigns.

Following the ceremony, those in attendance heard from Army leadership. Video messages from the Army’s chief of staff and sergeant major of the Army played on large televisions. In addition to U.S. leaders, the guests also heard from a living legend.

Gen. Paik, Sun-yup, the Republic of Korea’s first general, sent congratulatory remarks and recounted his experiences working with the U.S. Army to repel the North Korean forces during the Korean War.

Farmen took the stage after the video messages and stressed the importance of people and their professionalism in the success of the Army.

“The Army is you, it is us,” said Farmen. “We remember our comrades who’ve given their blood and devotion and sacrificed to preserve and protect all we hold dear over the last 239 years. We make up a great force. It is our profession."

Master Sgt. Stephanie Alston, G-4 senior supply sergeant, helped create the evening’s atmosphere by providing a key component to any birthday celebration.

“Everyone enjoys the cake cutting ceremony and I prepared it for the Army Ball this year," said Alston. “I was pleased everyone enjoyed it.”

Also in attendance were Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army, or KATUSAs. Pfc. Ko Byung-in, 19th ESC G-3 future operations administration specialist, had the opportunity to sing the Korean national anthem.

“It has been a great experience to sing our National Anthem on behalf of South Korean army,” said Ko. "I was privileged to be invited to one of the Army’s biggest parties and I enjoyed experiencing the U.S. military culture."

This year’s celebration included a historic look back at our heritage while also focusing on professionalism and the core Army values.

• Date Taken: 06.13.2014
• Date Posted: 06.17.2014 01:47
• Story ID: 133319
• Location: CAMP WALKER, 27, KR