Top US enlisted soldier in Afghanistan reflects on 236 years of soldiering

Photo By Master Sgt. Michael O'Connor | Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, the Command Sergeant Major of the International Security Assistance Force/ U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, spoke about past and present history of the U.S. Army during an observance day ceremony June 14 in honor or the Army's 236th birthday. The ceremony was held at the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul and approximately 200 soldiers and coalition forces attended.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.14.2011

Story by Master Sgt. Michael O'Connor 

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, the command sergeant major of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, spoke about past and present history of today’s Army during an observance day ceremony held today at ISAF Headquarters in honor of the Army’s 236th birthday.

Approximately 200 fellow soldiers and coalition forces attended the ceremony in which Hill, an Army veteran of 33-plus years, discussed the importance of the U.S. Soldier’s Creed and Warrior Ethos, the Army’s history, and the importance of celebrating this day while at war.

“Celebrating the Army’s birthday is not about the event itself; it’s about renewing our commitment to those who have given us a reason to celebrate--our soldiers,” said the top U.S. enlisted soldier in Afghanistan. “Just like your birthday, the Army’s birthday is a day of remembrance, a day of honor and respect, and a day to recognize the value of its creation.

For 236 years, America has called upon its’ Army to defend democracy, both at home and abroad, and for nearly 10 straight years now, the nation has been at war and the Army has been at the forefront taking the fight to the enemy.

Since the Army began its storied history June 14, 1775, with 10 companies of riflemen known as the American Continental Army, America’s Army has continued to serve this once struggling democracy, helping to secure its borders and assist others in establishing and defending a democratic way of life. During the past 100 years, U.S. soldiers have defended freedom in two world wars, on the Korean peninsula, in the rice paddies of Vietnam, and have seen the collapse of the iron curtain, delivering freedom to millions of people in Eastern Europe.

“Today, we are answering the call to duty once again with boots on the ground here in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and in 120 countries around the world,” said Hill.

Ceremonies and rituals such as this create a sense of community and team spirit, and build and maintain the social support needed to thrive, especially in the most stressful times. Hill said soldiers should be reminded to celebrate in moderation, though, and not rest on their laurels because the enemy is always on point, still trying to score, and soldiers must always own the edge.

“Thank you all for your service to the nation, America’s Army, United States Forces-Afghanistan, and International Security Assistance Force,” said Hill. “Be proud--you’ve earned it. Hooah!”

• Date Taken: 06.14.2011
• Date Posted: 06.14.2011 11:35
• Story ID: 72062
• Location: KABUL, AF