KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Task Force Provider Soldiers gathered to celebrate the 201st birthday of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps May 12, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
The celebration, which was hosted by Maj. Ryan Frye, the future operations plans chief for the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, and native of Greenville, Pa., took the ‘Providers’ back in time as they explored the Corps’ history.
Seven ordnance soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, spoke about their Corps’ inception and involvement in multiple conflicts from the American Revolutionary War through Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Being picked among my peers to participate in the ceremony was a great feeling,” said Sgt. Jason Dailey, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with HHC, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, and Eutawville, S.C., native. “I got to learn a lot about the Corps that I didn’t know, so for me that was big deal.”
Frye said that the celebration was personally special as it allowed him to reflect back on his time spent commanding an ordnance company at Fort Lee, Va.
“I think that the turnout for the ceremony was very good,” said Frye. “I’m glad the brigade came together and celebrated the birthday.”
The ceremony continued with recognition of the Corps’ 15 Medal of Honor recipients. Then, the 3rd Sustainment Brigade commander and the senior enlisted advisor joined the oldest and youngest ordnance soldiers present to cut a cake—a ceremonial tradition.
“It was an honor for me to be part of the cake-cutting ceremony,” said Spc. Christian Caviness, a 21-year-old wheeled vehicle mechanic with HHC, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, and native of Sumter, S.C. “(Participating in the ceremony) gave me an opportunity to learn the history and background of my Corps.”
The Ordnance Corps is one of the U.S. Army’s oldest branches. It was founded May 14, 1812, and is the home to 33 enlisted, nine warrant officer and two commissioned-officer military occupational specialties.
Approximately 300 ordnance soldiers are currently deployed to Afghanistan supporting Task Force Provider—serving in a number of different jobs from ammunition supply specialist to wheeled vehicle mechanic.
Though the celebration was to honor the Ordnance Corps, it was not limited to just ordnance soldiers. Several soldiers attended the event to show their support.
“It was good that soldiers and officers from other branches came out to celebrate with us because it showed that we are all an Army of one,” said Frye. “It truly showed the unison between all branches.”
The 3rd Sustainment Brigade plans to continue to recognize and celebrate the Army’s branches.
“I will definitely attend some of the other branch birthdays so that I can learn some of their history as well,” said Frye.