SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Third Army/ARCENT celebrated its rich history of dedicated service to the country during its 94th birthday celebration at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. Nov. 7.
Lt. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Third Army/ARCENT commanding general, gave guests a brief history of the unit and attached each of its 12 campaign participation streamers to the Third Army/ARCENT colors during a battle streamer ceremony.
“We will continue to make history as we go forward,” Brooks said, “Not by seeking to make history but rather by simply doing our duty every day.”
Third Army/ARCENT soldiers currently serving around the world came together for a simultaneous cake cutting via video teleconference. In an Army tradition, the senior officer and enlisted soldier at each location joined the youngest and oldest soldier in cutting a birthday cake with a saber. The day of celebration continued with a cook out and sporting events at each location.
“Birthdays are a perfect time to pause, rewind, remember, review and resume,” Brooks told Soldiers and guests.
As soldiers remembered their time in the Army they reflected upon what serving with Third Army/ARCENT means to them.
“I like what Third Army does,” Master Sgt. Albert Kelly, Third Army/ARCENT logistics supply and services noncommissioned officer in charge said. “I like the mission, 94 years of supporting the soldiers, supporting the United States.”
Staff Sgt. Lorenzo Morgan joined Third Army/ARCENT four months ago and said that it is good to see the camaraderie among the soldiers and that hearing the history of the unit motivated him.
“I am going to be out there doing my best for Third Army,” Morgan continued. “What an honor it is to serve with Third Army.”
Whether a soldier, family member or part of the community, all were welcomed and joined in celebrating Third Army/ARCENT’s 94 years of service together.