LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. - Soldiers and civilians of the 79th Sustainment Support Command celebrated the Army Reserve’s 105th birthday, April 23, at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif. The ceremony included speeches, a history lesson and a sword, which was used to cut the traditional celebratory cake.
“There has always been a strong kindred spirit that binds our soldiers together around the world,” said Col. Peggy Stradford, 79th SSC, chief of staff. “The Reserve has an extensive and distinguished history of being an integral, proven and needed component of our Army. It is clear the Reserve is absolutely vital to our military.”
The predecessor of the modern-day Army Reserve can be traced back to the Medical Reserve Corps, created by Congress in 1908. In 1920, the MRC transitioned into the Organized Reserve Corps and ever since, has played a critical role in wars and conflicts involving America and has grown into the organization that exists today.
Currently, the Reserve is comprised of approximately 200,000 citizen-soldiers who are ready to deploy anywhere in the world to support our national defense strategy as part of a new operational force designed to protect America’s interests in the global war on terrorism, as well as assisting our allies worldwide.
“Look to the left and to the right of you,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Roberson, 79th SSC, command sergeant major, to the men and women seated before him on this day. “Each one of you have become a part of history and contributed tremendously.”
According to Roberson, every soldier should feel as though they have been a part of our national mission whether or not they have been deployed.
“When you look around, that person near you could be the next to go downrange,” he said. “Be proud and look forward to tomorrow knowing you are all committed to the same cause. You should all have a feeling of honor as you walk away from here today.”
Date Taken: | 04.23.2013 |
Date Posted: | 04.23.2013 20:30 |
Story ID: | 105711 |
Location: | LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 153 |
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