Irish eyes smile on 3rd ID Soldiers during Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Photo By Sgt. William Begley | Soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade represent the 3rd Infantry Division marching in the 191st St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17 in downtown Savannah. (Photo by Sgt. William Begley, 3rd CAB Public Affairs)  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

03.17.2015

Story by Sgt. William Begley 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The dog faced Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division took their place among the community in the 191st St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17 in downtown Savannah.

This parade is an annual opportunity for the division and local military leaders to display their support to the community and help celebrate one of the largest parades of its kind in the country.
The 3rd ID Color Guard proudly displayed their colors, although the Division colors were cased as the 3rd ID command team of Maj. Gen. Mike Murray and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin along with a large contingency of Soldiers from the division are currently deployed in Afghanistan.

This parade is an annual opportunity for the division and local military leaders to display their support to the community and help celebrate one of the largest parades of its kind in the country.
The 3rd ID Color Guard proudly displayed their colors, although the Division colors were cased as the 3rd ID command team of Maj. Gen. Mike Murray and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin along with a large contingency of Soldiers from the division are currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Leading the way for the 3rd ID was 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade command team Col. John D. Kline and Command Sgt. Maj. George M. Dove with the rest of the formation being made up of Soldiers from every battalion in the Falcon brigade.

“It’s good that the people of Savannah have an opportunity to see the Soldiers who sacrifice so much,” Kline said. “It’s also good that the Soldiers get to see such a supportive community.”
Capt. Stephanie Hartley. Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment said it was an honor to participate in the tradition of marching in the parade and take part in something very historic and bigger than any one individual.

“It’s an enjoyable experience, especially for the Soldiers who only get to be here for two or three years so they can really get to experience the heart of Savannah,” Hartley said.

Hartley is a seasoned veteran having marched in two of the St. Patrick’s Day parades.

By contrast, Spc. Kerry-Ann Smith, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, was excited to be marching in the parade for the first time.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to represent the Army. Savannah is a city that is steeped in tradition and history and to be a part of that is an experience I will never forget,” Smith said.

One of the obvious crowd favorites was the 3rd ID Band. The “Rhythm of the Marne” frequently cut loose and interacted with the crowd while cultivating a fun atmosphere with their upbeat music.

Kline said he and Dove took the opportunity to thank all of the veterans whom they saw along the parade route.

“We are often the ones who get thanked for our service,” Kline said. “Let’s not forget our previous generations and those who came before us.”

• Date Taken: 03.17.2015
• Date Posted: 03.20.2015 10:40
• Story ID: 157634
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US