Happy birthday, National Guard

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

12.13.2015

Story by Tech. Sgt. Frank Miller 

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing celebrated the National Guard’s birthday with a ceremony held at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 13, 2015.

The ceremony recognized deployed members from 30 states and territories, and included a cake cutting and remarks by the 380 AEW vice wing commander, Col. Johnny Barnes.

A sword was used to cut the cake as a reminder the National Guard is a band of warriors committed to carrying the sword so the nation and states may live in peace.

“I thought to myself when the guardsmen watched the young British soldier wave the white handkerchief on top of a parapet at Yorktown, the guard was over 140 years old; that blew my mind that the guard was already established so long before we became the United States,” Barnes said. “This is a very special occasion and I’m proud to be a part of this ceremony and a team where one-third of if it’s fighting force is comprised of guardsmen.”

The first piece cut by Barnes was presented to Master Sgt. Richard, 727 Expeditionary Airborne Communication Squadron from the Kansas Air National Guard who is the oldest guardsmen in the wing signifying the honor and respect afforded to experience and seniority.

“Symbolically the eldest guardsmen will present or pass a piece of cake to the youngest guardsmen in attendance just as our experienced guardsmen have mentored and lead young service members who will fill our ranks and serve our guard,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kristen, Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. “The youngest guard member in our command is Airman 1st Class Kale, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from the Hawaii Air National Guard and was born in 1996.“

After the first pieces were distributed all guardsmen in attendance were invited to enjoy in the celebration.

“Much has changed since the first muster but one thing remains the same,” said Barnes. “The National Guard consists of citizen Soldiers and Airmen, who provide protection during natural disasters, train regularly to uphold high standards of readiness, and also deploy too far away countries and undisclosed locations to protect the United States national interests abroad.”

The National Guard came into existence with a direct declaration three hundred and seventy nine years ago.

On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem established a decree that all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60 would be required to join the militia, a first for the newly established colonies on the North American continent.

The North, South, and East regiments were then established in accordance with this order. Citizen soldiers who mustered for military training would then be available to be called upon to fight when needed.

Although the county has grown and expanded, the National Guard is still a large military force around the world and remains a community cornerstone just as it did when founded on Dec. 13, 1636.

• Date Taken: 12.13.2015
• Date Posted: 12.23.2015 07:21
• Story ID: 185220
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)