Photo By Staff Sgt. Steven Schneider | The I Corps command team, Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – More than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate the Army’s 241st birthday at the Greater Tacoma Convention, Wash., June 9.
This year’s I Corps Army Birthday Ball theme was “the American Soldier-always ready, always leading.” ESPN Anchor Kenny Mayne, guest speaker at this year’s event, touched on the different ways individuals can lead. He noted leaders come in all shapes and sizes and through courage and taking on challenges anyone can be a leader.
“I think what we can take from it is sometimes you have to admit what you can’t change and make the best of it,” Mayne said talking about calling a football game with his blind nephew, who works at Madigan Army Medical Center.
Mayne talked about the importance of volunteering, service and finding creative ways to bring about change. He described everything from football players building wheelchair accessible homes for veterans to creating programs to help with post traumatic stress disorder to providing fresh water to people who wouldn’t normally have access as examples of leadership.
“All of you show the rest of us who haven’t served leadership just for the fact you signed up,” Mayne said. “It’s a tiny percent of our population that bears the burden for the rest of us, but sometimes you realize, those of us who enjoy the benefits of it have no appreciation for what you’ve done, for the risks you take.”
Soldiers have been volunteering to meet the challenge since the Army was established June 14, 1775, more than a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“We are here today to celebrate our Army and the Army profession,” said Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, I Corps commanding general. “As you all know, the Army profession is recognized as the most trusted institution in this nation.”
That sacrifice is not only bore by service members. Families play a role in the Army’s success.
“I would also like to take a moment to thank the loved ones here with us tonight,” Lanza said. “Without you, we cannot do what we do.”
From an Old Glory presentation to the cake cutting ceremony to the singing of the Army Goes Rolling Along, the history of the Army was on full display during the ball. Being part of this tradition was reason enough for one Soldier to attend his first ball.
“This is what I plan to do for a living,” said Pfc. Corey Matthew Gillard, ordnance ammunition specialists in 63rd Ordnance Company, 13th Combat Service Support Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, 593rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). “This is what I am. It’s pride. The Army has been around for more than 240 years. It shows respect for those who’ve sacrificed before you.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2016 18:21 |
| Story ID: | 200974 |
| Location: | WA, US |
| Web Views: | 120 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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