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By STAFF SGT EDDIE SIGUENZA
California Army National Guard
CAMP ROBERTS, Calif. — Even in the busiest moments, members of the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment momentarily paused from their eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) mission to reflect on something different.
On June 14, Guam’s tactical operations center became a ceremonial hall as the battalion honored the United States Army’s 241st birthday. They’re in the peak of the XCTC exercise, yet paused to reflect on their military tradition.
“It’s always important to remember the beginning, to remember the origin of the United States Army,” said Lt. Col. Romeo Delfin, 294th commander. “The Continental Army was established in 1775 as a result of the old militia, or citizens. As a National Guard, we are citizen Soldiers. It’s a privilege for us to wear the Army uniform.”
In true Army tradition, the oldest and youngest Soldier of the unit stepped forward to cut a ceremonial cake. Prior to that, Soldiers participated in an Army trivia contest, where they answered historic questions, and watched a video message by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey, the U.S. Army’s sergeant major and top enlisted advisor.
“The Army profession is built on trust, and holding true to that trust, our nation expects our competence, commitment and character to reflect our Army Values both at home and abroad,” Daily said. “Every leader at every level has an obligation to do everything possible to safeguard America's sons and daughters.”
Delfin kept the celebration short, as more than 500 of his troops are concentrating on the exercise. Guam is sided by National Guardsmen from Arizona, Washington and Hawaii who, since June 5, have locked into this field training.
The 294th joined units throughout the United States and abroad in honoring the Army birthday. Per the U.S. Army’s official website, “Two hundred forty-one years ago, our nation's leaders established the Continental Army. Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adversaries.”
“Few understand the missions of the Army. In addition to winning wars, the Army deters enemies, assures allies, builds partner capacity, enables the joint fight through foundational capabilities and responds to national emergencies like we see today with floods and severe weather.” said Secretary of the Army Eric K. Fanning. “The Army's greatest strength is, of course, its Soldiers; over one million of them in the Active, Guard and Reserve.”
“Our Soldiers are the crown jewel of the nation. We must love them, protect them and always keep faith with them,” Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley said. “Readiness for ground combat is — and will remain — the U.S. Army's No.1 priority, and there is no other No. 1.”
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2016 16:29 |
| Story ID: | 201439 |
| Location: | GU |
| Hometown: | GUAM, GU |
| Hometown: | SAIPAN, MP |
| Hometown: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Hometown: | PASO ROBLES, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SACRAMENTO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Guam Guardsmen honor Army birthday while training, by SSG Edward Siguenza, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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