316th Soldiers home for the holidays

Photo By Spc. Miguel Alvarez | Most of December 2016 was spent overseas deployed for the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). One year later, they were all back home celebrating the holiday season and a successful tour of duty alongside their friends and family members during a Home for the Holidays Dining Out on December 2, 2017, in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Greentree hosted by Brigadier General Robert Harter and Command Sgt. Major Johnny McPeek.  

GREEN TREE, PA, UNITED STATES

12.05.2017

Courtesy Story

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

GREEN TREE, Pennsylvania – Most of December 2016 was spent overseas deployed for the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). One year later, they were all back home celebrating the holiday season and a successful tour of duty alongside their friends and family members during a Home for the Holidays Dining Out on December 2, 2017, in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Green tree hosted by Brigadier General Robert Harter and Command Sgt. Major Johnny McPeek.

“The soldiers did a tremendous job,” said McPeek, a native of Surgoinsville, Tennessee, when referring to the job the unit did during deployment. “It’s great to have a night like this to continue the fellowship among troops at all levels, and spouses in attendance also feel like they’re part of the team.”

Spc. Patrick D. Urbin, a visual information equipment operator-maintainer with the 316th, said everyone in the unit was excited to come together for a night of unity and fun after working hard during deployment.

Urbin said he learned a lot during deployment. The experience gave him confidence in his adaptability and provided him a new way of thinking about his job. He also mentioned the unit grew closer during deployment, so it was nice to bring in family members to join in on the fun.

Family members would get to see first-hand the connection between soldiers and the bond that has been created through multiple traditions.

One of the main focal points and traditions of the night dealt with the grog bowl. The grog is a recipe of various foods and liquids. Each ingredient represents a significant event in the unit’s history. This Army Ball tradition of the grog was very present throughout the night. For the soldiers, it was an important part of the festivities.

“The grog is an old tradition, and it’s educational for soldiers and families to see these traditions because it brings us closer,” said McPeek.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2017
• Date Posted: 12.05.2017 15:49
• Story ID: 257553
• Location: GREEN TREE, PA, US