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Celebrating 247 Years of Independence
JUNCTION CITY, Kansas - Five Big Red One noncommissioned officers represented the
1st Infantry Division during Freedom Fest and a wreath laying ceremony in Junction City, Kansas on July 4, 2023. The NCOs were given the opportunity to lead the Freedom Fest Parade and absorb the city’s gratitude for their contributions to the Division as a whole.
“It was a true honor to be recognized and be the face of the 1st Infantry Division,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyrus Fantroy, an information technology specialist assigned to 1st Inf. Div. Artillery, 1st Inf. Div. “I am truly grateful, because my hard work is being showcased.”
As part of the Junction City’s 2023 Freedom Fest, the Big Red One led the parade from Sampler Stadium to Heritage Park and shared the holiday with the grateful community. At the head of the column, just behind the color guard, rode the five NCOs in the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard Wagon.
“To be shown in front of the entire city of Junction City feels pretty great,” said Staff Sgt. Brett Kelly, a cannon crewmember assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. “It shows me that all my hard work has paid off.”
The NCOs said they felt grateful for the experience, and humbled to be a part of the Division.
“We don’t do things for recognition,” said Staff Sgt. Rodney Young III, an aircraft structural repairer assigned to 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Inf. Div. “But, being showcased during the parade on Independence Day shows that our leaders care for our hard work and the sacrifices we make.”
Echoing the Soldiers’ gratitude, members of the community were enthusiastic in cheering on the Division as they passed.
“The Soldiers are there for us every day,” said Doug Gabriel, a Junction City resident and former Big Red One Soldier. “It’s important to engage with Soldiers on a regular basis to realize the impact of what they do for us.”
The final salute of the celebration was a wreath-laying ceremony at Heritage Park. Wreath-laying ceremonies signify the continuous commitment of Americans to honor and remember the sacrifices of past generations who have defended the American way of life. Laying
a wreath shows our continued honor and respect for the selfless sacrifices of past service members.
At the end of the ceremony, Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax, the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley command sergeant major, presented the NCOs with a 1st Inf. Div. challenge coin.
“It felt awesome to be chosen to receive this honor,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Brogan, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. “But, I know I am not the only NCO that could have been recognized, because my brothers and sisters in arms are
doing a great job.”
The recognition was part of the Division's ongoing efforts to celebrate and honor the NCO Corps through their ‘Big Red One Year of the NCO’ campaign, which focuses on the imperative role NCOs play in developing the unit they are in and maintaining the readiness of their Soldiers. The 1st Inf. Div. has hosted numerous events throughout the year for the sole
purpose of recognizing NCOs and will continue to recognize their efforts and contributions to the Big Red One and the Army.
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| Date Taken: | 07.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2023 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 449905 |
| Location: | JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Celebrating 247 Years of Independence, by SGT Dawson Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
