Photo By Sgt. Elisabeth Tasker | U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division,...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. — The 3rd Infantry Division proudly hosted its annual Salute to Summer celebration from June 23 to 27, fostering community spirit and connection among Soldiers, Families, and the Coastal Georgia area. This five-day festival served as a platform for camaraderie, professional development, and honoring the sacrifices of military personnel here at Fort Stewart.
Kicking off the celebration, the first day was filled with friendly sporting competitions with activities that included flag football, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and a charity golf scramble, allowing Soldiers, spouses, and youths to engage and create lasting memories beyond their duty stations.
Day two featured the engaging "Marne Twilight Tattoo," a ceremony honoring the 3rd ID’s rich history. Soldiers came together to reenlist, celebrating their commitment and camaraderie. The event included narrations of the division's victories from World War I to current operations, instilling pride and inspiring both present and future Soldiers.
“Salute to Summer is huge because it gives families a chance to get involved,” said Capt. Reed Hartle, executive officer of 2-69 armored division, 3rd infantry division.” “We can bring them out and they can watch sports with their loved ones who are normally working very long hours.”
The week continued with multiple seminars as part of a leader professional development series. These sessions featured guest speakers, including former Marne leaders, who shared their experiences and insight. Their stories offered guidance and inspiration to younger Soldiers and guests.
“I am a big believer of learning off other’s mistakes versus my own,” said Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Hendrex, former 3rd ID senior enlisted advisor. Hendrex urged junior leaders to appreciate their units' cultural dynamics.
“Like many of my friends you may laugh if you know me, but after 34 years in the military starting as a private in TRADOC for basic training and I finished three years as the TRADOC Sgt. Maj.,” said Hendrix. “You may ask yourself how’d that happened?” “I did not come in for the long haul.”
On Friday Dogface Soldiers participated in Seize the Marne, a modern warfare obstacle demonstration which challenged Soldiers with obstacles such as low crawling through mud, navigating trenches, and fording a simulated river. Participants overcame these hurdles, culminating in a celebratory group photo that reflected their resilience and teamwork.
“It makes me so proud to be with all of you this morning,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher R. Norrie, commander of 3rd ID. “I don’t have much in my life, what I have is all of you and that is enough!”
The various obstacles from Seize the Marne were designed to represent the Marne Division’s history from storming the beaches of Anzio, Italy, to clearing the heavy fortified Colmar Pocket and continuing through the Siegfried Line and across the Rhine.
“I am not a quiet person, I am not a soft person, but motivation is the thing that wakes me up in the morning,” said Sgt Maj. Malachi L. Thornton, operations sergeant major of the 3rd ID. “I am a proud Dog Face Soldier!”
The celebration concluded on the night of June 27 with an electrifying open-air concert featuring rapper Quavo, country artist Chase Rice, and DJ Rock.
By intertwining athletics, professional growth, historical recognition, and top-tier entertainment, the 3rd ID highlighted its appreciation for military families and the support of the Coastal Georgia community. The Salute to Summer remains a hallmark event, celebrating the division's personnel and acknowledging the unwavering support that underpins mission success.
| Date Taken: | 06.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2025 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 501805 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | HINESVILLE, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Celebrating Camaraderie: The 3rd Infantry Division’s Salute to Summer 2025, by SSG Darrell Stembridge, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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