Photo By Pfc. Alexis Fischer | Graphic Illustration created using Adobe Photoshop for Independence Day at Fort Bragg,...... read more read more
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Fort Bragg, N.C. - As our nation prepares to celebrate 249 years of independence on July 4, the soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps remain ready - honoring the nation’s past, defending its present, and preparing for its future. Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, generations of Americans have stepped forward to answer the call of freedom. Today, that legacy continues through the men and women of “America’s Contingency Corps,” who embody the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines the U.S. Army. “I wanted to be part of this unit because of the fact it is a contingency corp,” said Cpt. Joel Taylor, Chaplain for the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. “This corp responds to some of the greatest threats and I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to be part of helping people who are on the cutting edge and shaping operations for those who are affecting the world currently and the airborne history. Truly, the bravest soldiers have been a part of this unit in the past and currently.” The XVIII Airborne Corps, the Army's strategic response force, stands as a symbol of the nation’s speed, strength, and resolve. Whether deployed overseas or training at home, its paratroopers and support personnel uphold a proud tradition of readiness rooted in the ideals of liberty, justice and selfless service. “Readiness - personally to me, means being fully present, prepared and dependable,” said Spc. Dayane Cruz, Religious Affairs Specialist with the XVIII Airborne Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion. “In my position, we have to be in good spirits and nice to everyone. We must be mentally, emotionally and physically ready.” Independence Day serves as more than just a holiday - it is a powerful reminder of the freedoms Americans cherish and the sacrifices made to secure them. The XVIII Airborne Corps has played a vital role in defending those freedoms in every major conflict since World War II, consistently leading from the front and maintaining a posture of rapid deployment wherever needed. “I am honored to be protecting my loved ones that I left behind,” said Spc. Cole Paulson, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. “I already felt an incredible sense of patriotism and pride every July 4 before I was in uniform, but now those feelings have grown exponentially.” At Fort Bragg, home of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the commitment to resilience and mission readiness never pauses. Yet on this day of national celebration, the Corps joins the country in reflecting on the contributions of past and present service members and reaffirming its oath to uphold the Constitution. “I joined to serve my country and be part of something bigger than me,” said Pfc. Jaquari Lindsey, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. “Knowing I help protect the freedoms we celebrate reminds me why this work matters.” To the paratroopers of the XVIII Airborne Corps - past and present - their service continues to inspire, and their dedication sustains the promise of American independence. Army Strong. Airborne All the Way. The XVIII Airborne Corps extends its best wishes for a safe and meaningful Independence Day to all Americans.
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 02:14 |
| Story ID: | 501924 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, XVIII Airborne Corps: Defenders of Freedom Since 1776, by PFC Alexis Fischer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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