KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan—Deployed soldiers took time out, June 19, to celebrate a U.S. Army branch for its 238 years of service.
Third Sustainment Brigade-Task Force Provider Soldiers, joined by members of the 878th Engineer Battalion, Georgia National Guard, observed the Army Corps of Engineers’ birthday with a ceremony held at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was incepted June 16, 1775. Capt. Julian Smith, the engineer officer for the 3rd Sustainment Brigade and ceremony lead, said celebrating the Army engineers’ birthday should also include sharing the Corps’ contributions with fellow service members.
“I feel it’s important that we pay tribute to the Engineer Corps and what they bring to the table,” said Smith, the Chicago Ill., native.
The birthday celebration began as the engineers narrated excerpts of their Corps’ history, including the branch’s involvement in the development of America and other nations. Sgt. Lear Jelks, a horizontal construction engineer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 878th Engineer Battalion, gave special recognition to the Corps’ 16 Medal of Honor recipients.
“I think it’s great that we take the time out to recognize and acknowledge the contributions as well as the sacrifices that engineers have made over the years,” said Lear, a native of Hinesville, Ga.
Spc. Brandon Hale, who is also a horizontal construction engineer with the 878th and Hinesville, Ga., native, said that he enjoyed being a part of the festivities.
“It was a real honor being picked to participate in the birthday celebration,” he said. “It gave me a chance to learn how we as engineers came to be.”
The ceremony also included a Sapper video and concluded with the traditional cake cutting.
“I think the overall ceremony was a success, and I thought that the Soldiers did a great job,” said Smith.