A Birthday Celebration

The Army celebrated its 232d birthday yesterday.

That is pretty cool. I have been able to take part in three of these celebrations in the past and this one was the best. There is the usual cake cutting with the sword and only the brass get pieces of the cake. However this time was different. Our entire brigade (about 4,200 Soldiers Strong.) had a formation and we went on about a three mile run. It was very impressive. Each company (consisting of about 50 to 100 Soldiers) executed column lefts, marched and formed around their company colors (flags) Several companies form up to make a battalion (consisting of about five to six companies) and then our five battalions make up the brigade. Each battalion also has colors (flags usually fairly large in color) in which each of the respective companies compile their formation. It is quite a site and very impressive.

With the entire Brigade size element (military speak for mass formation) we set out on a three mile run. Company by company and batalion by battalion we wound our way through the streets of Camp Casey, sloshing around in the rain. Each battalion sounded off in cadence as we ran (cadence are chants to keep our marching in step. They border on really motivating to really crass. One example is ("Your left, your left, left right your left. 1-2-3-4. Response from marchers "You can't count to five cause yo brain is fried.") It is really cool to think that for 232 years that Soldiers have done this each year. What is more impressive is that this Army is the greatest fighting force on earth. It is not because we have the coolest toys (we do you know. Rockets and apachie gunship helicopters are bad!@!! along with Tanks and the battery of other cool stuff we have here to remind our friend to the North not to be naughty). We have spirit and heart. Despite all of my idiots that I deal with through work, there are 90% that are amazing human beings. An all volunteer force in a time of one of the greatest struggles against a wicked and cruel enemy is truly something for the ages. Many young folks talk about justice and peace, plant trees and protest stateside and are the most vocal about how "they" make a difference. Many of the young Soldiers that I have the pleasure serving with, have been to Iraq and back and back again, have been shot at and truly are fighting for peace and justice through strength and are truly standing up for the little guy. Now that is real community service. I have said once and I will say it again, I am truly in the best branch of the Armed Services. Happy birthday Army.