US National Guard: Defending Dreams and Protecting Freedom
Starting with the Pequot War in 1637, through the present day, the Army National Guard has defended freedom in every war or conflict our nation has fought, making them the oldest of the U.S. armed forces. Happy (belated) 373rd National Guard!
Wow, has it really been that long? “Always Ready, Always There.” From the crossing of the Delaware to the current conflict in Afghanistan and the current reconstruction in Iraq, the US National Guard has done their part for America since the beginning. I’m not going to tell you what I did to celebrate (no reason!), but over in Iraq, Task Force Marne Commander and more than 50 DoD civilians, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen—active duty and National Guardsmen—celebrated the 373rd National Guard’s Birthday with a cake cutting commemoration ceremony at the Task Force Headquarters, December 12,2009.
“We love our country, we love our state, and we love our communities,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bullard, 145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Oklahoma National Guard. “I think it’s a great way to serve our country.”
He’s not the only one who had something to say, however.
“I’m really proud of the U.S. National Guardsmen—from all services—contribution to the defense of our Nation,” said Capt. Joshua Page, 145th MPAD. “I feel the National Guard demonstrates our country’s unity and dedication to the principles of freedom.”
Ever since the Revolutionary War, National Guardsmen have helped defend the nation. Today is no different. While the US military tries to help all over the world, the National Guard is there. Whether it’s to man a Howitzer to take out enemy locations, or hand out much needed supplies in Afghanistan or even Indonesia, the National Guard is there – Always Ready, Always There.
Why don’t you leave a comment and let the world know what you did on the National Guard’s 373rd birthday. I won’t be upset if you didn’t have that many candles on the cake.
Sgt Stryker out!
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National Guard’s 373rd Birthday
At al-Faw Palace, Dec. 13, members of the 101st Engineer Battalion, the oldest unit in the Army National Guard, along with service members from the National Guard Bureau, assist the youngest member of the 101st Eng. Bn., Pfc. Jeramie Burgos (right), of Worcester, Mass., in the cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Army National Guard’s 373rd birthday.Photo by Sgt. Tracy Knowles
Oldest Unit in U.S. Military Celebrates Guard Birthday
Soldiers cut the National Guard’s birthday cake at a celebration at the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Sunday, Dec. 13. From left to right, Lt. Col. Charles Cody, Braintree, Mass., commander, 101st Engineer Battalion; Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Chase, Derry, N.H., 101st Engineer Battalion Sergeant Major; Maj. Gen. Peter Aylward, deputy commanding general for Iraqi security forces, Arlington, Va.; Major General Richard C. Nash, commander, 34th Infantry “Red Bull” Division; Brig. Gen. Donald Currier, commander, 49th Military Police Brigade; Pfc. Jeramie Burgos, Worcester, Mass, 101st Engineer Battalion, the youngest member of the unit. The 101st Engineer Battalion was originally organized in 1636 as The East Regiment from existing militia companies of Saugus, Salem, Ipswich and Newbury. Photo by Master Sgt. Michael Daigle
101st Engineers Host National Guard Birthday Run
Carrying his company guidon with pride, Capt. Michael McDeviit, of Sutton, Mass., Headquarters Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, runs in the National Guard Birthday Road Race, on Victory Base Complex, Dec. 13. The birthday run, hosted by the 101st Eng. Bn., celebrates the 373rd birthday of both the Army National Guard and the 101st Eng. Bn,. Photo by Staff Sgt. April Mota
Hometown Heroes Salute
Oregon Staff Sgt Nicholas Menard and Staff Sgt Jon Hayes of the 142nd Fighter Wing, 142nd Civil Engineers Squardron pose for a photograph with Brigadier General Bruce W. Prunk, commander Oregon Air National Guard during the Hometown Heroes Salute held at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Dec. 13, 2009. Hometown Hero’s is an Air National Guard recognition program that honors Citizen-Airmen deployed more then 30 consecutive days for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Photo by Staff Sgt. John Hughel