Army Sustainment Command sponsored the Army’s 248th Birthday at the Quad Cities Riverfront Convention Center. Lieutenant General Steven W. Gilland, 61st Superintendent, United States Military Academy AND a 1986 Sherrard High School Graduate was the guest Speaker. Major General David Wilson, Commanding General Army Sustainment Command, Command Sergeants Major Jorge C. Escobedo and the most junior enlisted soldier cut the birthday cake.
It was my honor to present the following toast: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose a toast to our Veterans”.
A very unique ceremony is prior to the event, all 242 battle/conflict streamers are removed from the Army Flag. Then a soldier dressed in the uniform of that era, brings those particular battle streamers forward to ASC’s CSM Escobedo who reattached the streamer(s) to the Army Flag. When the streamer representing the conflict an individual served, they were asked to stand as it was attached to the Army Flag. You can read more about the streamer history in a photo below.
Additionally, the POW/MIA ceremony was conducted to remind us, that some have not all returned home. So we pause to honor their memory and family sacrifices.
I was also able to get caught up with a couple officers I served with on my last tour at Army Sustainment Command, COL (Ret) Eric Holiday and LTC (Ret) Jonathon Jeckell.
The Minnesota Army National Guard’s 34th “Red Bull” Division Band provided the musical entertainment for the evening.
