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June 20, 2019
Happy 244th! Fort Belvoir celebrates Army birthday with a ceremony, speeches, cake By Margaret Steele Copy Editor
F Photo by Paul Lara
Left to right: Lt. Gen Darsie Rogers, Jr; Maj. Alan Irizarry; Private 1st Class Ian Hovey; Col. Michael Greenberg; and Command Sgt. Maj. Corey Perry prepare to cut the cake at the 244th Army Birthday celebration in Thurman Auditorium, June 13. Irizarry and Hovey participated as the oldest and youngest attendees, respectively, at the celebration.
ort Belvoir Garrison celebrated the Army’s 244th Birthday, last week, at its annual observance in Thurman Auditorium, Humphreys Hall, Fort Belvoir. Col. Michael Greenberg, garrison commander, said the birthday is a very important day for the Army and the nation. “We are unique in history, because our Army is older than the country we serve and older than all of our sister services,” he said. He then detailed some early Army
history, by saying it started as separate militias. “American volunteers were equipped, armed, paid for and supported by Colonies from which they were raised,” Greenberg said. “Eventually, the Continental Army transformed itself from a group of undisciplined patriots to a professional, disciplined Army with its own identity.” The Army learned and grew in the 19th and 20th centuries and transformed into a modern Army during both World Wars, he said. “For centuries, American Soldiers have honored the call to service, they continue serving today and form the Army’s future,” Greenberg said. “It’s important, especially on the Army’s
See Birthday, page A6
Safety Day 2019: Readiness through Safety ‘Let’s think about the little things you don’t think about and that you do everyday.’ — Lt. Col. Andrew Wilbraham By Paul Lara Special to the Eagle
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on’t let the reduced tempo during summertime lull you into complacency, because, in many ways, summer is the most dangerous time of year. August and September are typically peak months for car accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Several factors play a part: teens, statistically the ones most likely to be involved in distracted-driving accidents, are out of school and on the road more; hot weather is more
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MDA CoC
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conducive to engine problems or tire blowouts; and summer is also peak construction season, when routine routes are disrupted. Summer also has more motorcyclists and pedestrians in and around traffic. The warmer weather also encourages hiking, biking, boating and swimming, and each one carries risk. Lt. Col. Andrew Wilbraham, Fo r t B e l v o i r H e a d q u a r t e r s Battalion commander, urged Soldiers to be aware of those risks during Safety Day 2019 in Specker Field House. “Don’t drink and drive. You’ve all heard that. But, let’s think about the little things you don’t think about and that you do every day,” he said. “If you don’t think
See Safety, page A9
ACS Receives Donations
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Photo by Paul Lara
Spc. Therin Scott, left, cannot properly stack cups while wearing drunk goggles at a Safety Day demonstration in Specker Field House, June 12. The exercise shows how impaired vision affects physical coordination and reaction.
Summer Reading
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Commander’s Cup title