Eagle BELVOIR
29th ID commemorates D-Day Page A8
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June 15, 2017
Fort Belvoir celebrates the Army’s 242 years By Adrienne Anderson Staff writer June 14 marks the 242nd birthday of the creation of the U.S. Army, as well Flag Day. Fort Belvoir garrison marked the occasion with a celebration and cake-cutting, Wednesday, outside of garrison headquarters. Bill Rausch, executive director of “Got Your Six,” was guest speaker. Rausch is a former Army major with more than 10 years of military service. The focus of “Got Your Six” is to strengthen the resilience of Service members and reconnect communities. The term, ‘got your six’ represents having someone’s back – something he says is important for everyone across the U.S. Rausch grew up in a small Ohio town, where many of the residents and families were connected to the military, even if they didn’t serve themselves. “We knew the value of the military. We had family and friends who’d served,” he said. However, over time, and many years later, that connection to the military faded. The same culture of appreciating the military was no longer there, Rausch said. “So, it’s important for us as a community, as we celebrate the Army’s birthday, that we reconnect ourselves, not just to the Army, but to the country,” he said. “The fact of the matter is, we need each and every one of you in and out of uniform to continue to serve.” As he exited the Army, Rausch said he never really left the Army, considering it, and the people who were part of it, as his family. “When we think about celebrating the Army Birthday, it is really, truly important to realize that we are Soldiers for Life, and that it’s not only useful and hopeful for the country, but it’s benefi-
Photos by Paul Lara
Members of 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) Color Guard present arms during Army Birthday ceremonies in front of garrison headquarters Wednesday. cial to ourselves and to our families to maintain a strong sense of purpose, a strong sense of duty and devotion.” Reconnecting civilians with the military community is one of the goals of “Got Your Six,” he said. Rausch recalled the Army birthdays he celebrated while deployed and it held a special meaning for him. “Today, we have men and women overseas fighting and winning our nation’s wars,” he said. Rausch recalled a recent comment by Jim Mattis, defense secretary, in which Mattis said there is no God-given right to victory. “He’s right. We don’t. We don’t wake up in the morning assured to be victorious in Baghdad, or Ramadi or anywhere in the mountains of Afghanistan, places in Syria – none of that is guaranteed. None of it,” Rausch said. “It’s guaranteed by our Soldiers. So, when we think about our Army’s birthday today, the Army’s birthday is your birthday. It’s my birthday. It’s our Soldier’s birthday. “And, actually, what we’re celebrating today, and from “Got Your Six’s” perspective, is we want to say thank you because you have our six and will continue to have our six in the future, because there is no God-given right to victory. We have to earn it. We have to train for it. We have to fight for it, and our blood and our sweat pays for it.”
Bill Rausch, executive director at “Got Your 6,” speaks to the audience at Belvoir’s Army Birthday ceremonies Wednesday in front of garrison headquarters.
Save the dates! All these events are open to everyone. Suicide Intervention training 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. June 21 Barden Education Center E-5 or above Milagros Frank, 703-805-5529 milagros.frank.civ@mail.mil
NCR Enlisted Dining In June 23 Belvoir’s Anderson Park $15 tickets, search Joint Enlisted Dining In On eventbrite.com
LGBT panel discussion With experts, open to all 11:30 a.m. June 26 Community Center
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band USO concert Aug. 31 Pullen Track Field