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# DLA Land and Maritime celebrates Army’s 248th birthday

By Cindy PrayDLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

                COLUMBUS, Ohio  –              
In honor of the U.S. Army’s 248th birthday, Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime celebrated with a cookout and cake cutting ceremony at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Mission Park June 14.

Army Col. Ryan Swedlow, director of Land Customer Operations at DLA Land and Maritime, provided opening remarks, offering a brief history of the Army.

“One year before we had a nation, we had an Army,” he said. “And you can argue that we have a nation because we had brave men and women who volunteered to serve something bigger than themselves. And that trend continues. Our Army is an Army of Soldiers and civilians who serve our nation because they believe in what this nation means to the rest of the word and the impact they have in that regard.”

DLA Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins acknowledged all Army Soldiers and veterans in the audience and thanked them for their service. She then highlighted the impact of a Soldier’s story – to not only “Be All You Can Be” but to share that with others.

“It’s always interesting for me to hear why people choose to raise their right hand, but I’m more inspired by why they choose to remain in uniform – and those stories evolve,” Atkins said. “It is important that we tell those stories.”

“A lot of the men and women contemplating military service right now don’t have someone telling them their story,” she continued. “Why, ladies and gentlemen, are you continuing to serve? Don’t doubt for a second that the seed you plant in telling your story is absolutely critical to the security of our nation.”

Army Spec. Laura Green, an Oregon National Guard member serving as a DLA police officer, told her story and said that for her, joining the Army was a matter of beating all odds.

“I was born premature and throughout my life I was always told I was too small,” she said. “Joining the Army was me proving to myself that I could do it.”

The 22-year-old said the Army has offered opportunities and experiences she wouldn’t have had otherwise. She plans to re-enlist with a goal of becoming a commissioned officer.

“We have a responsibility,” Atkins said. “Plant that seed, tell your story and extend your legacy to ensure that our Army of tomorrow is as strong and even more lethal than it is today. Our nation is counting on it.”

Connecting the Army’s past with the present, Green, who was the youngest Soldier present, and Maj. Matthew Reff, a DLA Land and Maritime contracting officer, who was the oldest Soldier present, joined Atkins for the cutting of the birthday cake.

Attendees enjoyed hot dogs, cake and more importantly, camaraderie.

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Army BIrthdayArmy's 248th BirthdayUS Army