Maj. Gen. Elbert N. Perkins, right, commanding general of U.S. Army Japan, and Pvt. Joshua Hardy, the youngest soldier at Camp Zama, cut the first piece of birthday cake according to tradition during the Camp Zama Army Birthday Ball. (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
Maj. Gen. Elbert N. Perkins, right, commanding general of U.S. Army Japan, and Pvt. Joshua Hardy, the youngest soldier at Camp Zama, cut the first piece of birthday cake according to tradition during the Camp Zama Army Birthday Ball. (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, commanding general of U.S. Army Japan, gives a speech during the Camp Zama Army Birthday Ball. (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
A soldier representing the Revolutionary War attaches the first campaign streamers to the Army (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
A soldier representing World War I attaches campaign streamers from that war to the Army flag. (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
Perkins, right and Pvt. Joshua Hardy, the youngest soldier at Camp Zama, blow out the candles on the Army birthday cake. (Bryce S. Dubee / S&S)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan — A lone soldier holding the Army flag stood beneath a spotlight in the center of the Camp Zama Community Club.
One by one, soldiers dressed in historical uniforms from eras ranging from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom marched out and attached campaign streamers to the flag, representing 178 campaigns and 232 years of service by the U.S. Army.
“I think a ceremony like this is good for us to remember our past while looking towards our future,” said Pfc. Garett Valcourt, from the 35th Combat Service and Supply Battalion, about the solemn procession Friday evening to kick off Zama’s Army Birthday Ball.
Valcourt said he enjoyed the event, his first Army ball, and saw it as a good opportunity for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel to come together to celebrate the Army’s history.
Other soldiers agreed that the focus on the Army’s traditions and heritage were important to making the event successful.
“If you don’t believe in tradition, then what’s the point of serving?” said Spc. Tyler Nixon-Dennis, a medic with Medical Department Activities-Japan (MEDDAC-Japan).
As a combat medic who has seen fellow soldiers and friends lose their lives in combat, taking time during the ball to remember them and those who had gone before really meant a lot, said Staff Sgt. Joo Bahk, also from MEDDAC-Japan.
Budget constraints meant planners had to use a lot of creativity to make it a special evening, said Maj. Edward Miiler, one of the event’s organizers.
One tough job, he said, was getting the right uniform pieces for the opening ceremony, a task that required several requests.
But all the hard work paid off, apparently.
“This is one of the best Army balls that I have ever been to,” said Sgt. 1st Class James L. Nagel, from the 78th Signal Battalion. “I can tell that the 78th Signal Battalion, U.S. Army Japan and the other tenant units involved worked extra hard to make this event special.”
The Army officially turns 232 years old Thursday.
