Courage, commitment, selfless service keep Army rolling

Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur L. Coleman Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood Command Sergeant Major
Thursday, June 14, 2012

Today, the Army turns 237 years old and as the song says, we’re still “rolling along.” Everyone serving in uniform today, or who has served, should be very proud of where we’ve been, where we’re at and where we’re going.

We’re a force that is battle-hardened from our duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our personnel and equipment are the best in the history of the Army, and the support we receive from our country is second to none and is as good, if not better, than it’s ever been. There’s no getting around it, we are fortunate to serve as Soldiers during this era, and we must all remember that serving is a privilege, not a right.

We owe so much to those who came before us.

From the earliest days of our Army, going all the way back to the Continental Army of 1775, our Soldiers have sacrificed and suffered unimaginable hardships to ensure the freedom of our country and our way of life.

What is important to remember is that those who served in different eras and in different styles of uniforms have laid the foundation for how we train and fight today. They also served with the same dedication to duty that our Soldiers serve with today.

Make no mistake about it, our Army changes from year to year. Leaders move on and Soldiers retire, but what remains the same is the courage, commitment and selfless service of the everyday Soldier.

Those ingredients – courage, commitment and selfless service – are as big a reason as any that our Army is still going strong after 237 years.

We should be proud of our heritage and never lose sight of the fact that we are all part of something bigger than any one individual person.

Our ranks include great historical figures, but it is the everyday Soldiers and their courage, commitment and selfless service that will ensure our Army remains the strength of our nation well into the future.

Thank you for what you do for our Army and our country.

Phantom Warriors! Army Strong!