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72nd Field Artillery Brigade celebrates family

  • Published
  • By Capt. Antonia Greene
  • 72nd Field Artillery Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST --  Members of the 72nd Field Artillery Brigade, its sister units and mission partners took a more casual approach to the otherwise formal military mess during the annual brigade dining out at Tommy B's Community Activities Center here Saturday.

The traditions remained. The colors were posted and the toasts were made, but this year's honored guests did not sit at a head table; they sat at every table. Family members, spouses, parents, siblings and children were the guests of honor.

"Celebrating Family" was the theme of the night. The 72nd FAB dedicated the evening to the shared service and sacrifices families made in support of their Soldiers' careers. The joint atmosphere was filled with specific events to honor military families.

Soldiers and guests viewed artwork created by the children of the brigade during social hour. They voted on which exhibit best represented the military family.

Yvette McNeil, wife of 1st Sgt. Donald McNeil, 2nd Battalion, 315th Regiment, honored the armed forces and all in attendance with a rendition of the National Anthem.

Laura Hunter, wife of Chaplain Lt. Col. David Hunter, recited the "Military Spouses Prayer" after her husband gave an invocation. Each military member recognized his or her guests with a single long-stem rose donated by the Brigade Family Readiness Group. A red, white and blue card attached read, "Proud Army family - thanks for all that you do!"

Families were honored with a traditional toast given by Lt. Col. Troy Ramirez, 2/315th commander, "Ladies and gentlemen, I propose a toast to our family members for their continued support."

A photo presentation of Soldiers and their families, prepared by 3rd Battalion, 312th Regiment, looped on the big screens throughout the banquet hall during the meal. Brenda Herbert, wife of Command Sgt. Maj. James Herbert, 72nd FAB, took the podium to deliver her rendition of "Silent Ranks."

"The poem is dear to my heart and not specific to Army wives, but to all military families - husbands, parents, siblings alike," she said holding back tears.

"My Soldier is a patriot," said Brenda Herbert. "A brave and prideful man - the Soldier's call, to serve our country - not all can understand. And I stand among the silent ranks, known as a military wife."

Col. Timothy R. Williams, 72nd FAB commander, recognized two stand-out brigade military spouses.

Calvert McCollum, husband of Sgt. 1st Class Marlena McCollum, Mobilization and Training Operations, was awarded a certificate of appreciation for devotion to his wife and her career.

Massiel Salas, wife of 1st Lt. Juan Salas, 1st Battalion, 322nd Regiment, received the Dr. Mary E. Walker award. This award recognizes Army spouses who contributed significantly to the quality of life for Soldiers.

A Brigade Family Readiness Group presentation took the place of the traditional guest speaker. Lisa Williams, the brigade commander's wife, and Ellen Vinzant, wife of Lt. Col. John Vinzant, the brigade executive officer, awarded brigade spouses' pins along with hospitality baskets, donated and prepared by Brenda Herbert.

A total of five baskets were presented to family members in the audience. The newest and longest-wed military spouses as well as the most recent servicemember to join the military family were among the recipients. The military families with the most "recruits," otherwise known as children, and the dual-military families with the most combined years of service were also recognized. Lisa Williams awarded a gift card to the family whose child's original artwork was voted the best representation of "celebrating families."

Ellen Vinzant concluded the Brigade Family Readiness Group portion with a reading of Erma Bombeck's, "When God Created the Military Wife."

The brigade commander shared a few words in recognition of celebrating families. "We can't do our job or accomplish the mission, without your support and shared sacrifice," said Williams. "Tonight is dedicated to you."

You deserve our gratitude for serving alongside us. Beyond what we are doing here tonight, your strength, care and support are the foundation of our ability to serve this nation."

He acknowledged the importance of recognizing family members' contributions often and encouraged Soldiers to share their appreciation for each military spouse's sacrifices.

"Your devotion to them, your family and chosen profession is what keeps this Army rolling."