U.S. Army, Fort Jackson celebrate birthdays

FORT JACKSON, SC (WOLO) — The U.S. Army is celebrating 250 years of service — but that’s not the only birthday being recognized over at Fort Jackson. The installation is also honoring its own 108th birthday.

In honor of the anniversaries, soldiers joined their family and friends on Darby Field for a day of fun, food, live music, and games.

The Golden Knights Parachute Team also landed on the field at noon.

“It’s an opportunity for Fort Jackson to celebrate its history. We date back to June of 1917 — which was an important time for our Army and our nation as we were embarking on the World War. And so each year, we try to pause, and take just a moment to recognize all the great men and women that served before us,” says MG Daryl Hood, Commanding General of Fort Jackson.

He believes family plays a significant role in providing strength and resiliency for service men and women, saying, “In fact, usually if the family is pretty happy, you can rest assured that our soldier and I would dare say the rest of our military services, feel the same way.”

For some soldiers, the army has provided them with a sense of pride.

“I hope to use the military and use myself as an example. If I can do it, everybody else can do,” says Private Tomas Grasiela.

“I’m so proud of her, I never would’ve thought she would join the military and I enjoy every minute of it,” says PVT Grasiela’s brother.

For others, the upcoming birthdays bring out their patriotism and remind them of the opportunities they say the military has given them.

“I love my country. I love my country and I saw the things that were going on around the world and I wanted a piece of it. I continue to serve because of the friends I’ve made. The people I’ve met in the military are some of the best people I’ve met in my entire life. And every chapter of the military has motivated me to keep going,” says SSGT Nathan Chavis.

“I’m the first person who’s in the military in my family, and I try to represent myself and my country and my fellow soldiers the best I can every single day,” says SSGT DaQuan Smith.

“Today is a chance to reflect and again give the recognition that is so well deserved, all of the heroes, our men and women that have served before myself,” says MG Hood.

Celebrations will continue all week and conclude with the “Army Birthday Ball” over the weekend.