Wisconsin Army National Guard shares in Army birthday celebration

The U.S. Army is celebrating its 237th birthday today - a proud heritage that includes many important contributions by the Wisconsin Army National Guard, which are recognized in today's Army Day Proclamation by Wisconsin National Guard Commander-in-Chief Gov. Scott Walker.

From Abraham Lincoln's call for volunteers in 1861 through the global war on terror today, Wisconsin's Citizen Soldiers have proven their mettle in places as far-ranging as Gettysburg, the Meuse-Argonne offensive in World War I, the South Pacific in World War II, Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The Army in America has always been a total force," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "Before there was a United States, there was an Army. Before there was an Army, there was a militia that called ordinary citizens to arms to defend the greater good."

Gov. Scott Walker noted that the first Continental Army was formed with colonial militia units.

"The colonial militias filled their ranks with husbands, sons, merchants, farmers, tradesmen and educators, who trained to respond at a moment's notice to defend their settlements as necessary," Walker said. "Time and again the U.S. Army would augment its strength with National Guard Soldiers to defend our nation and preserve our values and beliefs."

Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper remarked how the Army increasingly called on its older sibling, the National Guard, since 2001.

"[We] answered with pride, commitment, and the finest formations of Soldiers that they could have asked for," the state command sergeant major said. "We stand committed and ready to support our sibling service at a moment's notice. The relationship between the Army and the National Guard has never been stronger."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, said he realized how special it is to serve in the U.S. Army.

"Over all these years, I've watched the National Guard evolve into a significant fighting force that is partnered alongside our Active duty brethren carrying the same load of tough deployments and shared sacrifice," Anderson said. "I am so proud to call myself a Soldier each and every day."

Command Chief Warrant Officer Craig Krenz agreed.

"I have great pride in telling both service members and civilians that I am in the Army as a Wisconsin National Guard Member, a Citizen Soldier," he said.

Brig. Gen. Scott Legwold, director of the Wisconsin National Guard Joint Staff, recalled how he looked up to his uncles and father who served in the military between 1941 and 1960.

"I was determined to follow in their footsteps," Legwold said. "It was always my goal to serve in our nation's armed forces and to serve in the Army has been a great privilege."

Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat team said that his parents fled Cuba to seek a better life for their children.

"I have the opportunity to serve the country that gave my parents the opportunity to succeed as long as they were willing to work hard," Conde said. "Serving gives me the opportunity to help protect what is most precious to all that live in the United States - freedom!"

Col. Jeffrey Liethen, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and currently deployed as commander of the Multinational Battle Group East in Kosovo, said that National Guard Soldiers are a special breed.

"They lead normal civilian lives, involved with their careers, families and communities," Liethen said. "They have special bonds to their states and value the opportunity to lead lives in a place they are connected to. What sets them apart is their willingness to leave their beloved homes and deploy in the face of natural disasters or to fight in our nation's wars."

Lt. Col. Dave Odonahue, the rear detachment brigade commander for the 157th MEB, said the reasons Soldiers in his brigade serve range from pride in serving their country to being a role model, from making a positive community impact to following in the family tradition, while others were seeking self-structure, fulfillment and challenge, camaraderie, life experience, a chance to deploy and the "opportunity to do something great."

Col. Paul Russell, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 64th Troop command, elaborated on the connection between citizen and Soldier.

"In states like Wisconsin, the Army National Guard is for many the face of the United States Army," Russell said. "Outside of Fort McCoy, we do not have active Army component units stationed here."

Walker said Wisconsin's strong community support has been crucial for maintaining a strong Army.

"I have seen this community support firsthand at sendoff ceremonies and welcome home celebrations," Walker said, "and I share this heartfelt support for our men and women in uniform."

Col. Darrel Feucht, the deployed commander of Wisconsin's first Agribusiness Development Team, explained that National Guard Soldiers bring great value to the mission in Afghanistan.

"We provide the true Guard value: a Soldier, a citizen, an individual that projects multiple skill sets and talent toward a common goal - to serve their nation," Feucht observed. "They are truly the best of the best that embodies the spirit of the Minuteman - the farmer and the Soldier."

Dunbar said the National Guard is proud of its dual commitment to state and nation.

"All Army Guardsmen are Soldiers - part of the U.S. Army," Dunbar said, "and today is their 237th birthday."