Posted on 05/30/2006 5:27:33 PM PDT by SandRat
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Army News Service, May 30, 2006) – Pike Field was a sea of maroon berets May 25 as more than 12,000 paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division underwent a Division Review on the fourth day of All-American Week.
Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez hosted the ceremony, and Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis J. Harvey served as the reviewing officer.
“Distinguished guests; past, present and future paratroopers; glider riders and pilots; family and friends of the All-American Division, thank you for attending today’s Division Review and helping us celebrate the division’s rich history,” Rodriguez said in opening remarks.
“We are blessed to be among America’s finest sons and daughters, the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. Our nation is very fortune that they selflessly serve, and we are extremely grateful for the thousands of family members who support them,” he added.
Harvey marked the day as “a great day for all of us with the opportunity to honor our troopers both past and present.”
“There is no place I would rather be today than with the troopers and families of the 82nd Airborne Division,” he said.
The Division Review is part of Fort Bragg’s All-American Week celebration, which honors the paratroopers of today and those of yesteryear. It is a week-long event where troopers are given the opportunity to compete in athletics, interact with veterans and show their unit pride.
The event began last week with a formation of more than 12,000 paratroopers taking off on the traditional four-mile run.
“The tradition of All-American Week, a celebration in this division’s rich history, lineage and honors, is important and it provides a link between troopers of the past and present,” Harvey said.
The Secretary thanked the Soldiers for their efforts in the Global War on Terrorism.
“Since 9-11, troopers from this division and their supporting units have gone to battle in both Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said. “Not only have you been courageous and relentless in combat, you have truly represented the values of America, as you assisted the people of both Afghanistan and Iraq in stabilizing and securing their countries.”
The 82nd Abn. Div.’s operations following hurricanes Katrina and Rita were also highlighted by Harvey. “This is a true case of the All-American Division directly helping Americans in their hour of need and once again answering the call of duty, the call to service.”
After Katrina devastated New Orleans, elements of the division deployed to the stricken city within six hours of notification to provide humanitarian assistance surpassing the 82nd’s ability to be wheels-up and in flight within 18 hours of notification.
“Whether in tough, realistic training or in combat, whether operating in foul weather, in harsh terrain or standing by on alert to execute any mission, anywhere in the world in defense of liberty, no matter the time, the place or the difficulty, our country’s leaders know that you will always, and I mean always, accomplish the mission,” Harvey said.
(Editor’s note: Spec. Jim Wilt writes for the 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs Office.)
All American PING
The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the finest outfits in the U.S. military services. We are indeed fortunate to have them on our side.
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