JUNE 14, 2022 – The Tennessee Valley workforce is essential to maintaining America’s safety and security, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That was the message delivered by Lt. Gen. Donnie Walker, deputy commanding general of Army Materiel Command and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, at a celebration of the 247th Army Birthday hosted by the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, June 9 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
“The Army’s legacy has been built on 247 years of history, displayed in the dedication, courage and heroism of the American Soldier and the entire Army team,” Walker said. “For the last 81 years, Redstone Arsenal has been a crucial piece to our success. I am honored to be a part of that effort, and so should everyone in this room.”
Walker highlighted this year’s Army birthday theme “Defending America – 24/7.”
“It requires no explanation, at least not to this audience as you all have dedicated your lives and careers to this Nation, that defending America is a 24/7 job,” Walker said. “As Senior Commander, I have the opportunity to see the initiatives taking place across Redstone and how our workforce, and this community, are doing their part to defend America 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.”
The event brought together leaders from across Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley, including Dr. Joe Fitzgerald, the civilian aide to the secretary of the Army; Lt. Gen. Neil Thurgood, director of the Hypersonic, Directed Energy, Space and Rapid Acquisition Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); and Lt. Gen. Dan Karbler, commanding general of U.S. Army Space and Missile Command. The guest list expanded past current and former Soldiers to include mayors and representatives from cities across Alabama and senior executives from other federal agencies on Redstone Arsenal.
“On the forefront of everyone’s mind is the war in Ukraine, and make no mistake, the organizations right here at Redstone are absolutely critical to the U.S. response and support to NATO,” Walker said. “From shipping equipment and munitions to Security Assistance and training, contracting support and forward repair activity, we are engaged – 24/7 – in this mission.”
Walker spoke of selfless service throughout his remarks, an Army value recognizing the sacrifice of individual goals for the betterment of the organization. He recognized and awarded the chapter’s volunteer family of the year, Earl and April Thomas, for their contributions to the lives of the children, veterans and first responders of the Tennessee Valley region.
Walker also recognized the oldest and the youngest Soldiers at the event, after the ceremonial cake cutting. The youngest was Future Soldier Kaiden Soffes, 18, who graduated from Grissom High School in Huntsville two weeks prior and recently enlisted in the Army to become a motor transport operator. The oldest Soldier in the room was Korean War veteran Clyde Roston, 90, who served as a private first class in the 11th Engineer Battalion in Korea from 1951 to 1952. Today, his battalion is assigned to Eighth Army, still located in South Korea.
In accordance with Army tradition, Roston and Soffes cut the Army birthday cake alongside Walker – the older Soldier representing the history and traditions of the Army while the young Soldier represented its future.
Many Army families attended the dinner in support of their loved ones who serve. Walker noted in his remarks that Army spouses and children often make sacrifices, both big and small, that ultimately enable Soldiers to serve and contribute to Army readiness.
“There is no question, I would not be standing here today if it wasn’t for my Army family,” Walker said. “As the late Gen. Ray Odierno, AMC 38th Chief of Staff, used to say, quote, “The strength of our nation is our Army. The strength of our Army is our Soldiers. And the strength of our Soldiers is our families. That’s what makes us Army strong.” You keep us strong.”
In wrapping up, Walker had a message for all in attendance, from the Gold Star families, to the defense contractors and to the Tennessee Valley community leaders: even after 35 years in the Army, he still loves his job.
“I love the Army. I live it, breathe it and I love every day I’ve been in it. I love everything it stands for. I love the teamwork, the camaraderie, the patriotism. I love why we do it – to defend our great nation.”
Story by Lindsay Grant
U.S. Army Materiel Command