 Administering the oath of enlistment this evening is the 40th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, General James C. McConville. American paratroopers, American soldiers, then in this week is the Army birthday celebration protecting around the world. And the soldiers you saw jumping in today and the soldiers you'll see during this event represent the very, very best of the United States. Very shortly, I will enlist new soldiers who have raised their right hand during a time of conflict and said, send me. So we are very, very proud to have them join the Army. We are hiring right now for anyone else that's interested. So let's go ahead and get on with this thing. We're proud to be in the Army. We're proud to have you join us. Thank you. Okay, please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. Do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. And that I will bear the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me according to regulations in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. Congratulations and proud to have you in the Army. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in welcoming the United States Army's newest soldiers. The United States Army welcomes you to Joint Base Meyer Henderson Hall in this evening's Special Army Birthday Performance of Twilight Tattoo. Now taking the field are soldiers of your United States Army. Please stand and join us in singing the Army Song. The Commander of Troops this evening is Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Thompson, Commander, Fourth Battalion, Third United States Infantry Regiment, the Old Guard. Ladies and gentlemen, our hosts for this evening's performance are the Secretary of the Army, Honorable Christine Wormuth, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General James C. McConville, and Sergeant Major Charles W. Albertson, representing the Sergeant Major of the Army. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise as honors are rendered. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have special guests for tonight's ceremony, the Honorable Christine E. Wormuth and Mr. Andrew Kipper, Secretary of the Army, General and Mrs. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army. Sergeant Major Charles W. Albertson, representing Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael A. Grinston, Executive Officer to the Sergeant Major of the Army. Miss Alexandra Grinston, spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael A. Grinston. General retired and Mrs. Eric Shinseki, Seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Chairman, Army Historical Foundation. The Honorable Michael McCord, Under Secretary of Defense for Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer. The Honorable Gilbert Sinceros Jr., Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Miss Silene Mullen, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. General and Mrs. Joseph M. Martin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. General and Mrs. David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations. Admiral Steve D. Poulin, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. The Honorable Carl E. Spangler, Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller. Miss Yvette K. Busico, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Miss Veronica Valdez, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for White House Liaison. Mr. Matthew Williams, Performing the duties of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brannon, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans and Posture. Lieutenant General and Mrs. Walter E. Payett, Director of the Army Staff. Mr. Mario Diaz, Deputy Under Secretary of the Army. Chief Foreign Officer 5, Yolandria S. Dixon Carter, Assistant Executive Officer and Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the 40th Chief of Staff of the Army. And we are pleased to have congressional staff members from the offices of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. And Representative Chrissy Hulahan. Thank you for sharing your evening with us. Once again, welcome to Joint Base Meyer Henderson Hall in this evening's special performance of Twilight Tattoo! Army Strong! The origin of American military music can be traced to the pifers and drummers of the Revolutionary War. This musical heritage is represented today by the soldiers of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. The soldiers of the Pfeifen Drum Corps wear uniforms patterned after those of General Washington's Continental Army. In order to be easily identified, military musicians wore the reverse colors of the regiment to which they were assigned. At that time, American infantry soldiers wore blue coats with red facings. Thus the musicians wore red coats with blue facings. The active duty musicians of today's Pfeifen Drum Corps honor the soldiers of the past while displaying the discipline, professionalism and precision of today's Army to audiences around the globe. For over 200 years, our nation's Army has been committed to upholding the United States Constitution and defending the values, traditions and liberties that define us as a nation. We as an Army stand today on the shoulders of giants who fought so bravely for our country. As they conclude their program, the Corps honors the legacy and the continued vigilance of today's soldier with the Corps' signature melody and troop step. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps! In the evening of April 18th, 1775, dispatch riders from Boston rode out to alert the Minutemen of the March of British Army Soldiers, known as regulars or redcoats, to Lexington and Concord. One of them, Silver Smith, artist and patriot Paul Revere, was later immortalized in Henry Wandsworth Longfellow's 1861 poem with the words, Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. The American Revolution was our eight year long struggle for independence. The conflict witnessed the birth of our nation's Army on 14 June 1775, though the raw militia units that comprised that force were severely tested in the early years of the Revolution. Under the leadership of General George Washington, a professional American Army emerged from the trials and tribulations of Valley Forge as a trained, battle-tested and highly organized fighting force. Sound assembly! Less than a generation after the American Revolution, the Army was again called upon to defend our hard-won liberties and national sovereignty in the War of 1812. In battles that raged from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, American soldiers endured and persevered as our nation's capital and the entire Chesapeake region was threatened in the summer of 1814. A small force of soldiers and militia held out against an invading British Army and fleet at a small post near Baltimore, Maryland. It's an attack for the last two days. The enemy has pressed us hard and they've been shelling Fort McHenry almost non-stop. But the men endure the horrors of battle and the bombardment like veterans. The courage and strength of the regular soldiers and militia remains unbroken despite the hardships. We have a bond. We trust each other and our officers and we know we will prevail. This morning at dawn, the force commander ordered an enormous flag be raised to show the enemy that we will not be defeated. They say it can be seen for miles. That flag is our nation's symbol, our badge of honor, and it will not be lowered for this or any foe. Over 200 years ago, our national anthem was born as Francis Scott Key observed our glorious flag flying over the ramparts at Fort McHenry the morning after the battle. Please rise and join in singing The Star Spangled Banner. The Star Spangled Best Century America began to rapidly expand its borders. President Jefferson's negotiation of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 had doubled the size of the young nation and the United States Army's core of discovery. Led by Army Captains Maryweather Lewis and William Clark explored these vast new lands. Tens of thousands of Americans followed trails that stretched from St. Louis, Missouri to Oregon, California and New Mexico. Army engineers and soldiers spearheaded expeditions that explored and mapped this great land from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, Grand Canyon and Pacific Northwest, through the ravages of the American Civil War and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad that connected the nation from coast to coast. The Army was able to transform itself to respond to the ever-changing needs of the nation. America's small frontier army would evolve into a larger and more complex fighting force that first appeared on the world stage in the Spanish-American War. Then in 1917, the Army was called upon to deploy massive formations overseas to defeat the armies of the German Kaiser in World War I. One of the most decorated units to emerge from World War I was the 369th Infantry Regiment known as the Harlem Hell Fighters. The regiment was composed largely of African-American soldiers from New York. Originally an Army National Guard unit, these soldiers had overcome many challenges to join the ranks of the American Expeditionary Force that deployed to France under General John Pershing. Private Henry Johnson, one of America's great heroes of the conflict, was a member of this proud, capable and hard-fighting unit. The French said that what I did was heroic or brave. Oh, they even gave me this medal, but I tell you I only did what I had to do. You see, Robert's not a restraining sentry in no man's land of northern France this past May. In the wee hours of the morning, we thought we heard wire cutters. And before we knew it, a hell of bullets came our way. We gave it right back to them, we unloaded our rifles and went after them with grenades. We both got hit, but Robert's went down and I just kept going. Honestly, two Germans taken him away. I turned my rifle around and I clubbed two Germans who were on top of me. I pushed through my bowler knife, got Robert's back and continued for the enemy. Reinforcements finally came and the Germans retreated, but now without paying a heavy price. Last week, when the French rewarded us to crowd a gear, all I thought was that I was proud we had done something to advance freedom. This time it wasn't as laborer, but as true American soldiers. Out the 20th century, American soldiers fought side by side with our allies to achieve victory over there. Over there, over there, send a word, send a word over there. That the yanks are coming, the drums rumbed tommy, so prepare. Say your gun, get your guns. Less than a generation later, the forces of tyranny and oppression aggrieved threatened our country and her allies with the outbreak of the Second World War. After the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, American forces waged campaigns in the European and Pacific theaters. Soldiers fought from the deserts of North Africa to the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippines. When General MacArthur said, I shall return back in 42, victory in the Pacific sure seemed a long way off. But just this past year, my division, the 77th Infantry, has helped take back Guam, the Philippines and now Okinawa. My brother hit Omaha Beach and France last year with the 1st Infantry Division. And word is, the Nazis are going to surrender soon and the war in Europe will be over. I sure hope victory ain't too far off either. I'm ready for the fight to end so I can get back to my wife, kids and the life I had left behind. From the country came together to support our troops, with most men shipping out more than 6 million American women stepped up and met the new challenges. America became the arsenal of democracy and millions of Americans were needed to keep the troops supplied. They worked in factories and workshops across the country, producing tanks, artillery, vehicles and aircraft. Not only did women help build the planes, they flew them to where they were needed, as members of the Women Air Force Service Pilot Program, the WASPs. 41, I was a civilian pilot instructor in Hawaii when I witnessed the attacks on Pearl Harbor from the flight deck of my plane. Watching that event moved me to join the WASPs when they formed a year later. In total, we flew over 60 million miles, transporting cargo, laying smoke and towing aerial targets. We handled every type of military aircraft available at the time and nothing makes me prouder than knowing I used one of my greatest talents in service to my country. In 2010, the WASPs recognized their invaluable service to the nation with a Congressional Gold Medal. Today, women now serve in all positions within the Army and are integral members of the team. America declared victory in Europe and Japan, VE and VJ days in 1945, and Americans looked forward to what they hoped would be a period of peace and prosperity, but the world order continued to change. The peace that so many had fought and died for in World War II lasted just a few short years. In June 1950, the Cold War turned hot, as American forces joined with the United Nations to resist communist aggression in Korea. The Army that deployed to Korea had begun to transform to look more like the nation it served. The desegregation of the armed forces by President Truman in 1948 created integrated units that fought at places like Heartbreak Ridge, Horkchop Hill and Sandbag Castle before an armistice which continues to this day was signed in the fighting came to an end. I fought across Europe against the Nazis in World War II. I never thought I'd be back on active duty again, but here I am on Horkchop Hill fighting commies. We've been ordered to hold this position at all costs, sort of messaged to the enemy, no matter how many assaults they launched, we won't budge. In a faraway land, these soldiers I lead are giving everything to fight off communist aggression. Like me, many fought in the last war. They are brave and the very best. We hope that the sacrifices we are making will give the people of South Korea a chance at lasting peace and allow them to rebuild their nation as they want to. Korea is sometimes called the Forgotten War, but the heroic efforts of American service members fighting side-by-side with our Korean and United Nations allies enabled South Korea to build the thriving democracy they have today. Less than a decade after the armistice in Korea, the army was once again called upon to confront our nation's enemies, this time in Southeast Asia. As the army entered Vietnam, it implemented innovative concepts that transformed warfare and medical treatment operations. Helicopter gunships mounted with machine guns and rockets rapidly delivered aerosol troops to the battlefield, where they could be supported by tactical air and artillery support. These helicopter units revolutionized medical first responder capabilities on the battlefield and beyond. Helicopter medical evacuations known as dust-offs, pioneered life-saving techniques that remain the benchmark in both military and civilian emergency medical care today. At the heart of all these innovations was the American soldier. I'm Sergeant Robert L. Howard and I'm on my third tour here in Vietnam. I couldn't wait to enlist in the army and become a Green Beret. To be a part of the best of the best was all I ever dreamed of as a kid. My A-Team has done everything from providing medical care to villagers up in the Central Highlands to advising and fighting alongside the Vietnamese. Once my team was attacked by enemy forces three times our size, my platoon leader was badly wounded and pinned down, so I crawled through enemy fire and pulled them out. Even though I was wounded too, I made sure my entire team got back to safety before I left the battlefield. They gave me the Medal of Honor for my actions, but I didn't do it for hopes of an award. I did it because I care about my team and because what we're doing here in Vietnam is important. I volunteered to be an Army nurse right out of college. Here in Vietnam, we work 12-hour shifts, six days a week, and this is the hardest work I've done in my life. Every day, we see about a dozen soldiers come through our field hospital and we do everything we can to help them heal. We're saving lives on the front line and performing procedures back home only doctors can do. Even on my days off, I go back to the hospital and try to comfort the wounded as best I can. My friends back home don't understand, but I know what I'm doing here is my calling. Not just as a nurse, but as a U.S. Army soldier and support my country however I can. We soldiers are trusted professionals in our nation's greatest military asset. We answered America's call to duty and served with honor and selfless service. Conditions in Vietnam. Commitment to the nation and each other. As we emerged from conflict in Southeast Asia, the world was changing in many ways. We asked ourselves, as the world evolves, how do we need to evolve to meet new challenges? The Army went to work on changes to our doctrine, equipment, organizations, personnel systems, and how we trained our professional soldiers. The revolutions in training and doctrine in the post-Vietnam era, as well as the movement from the draft to an all-volunteer force transformed the United States Army. Realistic demanding training, along with inspired visionary leadership is the bedrock of the Army profession. The Army instills individual and collective excellence. A commitment to a strong personal and team ethic and set of professional values. All this is represented in the soldiers of the United States Army drill team. The secret to our Army success was, is, and continues to be unit cohesion and trust. Nowhere is that more evident than in the drill team. Members of the drill team are from all corners of the United States, with a wide range of career fields. They have perfected their skills and are here to share them with you today. Ladies and gentlemen, your United States Army drill team. Today, the drill team is commanded by Sergeant First Class Jonathan Chappelle from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The drill team represents today's soldiers as well as yesterday's heroes who proudly fought in our nation's wars and continue to serve around the world. The total Army must be ready for today, modernized for tomorrow, and strengthened by close relationships with our allies and partners. Like the drill team, we build cohesive teams that are highly trained, disciplined, and fit, who are ready to fight and win in any environment. We sustain a culture of respect, trust, and discipline where everyone takes care of each other. Now, the most difficult maneuver of all, the soldiers will continue to march as members from the front rank toss their rifle into the air over the formation to be caught by the soldiers in the rear rank. This is again an exercise in trust as team members will have to put their safety in the hands of their fellow soldiers. This is the United States Army drill team signature maneuver since 1958, the front-to-rear overhead rifle toss. And the ambassadors for today's Army, yesterday's heroes, and tomorrow's soldiers, our United States Army drill team. After Vietnam, the integration of technology, planning, training, equipment, and leadership set the foundation for victory over the next three decades. It helped to bring about victory in the Cold War with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. American soldiers also served with distinction in places like Granada, Panama, Somalia, Haiti, and the Balkans. No other nation on the face of the Earth could compete as America developed weapons like the Big Five, the Abrams Tank, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, and the Patriot Missile. The first major conflict for the United States in the post-Vietnam era presented itself in August 1990 when Saddam Hussein ordered his armies to invade Kuwait. This was no ordinary act of aggression. Iraq's Army, the fourth largest in the world, the Bancin Republican Guard were well-equipped and battle-tested after the eight-year war with Iran. Still in just 100 hours of ground combat, the U.S. Army and their allies achieved a stunning victory over enemies, liberating Kuwait, professionalism, and high level of training of our soldiers. Added to the history books were victories such as the Battle of Medina Ridge, the Battle of Wada al-Bateen, the Battle of 73 Easting, the largest tank battle fought by American forces since World War II. America rallied behind its soldiers and their families as we achieved victory in the Gulf War. This spirit was captured in a memorable song of the era. If tomorrow I'd work for all my life and I had to start again with just my family by my side, I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today because the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away and I won't forget the ones who died and I gladly stand because there ain't no doubt in a shining sea Detroit down to Houston and it's time we... Added to the 9-11 terrorist attacks drawing up plans to send special forces teams to Afghanistan as part of an unconventional mission known as Task Force Dagger. American soldiers working in partnership with United States Airmen and the Afghan enemies of the Taliban known as the Northern Alliance struck quickly adapting as needed to engage in a new type of conflict. Their ability to adapt tactically, operationally and strategically was a testament to their commitment expertise and professional excellence. I'm Captain Mark Neuch Commander of the Fed Special Forces Group Operational Detachment Alpha 595 We were one of the first Special Forces teams ready for deployment told to start planning and to be prepared to use indigenous animals for transportation. I let an experienced team of soldiers served in Somalia, Bosnia or the 1st Gulf War but we never imagined we'd be riding horses into combat Once we arrived in Afghanistan on 19 October 2001 we had a lot to learn my men adapted well The horses give us the flexibility to get in, around and behind the enemy to cut them off from reinforcement and retreat The U.S. Army hasn't filled the cavalry unit on horseback since World War II they were fighting side by side with their Afghan allies In this fight adaptability and resilience meddled most From the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq where the Army waged war on terrorism by toppling a dictator and enabling the opportunity for democracy the American soldier demonstrated incredible versatility, perseverance courage and teamwork Today's Army is committed to innovation and new ways in one certain world strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions as well as with our sister services and allies around the globe are propelling advancements in data centric operations and resiliency in the face of climate change As long as we continue to innovate modernize and put our people first we will remain the unrivaled world leader in ground combat operations and continue to redefine what it means to bring the fight to the enemy in 2035 and beyond in all domain operations Focus on a culture of commitment competence, character and caring Here we support a professional environment where everyone can thrive and excel as far as our talents can take them both as an individual and as a team The Army's 150 unique career fields and 8 broad specialty areas highlights the growing numbers of opportunities for Army recruits The Army is its people People are the Army's greatest strength and most important indicator of our readiness People mean soldiers in the regular Army National Guard Army Reserve Army families and Army civilians as well as veterans and retirees who remain soldiers for life and part of the Army family It takes people from all walks of life serving in many different ways to remain the world's premier My name is Staff Sergeant Dante Grafe from Los Angeles, California and I serve as the infantry soldier I am Specialist Max Hoslet from LaMoure, California and I serve as a search and rescue soldier My name is Specialist Logan Bostrom from Muskegon, Michigan and I serve as a cyber specialist My name is Specialist Harding from Fort Charles, Florida and I serve as an Army medic My name is Sergeant Tatterson I am Military Police K9 It is my military working dog Fargo Four years from all backgrounds, talents and geographies to sustain the all volunteer force and enhance the future of our Army to win the next fight Sir, with the joint forces our partners and allies and the unwavering support of you the American people we will thrive through the nation's first run of defense for another 247 years I'm just trying to be a father raise a daughter and a son be a lover to them no business in my suit yeah, I'm dressed up for success from my head down to my boots I don't bills that I can't pay I don't do it for the glory I just do it in future it's my responsibility yeah, I'm real good under pressure being all that I can be called and sick on Monday I just work straight through the holidays sometimes all night long when you know that I'll stand ready growls at the door hey, I'm solid yes, I'm steady yeah, I'm true down to the core Army to present Twilight Tattoo Thank you for coming out to celebrate the Army's 247th birthday service of American soldiers past and present our soldiers will remain on the field to speak with you and pose for photographs enjoy the rest of your evening people first, winning matters are