Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a birthday celebration in conjunction with the Montgomery Recruiting Battalion for the 249th birthday celebration of the Army.
“Today is a day to honor, celebrate, and especially be grateful to those of you who currently serve and who have served our country so valiantly. Thank you,” Chairman of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Miller said.
Recruiting Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Johnson addressed the crowd of current men and women within the Army and former service members that were there to celebrate the Army’s birthday at the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“We felt that this celebration was a way to show our partnership with the military and celebrate this momentous birthday for the US Army, and we hope to continue this celebration in the future,” President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Patty VanderWal said.
In attendance was Mayor Bill Gillespie and City Council President Lora Lee Boone, members of the Prattville Chamber staff as well as members of the community showing support.
“As we celebrate 249 years of excellence within our Army, turning obstacles into possibilities, challenges into accomplishments, our Army continues to be an institution that is firmly trusted but that everyone who joins our team can be all that they want to be,” Lt. Col. Johnson said.
Lt. Col. Johnson went on to thank serving members and veterans in the crowd, as well as thanked the Chamber for their generosity and support.
Among those in attendance was a newly enlisted recruit from Pine Level. Wendell Chaney recited the Oath of Enlistment with Lt. Col. Johnson to signify their commitment to serve within the United States Army.
“I know today’s Army now being even stronger, faster, and smarter, standing on the investments of the veterans that have shaped the battlefield for us today. I know we will continue to be successful,” Lt. Col. Johnson said.
Chaney received a medal of excellence in memory of the oath he took before everyone at the 249th Army Birthday Celebration in Prattville, Alabama.
“We have a large military population and we have made our focus on highlighting our military friendly community to all of the military, including the reservists and those that are retired,” VanderWal said.
The current members serving in the Army in attendance also sang the Army Song, loudly and proudly as the ceremony ended.
