(Source: https://www.army.mil/)

Almost two and a half centuries ago today the Continental Congress established what will later become the United States army. 

Since its birth the army has proven vital in both the initial domestic and later foreign struggles the newly born, or seasoned, U.S. found itself. 
Every year a ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, with the goal of paying tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. 

For this year the theme is “Honoring the Past, Defending the Future.”, putting a classical focus on the importance of remembering and looking up to the past actions of those before, while making sure there is a future to continue looking back. 
As many around the U.S. gather to celebrate this event, veterans and community members join in order to recall all that was done, witnessed and head forward with renewed respect for those who set the traditions they now follow. 

As the U.S. army heads towards its 250th birthday next year, we wish all current and retired service members an enjoyable celebration.
 

Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th, is a significant yet often overlooked holiday in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. This day serves as a reminder of the nation's history, unity, and the values that the flag represents.

The origins of Flag Day can be traced back to 1885, when Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, arranged for his students to observe June 14 as "Flag Birthday." His efforts to promote the celebration of the flag gained traction over the years. By 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, and in 1949, Congress officially designated it as National Flag Day, recognizing its importance in American culture and history.

The American flag, with its thirteen stripes and fifty stars, symbolizes the country's evolution and expansion. The stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that declared independence from Britain, while the stars signify the fifty states that make up the union. Over time, the flag has become an emblem of freedom, democracy, and the enduring spirit of the American people.

Flag Day is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the principles of liberty and justice that the flag embodies. Communities across the nation engage in various activities to honor the day, including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and educational programs. Schools often incorporate lessons about the history and significance of the flag, fostering a sense of patriotism and respect among students.

Flag Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of the American spirit and the values that the flag represents. As citizens honor the flag, they also reaffirm their commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, and unity that define the United States. Through educational efforts and community involvement, Flag Day continues to inspire patriotism and a deeper appreciation for the nation's history and heritage.

Congratulations to the soldiers of OSUT class 24-23 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! These soldiers have been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and have earned the right to be full active members of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in your career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PFC A.McFarland       

 PV2 Z.Hudson                             

 PV2 C.Minev                              

 PV2 T.Lanza                              

Instructors :

 SGT A.Shocked        

 CPL B.Fitzgerald      

 CPL J.Starling           

 SPC M.Alther           

SPC D.Hughson       

 SPC A.Zvik                 

 SPC B.Montana        

Alpha co. opening notes

First Platoon Widowmakers has opened the Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) billet, here are the responsibilities and requirements:

Responsibilities:

Conducting reconnaissance and surveillance to gather critical intelligence.

Observing and reporting enemy activities and movements.

Coordinating with 3CAB to deliver accurate and timely Landing Zone and/or Drop Zone operations.

Utilizing advanced technology and communication equipment to relay vital information.

Position Requirements

Open to all current 11B, 19D and 68W.

Advanced Radio Communications Course Qualified.

Holds rank of E-4 Specialist at time of application.

Pathfinder School Graduate (Prefered).

Advanced knowledge of Task Force Arrowhead Radio.

Previous experience in the role, or similar (Prefered)

Can operate in stressful environments.

Good multi-tasker.

Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Proficiency in map reading, navigation and communications skills

Application Process

  Interested candidates should submit a Letter of Interest no later than June 7th. Contact LT Babol, SFC Marsh or CPL Starling. A document will be sent by 2LT Babol after the Ceremony indicating everything that has been read here, so everyone will be able to consult all that has been said here.

Force Improvement Classes
Air Assault school - june 15th
CLS Course (KAT Medical) - june 29th

Anniversaries
1LT G.Tucci - 4 year (june 22nd)
WO1 D.Schneider - 3 year (june 4th)
CW2 D.Lotus - 1 year (june 18th)
PFC T.Pearson - 2 year (june 27th)

The Alpha Company Award Ceremony is a special occasion once a month to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Gaming Unit.

The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence of the following Soldiers. In view of these qualities and their dedicated service to the 3rd Infantry Division, they are, therefore, promoted and awarded the following.

The following Soldiers are promoted to

E-3 Private First Class
PV2 J.Forrester is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 N.McEnheimer is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 A.Amburghy is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 K.Faraone is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 W.Sadler is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 R.Veneer is being promoted to Private First Class

E-4b Specialist
PFC B.Montana is being promoted to Specialist
PFC S.Ohwo is being promoted to Specialist
PFC Z.Williamson is being promoted to Specialist
PFC T.Pearson is being promoted to Specialist
PFC R.Sjordal is being promoted to Specialist
PFC J.Fuller is being promoted to Specialist

E-4a Corporal
SPC A.Zvik is being promoted to Corporal
SPC B.Fitzgerald is being promoted to Corporal

E-7 Sergeant First Class
SSG J.Ayers is being promoted to Sergeant First Class

O-3 Captain
1LT G.Tucci is being promoted to Captain

The following soldiers have been awarded:
 

Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal
CPL G.Nagy with "V" device
PV2 J.Forrester with "V" device

Good Conduct Medal
CW2 A.DeMaio
SPC M.Gregoire
SPC K.Krios
SPC M.Alther
SPC B.Montana
SPC S.Ohwo
PFC Z.Williamson
PFC A.Siebens
PFC R.Sjordal
PFC R.Ramírez
PFC J.Andersson
PFC F.Ramirez

Armed Forces Service Medal
MAJ J.LaFlash - RRO
CPT G.Tucci - FIG
2LT E.Babol - BMO, FIG
CW2 J.Tracey - CID
CW2 E.Poltorak - PAO
CW2 A.DeMaio - FIG 
1SG V.Garcia - BMO, INTEL
SFC J.Ayers- RRO
SSG J.Duck - BMO
SGT J.Nicholas - CID
SGT A.Shocked - FIG 
SGT A.Shocked - PAO 
SGT D.Smiricky- RRO 
SGT W.Fives - FIG 
CPL H.McMahon - FIG 
CPL G.Nagy - RRO 
CPL A.Zvik - PAO 
SPC S.Kidon  - BMO
SPC A.Birdlike  BMO
SPC B.Fitzgerald - FIG
SPC P.Byrde - CID
SPC G.York - CID

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
MAJ J.Flash 
1LT N.Cooper 
WO1 D.Frost 
SGT S.Kidon 
SPC A.Bills
WO1 A.DeMaio 
SPC S.Magretson 

Army Achievement Medal
SGT J.Nicholas
SGT A.Byrd with "C" device
CPL M.Donnelly with "C" device
CPL J.Starling
CPL R.Winters
CPL A.Zvik
SPC N.Agricola
SPC T.Anderson
SPC M.Alther
SPC B.Montana
SPC S.Ohwo with "V" device
PFC Z.Williamson
PV2 R.Veneer

Army Commendation Medal
SSG R.Ivanov
SGT A.Byrd with "V" device
CPL G.Nagy
SPC A.Bills with "V" device
SPC N.McIntosh
SPC B.Fitzgerald

Purple Heart
SGT D.Shade
SPC J.Koe

Joint Service Achievement Medal
CPL J.Starling
SPC D.Hughson
SPC B.Fitzgerald
SPC B.Montana

Joint Service Commendation Medal
SGT J.Nicholas
SPC J.Frost

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
CW4 A.Diomedes
WO1 D.Frost
SGT D.Smiřický
SGT J.Nicholas
SGT A.Byrd
CPL R.Winters
CPL M.Donnelly
CPL A.Zvik
SPC N.Agricola
SPC Z.Williamson
SPC G.Plunkett
PFC R.Sjordal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
CW2 E.Poltorak
SGT W.Fives
SPC M.Gregoire

Air Medal
CW4 A.Diomedes
CW2 E.Poltorak

Humanitarian Service Medal
1LT N.Cooper
WO1 D.Frost
WO1 J.White
SPC J.Erickson
SPC M.Gregoire
PFC S.Ohwo

Bronze Star
SFC J.Ayers

Basic Parachute Badge
WO1 J.White  
SPC J.Frost 
SPC G.Plunkett 
SPC T.Anderson  
PFC A.Siebens 
PFC S.Ohwo  
PFC B.Montana  
PFC C.Ford 
PFC R.Sjordal

Army Aviation Basic Crewmember Badge
PFC S.Rogers
PFC D.Smith

U.S. Army Aviator Wings
WO1 J.White

Combat Infantry Badge 1
PFC J.Harro
PFC A.Siebens
PFC E.Gonzales
PFC F.Ramirez
PFC H.Rue
PFC C.Ford
PFC S.Baker
PFC A.Panther
PFC J.Andersson
PV2 A.Amburgy
PV2 J.Forrester
PV2 K.Faraone
PV2 N.McEnheimer
PV2 W.Sadler
PV2 Z.Rashdan

Combat Infantry Badge 2
SPC N.Mcintosh
SPC A.BirdLike
SPC E.Shmul
SPC D.Hughson
SPC J.Erickson
SPC Q.Clayton
SPC S. Ohwo
SPC B.Montana
PV2 L.Stone

Combat Infantry Badge 3
SGT D.Smiřický
SGT A.Byrd
CPL M.Donnelly
CPL A.Zvik
SPC A.Bills
SPC G.Plunkett
PFC Z.Williamson
PFC R.Sjordal
SPC J.Frost

Combat Infantry Badge 4
2LT E.Babol
1SG V.Garcia
SSG R.Ivanov
SPC S.Kidon

Combat Action Badge 1
2LT C.Winters
WO1 J.White
SPC K.Grigorov
SPC T.Anderson
PFC J.Shevel
PV2 M.Murphy
PV2 R.Veneer
PV2 T.Kinsey
PV2. W.Lewis
PFC D.Smith
PFC S.Rogers

Combat Action Badge 2
1LT A.Vandle
CW2 J.Tracey
CW2 D.Lotus
CW2 E.Poltorak
CW2 A.DeMaio
WO1 K.Hall
SSG J.Duck
CPL G.Nagy
CPL J.Starling
SPC P.Byrde
SPC B.Fitzgerald
SPC J.Koe
SPC K.Krios
SPC M.Alther
SPC X.Swoop

Combat Action Badge 3
CW4 A.Diomedes
WO1 D.Frost

Combat Medic Badge 1
SPC P.Byrde

Combat Medic Badge 2
SGT J.Nicholas
CPL R.Winters
CPL T.Hunter
CPL H.McMahon

Combat Medic Badge 3
SPC N.Agricola

French Fouragerre
SPC J.Frost

D-Day

Today marks the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings at Normandy; where a combined amphibious invasion force composed of American, British, and Canadian Troops assaulted five beaches in an attempt to break the Atlantic Wall in the largest amphibious assault in all of history with over 300,000 Allied Forces personnel directly engaged in combat during the landings.  The Atlantic Wall were defenses the German Forces had constructed after conquering France in 1940 and garrisoned to prevent British Forces from locking the German Army into a stalemate similar to the Great War two decades prior.

The Allied Forces led by Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight. D. Eisenhower carefully planned an invasion of Europe to break German Supremacy of Europe. This plan was then named Operation Overlord. The night leading up to the invasion, Airborne Divisions were dropped into Normandy the night prior to assault German supply lines, artillery, and coastal defenses. The following morning, following an extensive bombing campaign from the air 156,000 Soldiers from the United States, British Empire, and the Dominion of Canada landed on the beaches codenamed Gold, Sword, Juno, Utah and Omaha. After hours of Brutal fighting on the beaches, defenses on the beaches were eventually overran and destroyed by the assaulting force leading to a larger breakthrough across Normandy to finally allow the Allies to join the war in earnest.

The Allies did not get through the invasion unscathed as over 4,000 were confirmed to be killed in action on the beaches and the defensive structures themselves. The Germans took heavy losses as well during the invasion seeing 4,000-9,000 killed in action defending the beaches. As the invasion progressed into days and coastal towns were liberated from the occupation, the Allied forces considered the Operation a success and continued to drive strong against the German Army and push them back into Germany until May 8th 1945 when Grand Admiral Donitz signed the Unconditional Surrender of all of Germany to the Allies and the Soviet Union. 

Let us remember those that fought on June 6th, 1944 for their bravery and sacrifice as they charged into the unknown.