I posted a piece before on Our Army Strong and since then have found myself reflecting more and more on what really makes us strong. Although one might primarily think of strong as being defined as strength, I offer that there is much more that contributes to our Army's motto of "Army Strong", like perhaps the Army Values, for instance.

A good structure is only as sound as its foundation.  In the same spirit, our Army is not only “Strong” because of its current capabilities, but also the men and women whose shoulders we are honored to stand on.  On our recent trip to Deep River, CT, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps was honored to cross paths with one of these American’s: Mr Edward Barry, a former Air Force Staff Sergeant from the Nation’s Greatest Generation.

CW4 Frederick Ellwein, Fife and Drum Corps Commander, offers his appreciation to Mr. Edward Barry
of Moodus, CT American Legion Post 156 for his hospitality.

Mr. Barry and American Legion Post 156 of Moodus, CT opened their doors to the Soldiers of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, treating us to a grand send off on our return trip to Washington, D.C. Good food, equally impressive stories, and the shared camaraderie that is found only in the Armed Forces, set the stage for a wonderful breakfast at the Legion Post.

We would like to thank Mr. Barry and the members of American Legion Post 156 for their warm hospitality and support. These experiences help our current generation remember what makes us Army Strong… the proud Americans that stood before us as brothers and sisters in arms. Army Strong!