US Army marks 250 years: Who are some of the soldiers behind the uniform?

US Army marks 250 years

The U.S. Army is celebrating its 250th birthday this weekend, reflecting on its history and the traditions defended by the men and women in uniform.

WASHINGTON - The Army celebrates its 250th birthday this Saturday. The region has been preparing and talking all about event plans to mark the moment, but what about the men and women who don the uniform? 

For a deeper look, FOX 5 visited Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on Thursday to speak with a few soldiers on what they actually do in the Army, where their journeys have taken them and what they're thinking about on this 250th birthday. 

The first interview was with U.S. Army Captain Sean Conaway, who explained his role as the Honor Guard Company Commander. This role involves executing ceremonies throughout the National Capital Region, including presidential events, as well as the State Funeral of Former President Jimmy Carter. 

Honoring 250 Years: A soldier’s story in the US Army

As the U.S. Army celebrates 250 years, Staff Sgt. Emily Perkins reflects on her journey and the legacy of those who serve.

"I think the biggest thing with that is doing routine things routinely. Making sure you build a foundation. It's hard to build a house if you don't lay a foundation on it. And so having the opportunity to train regularly, not for anything specific, but the basic fundamental of ceremonial perfection is paramount to our success in these missions," said Capt. Conaway, who tells FOX 5 their purpose in "The Old Guard" is to connect the American people with their Army and their different military stories. 

"The Old Guard," is a nickname for Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, the group that guards the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The unit is based out of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and constantly trains for perfection. Many Americans meet and learn about the nation's oldest branch of the military through the unit since Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier receive millions of visitors each year. 

Capt. Conaway, from Colorado, says his story includes first enlisting in the U.S. Airforce out of high school, wanting to chase dreams of being a para-rescue jumper. In other interviews he recounts an injury and his work transitioning to surveying. He eventually studied Civil Engineering, pursing a degree at Arizona State University, but tells FOX 5 he felt the pull back into military service. This time he joined the U.S. Army. His last two years have been with "The Old Guard."

Conaway says both his parents served 26 and 30-years in the military. He now shares that long history of service, telling FOX 5, "It's just a wonderful opportunity, this 250th birthday, to tell and to share with the American people. That connection is incredibly important." 

"I am the vocalist with the Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band. So, we are a military big band, which those are two — three words. I guess that most people wouldn't put together, but we travel around the country honoring our veterans and telling our story for the army," U.S. Army Staff Sargeant Emily Perkins told FOX 5. 

The Staff Sgt. shared she came from Michigan and did not come from a family with a military background. In fact, she said those close to her were shocked by her decision. 

A Soldier’s Journey: Reflecting on 250 years of the US Army

As the U.S. Army marks its 250th anniversary, First Lt. Nathan Mapes shares his personal experience, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who serve and the legacy they uphold.

"I was a music major in college, and I was thinking about what I wanted to do next. And as you can imagine the arts, it's sometimes hard to make a living and the Army seemed to check a lot of boxes as far as stability," said Staff Sgt. Perkins, "And although I didn't come from a military community, I did come from a service-affiliated community, and so I knew I wanted to use my talent in service of others."

Asked what she's thinking about this 250th Army Birthday, she answered, "I mean, that's a rally long time, but it's a short time compared to other, we want to say countries in the world that have been established. Two hundred and fifty, we're quite young, but look how much we've done in that short amount of time."

Last but not least, is 1st Lt. Nathan Mapes, an infantryman who is the Officer in Charge of all ceremonies and special events for the "Old Guard."

"As we're celebrating 250 years of Army history, we are the oldest active infantry unit here with 240 years, so it's a really unique mission sent here getting to do ceremonies, memorial affairs and everything like that. So, it takes a lot of effort, a lot of discipline to make sure we're on top of our craft," said 1st Lt. Mapes. 

He came to the Capital Region by way of Oregon, previously going to school on an ROTC scholarship. The solider says he was inspired by both of his grandfathers, who were part of "The Greatest Generation." FOX 5 is also told First Lt. Mapes can trace is family's military service to the American Revolutionary War. 

"We're the biggest branch, so we have the most opportunities, the most capacities and ways that you can serve to find something that fits for everybody," said 1st Lt. Mapes, "For me this weekend, so much of it is going to be about paying homage and those who paved the way for us going forward."

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