BAGHDAD, - Members of the National Guard serving in Iraq, with United States Division-Center, gathered among distinguished guests Dec. 13 inside Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, Iraq, to celebrate the birthday of the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
"Today we celebrate the 374th anniversary of the creation of the National Guard," said Lt. Col. Robert Preiss, deputy of National Guard Affairs with United States Forces - Iraq.
The National Guard traces its heritage back to its "first muster" Dec. 13, 1636, when English colonists gathered in Salem, Mass. to form organized militia regiments. In 1775, the colonial militias defended freedom and gained independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War.
State militias were preserved under the U.S. Constitution, ensuring each state retained its own military force that could also be federally activated for national defense. The National Guard has fought in all of the nation's major wars and conflicts since its inception.
National Guard members serving in Iraq today carry on the traditions of the colonial state militias. Just as the Minutemen dropped their plows and took up arms in defense of the nation, today's Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen leave behind their Families and employers to serve where they are needed.
"Today there are nearly 500,000 serving in the Guard, and over 50,000 of those are deployed. They are regular folks who-on a moment's notice-will stop what they are doing, set their personal and professional lives aside, in order to respond to the community, the state, or the nation's call without hesitation," said Maj. Gen. Nelson J. Cannon, commanding general for detainee operations and provost marshal general, with USF-I.
According to the USF-I National Guard Affairs office, Guard members account for nearly one-fifth of the overall U.S. military force in Iraq, with about 7,200 members of the Army and Air National Guard from 25 different states.
The largest National Guard formations currently in Iraq represent the states of Idaho, Texas, California, Montana, Oregon, Wisconsin and Alabama. They perform a wide array of missions including clearing routes of roadside bombs, driving and escorting convoys, performing advanced disposal of explosive ordnance, as well as providing command, support and security for military installations.
"There is no better venue for today's celebration than being here in this palace in Iraq," Cannon said. "There are many great parallels to how and why the National Guard was created 374 years ago and being here helping establish democracy for people who haven't had it for more than 30 years. The people here embrace these ideas of freedom, and I can't think of any organization better suited to do this job than the U.S. military and, in particular, the National Guard."
The birthday celebration began with a color guard of National Guard Soldiers posting the U.S. flag, and ended with the most senior ranking and junior ranking members of the National Guard present cutting the birthday cake.
"Honestly, I was a little embarrassed to find out I'm the youngest (Guardsman) here, but it's a privilege to be chosen for this honor," said Pfc. Jacob Wood, 19, with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 116th Garrison Command, United States Division-Center.
Leadership from National Guard units currently serving in Iraq were joined by their active duty and reserve counterparts in celebrating the occasion, including several senior representatives from USF-I: Maj. Gen. Art Bartell, Brig. Gen. Kendall Cox and Col. Robert Whaley, as well as Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Coleman, command sergeant major with III Corps.
The event was hosted by Col. Heather Meeds, chief of National Guard Affairs with USF-I.