Happy Birthday, Army Reserve!
Posted by Hayley Adams on Apr 21st 2022
“The Reservist is twice the citizen”
-Winston Churchill
The United States Army Reserve celebrates its 114th birthday this year. The Army Reserve’s birthday falls on April 23rd allowing them to celebrate their contributions to two World Wars, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, and many other missions.
The Army Reserve is the largest of the Reserve Forces. It provides support to the Regular Army at home and overseas, and throughout its history almost every major operation has seen reservists operate alongside their Regular counterparts.
Founded on April 23, 1908, the Army Reserve is a diverse group of dedicated citizen-soldiers who serve part-time in the military while simultaneously maintaining a civilian career and lifestyle.Alternatively, for those who are ex-military, the role of Regular Reservist is available.
In honor of their birthday, we dug up some interesting facts about this group of civilian soldiers. Take a look!
Did You Know?
- There are Army Reserve communities located in every state, plus they are also located in the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Since 9/11, Army reservists have been deployed to every major combat zone and to 30 countries.
- Army reservists who have been called to active duty and have served for 10+ years are eligible to receive the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
- Actor Leonard Nimoy, who grew to fame in the role of Spock on the television series “Star Trek,” enlisted in the reserve in 1953 and served 18 months, leaving as a sergeant.
- More than one famous face served in the Army Reserve. Alan Alda, who is best known for playing Hawkeye on the television series “M.A.S.H.,” served as an Army Reserve artillery officer.
- Army reservist, 1st Army Lt. Sam Kendricks, competed in pole vaulting during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and was awarded the bronze medal
The Future of the Army Reserve
Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey, wrote an open letter which includes this mention of how Army leadership views the future of its Reserve force:
“The role of the Army Reserve is more critical than ever in an age characterized by the persistent presence of asymmetric threats of terrorism and radical groups as well as the emerging, dynamic, and highly contentious challenges presented by potential adversaries with the capability, propensity and willingness to contest America’s military power in all domains.” The Army Reserve continues to play an important part in national defense, humanitarian outreach, nation building, and combat operations.
Happy Birthday, Army Reserve! We are eternally grateful for all that you do!
Army Related Products
We have several Army related products available for purchase. Wether you want to send a gift to a loved one or honor your own past, present, or future, we have it all here! A few of our favorites include: