Fort Bragg Observes Army Birthday with Week-Long Celebration

contributed by Fort Bragg Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fort Bragg will celebrate the U.S. Army’s 238^th birthday June 14 with several events throughout next week, including cake cutting ceremonies, an Army birthday cake competition and photo contest.

Four Army birthday cakes will be cut by representatives of various units across the post and handed out to patrons at Fort Bragg’s North and South Post Commissaries June 10 from 11 a.m. to noon and the North and South Post Exchanges from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

“Cake cutting participants are encouraged to connect, and have an open exchange, with fellow Soldiers, spouses, civilians and veterans during the ceremonies,” said Tom McCollum, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Officer.

 Cakes used in the celebration will be selected from a cake competition hosted by the XVIII Airborne Corps Chief Food Operations Management sergeant major.

 “We are excited to celebrate the Army’s history and Flag Day, which falls on June 14 along with the Army Birthday” McCollum said.  “We are working to have North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory declare June 14 as official ‘Army Day’.”

Fort Bragg will host the second annual Army Birthday Cake Competition June 12 at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville. The competition is designed to attract contestants and spectators from around the installation and local community of businesses, said McCollum.

This year’s judges include VA Medical Center Director Elizabeth Goolsby; U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Bragg Command Sgt. Maj. Yolanda Tate; Ron Rupocinski, Corporate Chef of Krispy Kreme; Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Ret.) Mike Kaminski, USO of North Carolina; Mayor of Erwin, N.C. Patsy Carson; Mayor of Spring Lake, Chris Rey; Methodist University Professor Dena Breece; and Chef Judy, contestant on the TV show "Chopped" and owner of Let Me Cater to You in Spring Lake.