McCoy celebrates 230th Army birthday, Flag Day 

Fort McCoy troops participate in an installation commander's run held June 14. (Photo by Anita Johnson)

      Installation Commander Col. Derek J. Sentinella gave brief remarks about the significance of the day, and Staff Sgt. Brent Miller led a cake-cutting ceremony at Constitution Park. The Fort McCoy Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DMWR) sponsored a number of free activities, including a luncheon and kids games in conjunction with the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program at Constitution Park. The luncheon followed Sentinella's remarks and the cake-cutting ceremony.

      Sentinella said the day was important to honor Soldiers who are serving their country during the Global War on Terrorism.

Staff Sgt. Brent Miller cuts a cake during Army Birthday/Flag Day ceremonies at Fort McCoy. (Photo by Rob Schuette)

      "Many people think Soldiers are only serving in two countries -- Iraq and Afghanistan -- but they are serving in 120 countries worldwide," he said.

      Miller was attached to C Company of the 367th Engineer Battalion of Duluth, Minn., which mobilized through Fort McCoy and served in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

      Miller, a heavy equipment operator and squad leader was recognized with a Bronze Star for his service on a Provincial Reconstruction Team.

      He said he was in charge of the contractors that built a facility for the team operations.

      "It was a seven-day-a-week mission that included extensive work," Miller said. "The time went by fast; it was a good mission, and I learned a lot."

Members of the Child Development Center participate in a Doll and Buggy Parade as a patriotic salute to the Army and Flag Day. (Photo by Rob Schuette)

      Cakes for the event were provided by the Fort McCoy Recruiting Company and the installation's Religious Support Office.

      The DMWR provided a number of activities for members of the Fort McCoy community.

       In addition to the free luncheon, participants could attend or participate in a number of activities including a car wash, bowling or golf simulation at McCoy's and use of Pine View Recreation Area activities or facilities, including miniature golf and paddleboats.

Colleen Schauer (left), Tom Schauer and Kayla Boland play miniature golf at Pine View Recreation Area as part of MWR activities. (Photo by Rob Schuette)

      The children in the installation's Child and Youth Services program, also presented their annual Doll and Buggy Parade. The event featured children and floats in red, white and blue colors as a patriotic salute to the Army and Flag Day.