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Feature Stories

NEWS | Nov. 7, 2017

Camp Arifjan celebrates USARCENT’s 99th birthday

By Spc. Joshua Morris U.S. Army Central

Soldiers stationed at Camp Arifjan celebrated the 99th anniversary of U.S. Army Central’s original activation as Third Army through a series of events on Nov. 4, three days ahead of the command’s original formation as the Third Army on Nov. 7, 1918. 

USARCENT’s history has strong ties with many of America’s greatest accomplishments; from the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 and, most recently, the beginning of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2014. 

For many Soldiers, learning about this past has become motivation for the present. 

“Once you know the history, it makes you want to work that much harder for something that’s bigger than you,” said Spc. Felecia Benjamin, USARCENT. “It’s like the more you know, the more you want to sacrifice.”

The Organization Day was not just an opportunity to make Soldiers aware of U.S. ARCENT’s long spanning history, but was also a chance to encourage comradery.

Soldiers participated in various team-oriented events like flag football, a raft relay, and horseshoes. Teams were organized by sections and included participants from private to senior officers.

“It teaches us to come together as a family to accomplish a common goal,” said Pfc. Valeria Ruiz, who has been stationed here in Kuwait since the summer. 

The Organizational Day concluded with a dinner and award ceremony where the victors of each event were recognized. 

“Everybody came together as one,” said Pfc. Jadarius Turner, USARCENT. “I hope we keep doing this every year because I learned about a lot of things I would’ve never known, and met people I would’ve never met.”