Celebrating 250 years strong: Armed Forces Day Luncheon focuses on Army's milestone birthday, strength in people
The 78th Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon took place Friday at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant for the first time since 2019.
Chairman Jeff Wolf spoke about his appreciation of McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Commander Col. Gabe Pryor's invitation to have it come back to the McAlester Ammunition Plant.
'This place, we came in, we saw what MWR had done with it, the decorations and everything. These guys are amazing,' Wolf said.
Wolf said there are three entities involved in making the Armed Forces Day events happen: McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, the City of McAlester and VFW post 1098.
'McAlester has a well-earned reputation of supporting those who served during both peace and war, and it's demonstrated by your attendance here today,' Wolf said.
During the luncheon, McAlester Mayor Justin Few presented the Missing Man ceremony, which was dedicated to three individuals this year: Ralph Perona, Michael J. Hunt and William Barton. All three men served in different wars. Perona served in World War II, Hunt in the Vietnam war and Barton in the American Revolution.
The Missing Man ceremony is a time to pause to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. Although they are gone, we are to never forget them and their sacrifices. There is a special table set aside for the ceremony.
'Its purpose is to honor our absent, our fallen and our missing comrades in arms,' Few said. 'The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.'
This year's speaker was Col. Pryor, who spoke about the current state of the United States Army.
'For two and a half centuries, the Army has stood as a symbol of resolve and resilience,' Pryor said. 'We've defended our freedoms, securing our peace and answering the call to serve in every generation and several generations are here today.
'The Army is undergoing our largest transformation in 40 years,' Pryor said, continuing on to say the Army is changing as it rebalances the force structure to meet the challenges of the future.
Things staying the same: the Army will continue to defend the nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week and compete globally to fight and win the nation's wars as part of a joint force.
The Army will continue to train partners and allies to deter conflict. It is the principal response force to protect the homeland, deter strategic attacks, respond to natural disasters and provide defense support to civil authorities when requested.
The reorganization and technical innovation happening comes from the character of war changing, meaning the Army also has to change, Pryor said.
'I tell you all that to tell you this: none of the things the Army does for our nation can happen without ammunition and the people of the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant,' Pryor said. 'It is the business of the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, and they must do it well, and they do, operating for more than 80 years.
'We are grateful every day for the steadfast support of the community of McAlester and the Choctaw Nation, on whose land this plant resides. Our relationship with the Choctaw Nation is not just a matter of proximity. It's a true partnership,' Pryor said.
He continued by stating the strength of the Army comes from its people. Likewise, the strength of the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant comes from the strength of the community that surrounds it, he said.
'Across the country, this is what makes the United States Army strong. It's the community. It's not just the power of the weapons, but it's the power of these people,' Pryor said.
Earlier, the Rev. Donald Brown gave the invocation, with the presentation of colors delivered by the Choctaw Color Guard.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chris Tucker sang the National Anthem.
During the event, Master Sgt. Sam Martinez received the Distinguished Veterans Award. He is known for his volunteer work at the VAD and the VA, and working with veterans to make sure they get the benefits they deserve.
Martinez reminded those who were present the Armed Forces Day Parade would commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3, in downtown McAlester.
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