Cake-cutting was the order of the day Tuesday morning in the Pentagon courtyard, as troops gathered 'round to celebrate the U.S. Army's 236th birthday. On hand for the divide-and-dine operation were, from L-R. Army Col. Arthur Wittich, the oldest soldier serving in the Military District of Washington, Army Chief of Staff (and incoming chairman of the Joint Chiefs) Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III, and Pfc. Brandon Railey, the youngest soldier assigned to the Military District, who in a classic joint operation use a saber to slice the cake. DoD photo / R.D. Ward
A team of dignitaries collectively draws an Army saber through a magnificient cake in celebration of the 236th birthday of the United States Army. Participating in the June 14, 2011, cake cutting are (L to R): the oldest soldier serving in the Military District of Washington Col. Arthur Wittich, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates (an Air Force veteran), Secretary of the Army John McHugh, Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler, and the youngest soldier assigned to the Military District of Washington PFC Brandon Railey. DoD photo by R. D. Ward (Released)
