Gen. Stephen Townsend

Count: 48

Press Release

AFRICOM commander, Homeland Security Advisor conclude visit to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Niger

12:00 AM11/1/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Chris Maier visited U.S. personnel and operational facilities in Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Niger, Oct. 25-29.

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AFRICOM commander, Homeland Security Advisor conclude visit to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Niger

8:17 AM10/30/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, addresses service members at Airbase 201, near Agadez, Niger, Oct. 28. The stop in Niger, as part of a 5-day visit to Africa with Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, included a meeting with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and tours of Air Bases 101 and 201 to understand U.S. power projection capabilities in West Africa.

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AFRICOM commander, Homeland Security Advisor conclude visit to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Niger

8:08 AM10/30/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, assistant to the President for Homeland Security, conduct a troop engagement with SEAL Team 2 personnel deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia, Oct. 26. Sherwood-Randall and Townsend were in Somalia as part of a five-day trip to get a first-hand perspective of the complex security environment in Africa.

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AFRICOM commander, Homeland Security Advisor conclude visit to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Niger

8:08 AM10/30/2021

Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, following mission briefs during a visit to Airbase 201, near Agadez, Niger, Oct. 28. The stop in Niger, as part of a 5-day visit to Africa with Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, included a meeting with Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and tours of Air Bases 101 and 201 to understand U.S. power projection capabilities in West Africa.

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AFRICOM commander, Homeland Security Advisor conclude visit to Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Niger

8:07 AM10/30/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, assistant to the President for Homeland Security, arrive at Airbase 201, near Agadez, Niger, Oct. 28. Sherwood-Randall and Townsend, here greeted by base leadership, visited the site to understand U.S. power projection capabilities in West Africa.

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Press Release

AFRICOM Commander engages in Mali

2:09 PM9/24/2021

U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Bamako, Mali September 23, accompanied by U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement Ambassador Andrew Young.

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Gen. Townsend meets President, discusses economic growth and stability during first visit to Cote d’Ivoire

12:48 PM9/23/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Ivoirian President Alassane Ouattara to discuss security cooperation and training opportunities as part of a four-day trip to West Africa Sept. 21, 2021. “The United States views Côte d'Ivoire as an area in this region of economic growth and relative stability,” Townsend said. “I wanted to hear the views of your President on how we might help the states of this region enjoy the benefits we’re seeing here.”

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AFRICOM Commander visits Togo and Benin

12:35 PM9/23/2021

President of Togo Faure Gnassingbe welcomes Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, during a multi-day visit to West Africa, with stops in Togo and Benin, September 22-23. Meetings were held among high-ranking security leaders to recognize the strong military ties between the U.S. and Togo, and to encourage Togo’s continued role in regional security.

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AFRICOM Commander visits Togo and Benin

12:14 PM9/23/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, senior enlisted leader, meet senior Beninese leaders during a multi-day visit to West Africa, with stops in Togo and Benin, September 22-23. “Our coastal West African partners share many security threats. Effectively countering those threats requires a cooperative regional approach," said Townsend.

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Regional cooperation, security discussed during Gen. Townsend's visit to West Africa

3:54 PM9/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Ghanaian military leaders after arriving in Ghana as part of a four-day trip to West Africa on Sept. 20, 2021. During the trip, Townsend met with government officials and senior military representatives to talk about the need for continued cooperation to improve and maintain security across the region.

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Regional cooperation, security discussed during Gen. Townsend's visit to West Africa

3:54 PM9/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Air Vice Marshall Frank Hanson, Chief of Air Staff of the Ghana Air Force, and U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie Sullivan after arriving in Ghana as part of a four-day trip to West Africa on Sept. 20, 2021. During the trip, Townsend met with government officials and senior military representatives to talk about the need for continued cooperation to improve and maintain security across the region.

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Regional cooperation, security discussed during Gen. Townsend's visit to West Africa

3:54 PM9/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, arrives in Ghana as the first stop in a four-day visit to West Africa on Sept. 20, 2021. During the trip, Townsend met with government officials and senior military representatives to talk about the need for continued cooperation to improve and maintain security across the region.

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Article

Leaders committed to transparency with African partners

1:35 PM7/9/2021

During an online conversation with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Gen. Townsend talked about transparency with African partners.

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AFRICOM’s Gen. Townsend meets African leaders at exercise African Lion

9:51 AM6/21/2021

The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, visited Morocco to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise African Lion 21 and to meet with several African defense leaders June 17-19. Townsend met with senior Moroccan military leaders for outstanding efforts by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in planning and executing African Lion 2021; Senegal’s Chief of Defense Staff to thank the nation’s efforts as a security leader in West Africa and for hosting and participating in multiple U.S. Africa Command exercises; and Libyan leaders to stress foreign forces need to withdraw from Libya and discuss opportunities for greater military cooperation with the United States.

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AFRICOM’s Gen. Townsend meets African leaders at exercise African Lion

9:51 AM6/21/2021

The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, visited Morocco to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise African Lion 21 and to meet with several African defense leaders June 17-19. Townsend met with senior Moroccan military leaders for outstanding efforts by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in planning and executing African Lion 2021; Senegal’s Chief of Defense Staff to thank the nation’s efforts as a security leader in West Africa and for hosting and participating in multiple U.S. Africa Command exercises; and Libyan leaders to stress foreign forces need to withdraw from Libya and discuss opportunities for greater military cooperation with the United States.

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Press Release

AFRICOM’s Gen. Townsend meets African leaders at exercise African Lion

9:40 AM6/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend visited Morocco to attend the closing ceremony of African Lion 2021 and to meet with several African defense leaders June 17-19, 2021.

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Video

Remembering the fallen on Memorial Day

12:58 PM5/29/2021

A Memorial Day message from U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, AFRICOM commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher.

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2021 Posture Statement to Congress

8:27 AM4/23/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, provides testimony the Senate Armed Services Committee April 22, 2021.

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Press Release

AFRICOM commander wraps-up posture testimony

8:21 AM4/23/2021

U.S. Africa Command commander, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, wrapped up his annual posture statement to Congress with a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee April 22.

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Article

Commander says Africa is too important for Americans to ignore

8:20 AM4/22/2021

Africa has 13 of the 25 fastest growing economies in the world, holds resources critical to 21st century progress, and is at the crossroads of the world.

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Press Release

U.S. Africa Command testimony to Senate Armed Services Committee

9:19 AM4/21/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, to deliver the 2021 U.S. Africa Command posture testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee April 22.

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2021 Posture Statement to Congress

9:11 AM4/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, to provide testimony to the House Armed Services Committee April 20, 2021, and the Senate Armed Services Committee April 22, 2021.

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Document

U.S. Africa Command statement for record 2021 posture testimony.pdf

9:03 AM4/21/2021

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, to provide testimony to the House Armed Services Committee April 20, 2021, and the Senate Armed Services Committee April 22, 2021.

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Press Release

U.S. Africa Command testimony to House Armed Services Committee

2:54 PM4/19/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, to deliver the 2021 U.S. Africa Command posture testimony before the House Armed Services Committee Apr. 20.

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Press Release

U.S. Africa Command forces conduct assessment in Mali

3:54 PM3/3/2021

U.S. Africa Command forces stationed in Djibouti conducted an operational and logistics assessment in Gao, Mali, March 3.

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Article

Chiefs of Defense meet: African voices for a secure future

8:36 AM2/17/2021

U.S. Africa Command hosted senior commanders from 46 African militaries during a virtual Chiefs of Defense Conference Jan. 27, 2021.

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AFRICOM commander, senior enlisted leader conduct trip to East Africa

12:00 AM1/19/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa in mid-January 2021, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island, operating off the coast of Somalia. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Press Release

AFRICOM commander conducts visit to Manda Bay

11:05 AM1/17/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a visit to Cooperative Security Location, Manda Bay, Kenya, Jan. 16, to meet with U.S. commanders and forces supporting security and training in the region.

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AFRICOM commander, senior enlisted leader conduct trip to East Africa

12:00 AM1/16/2021

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa in mid-January 2021, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island, operating off the coast of Somalia. Townsend was accompanied by the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, whose participation on the trip emphasized the need for professional, well trained enlisted corps for partner forces, recognized U.S. forces and spoke with Somali military leadership about training possibilities.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

10:01 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, distributes coins to recognize members of the Marine Security Guard detachment at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, while beginning a visit to key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships and security Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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AFRICOM leaders visit key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:57 AM12/28/2020

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major, invites Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs Dec. 15. The course was implemented by Koranga following an AEDS key leader engagement in the U.S. in March when he visited NCO academies from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:53 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, speak with service members stationed at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, as part of a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti visit to key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships and security Dec. 14-17. The visit allowed for an updated commander’s assessment of the operations, security and infrastructure, with a special focus on assessing security and force protection improvements.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:51 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, stands with senior Kenyan Defence Forces leadership prior to conducting a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:48 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducts a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:47 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducts a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:47 AM12/28/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, greets Gen. Robert Kibochi, Kenya's Chief of Defence, before conducting a pass and review of Kenya Defence Force Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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AFRICOM leaders visit key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

9:44 AM12/28/2020

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major, at the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters Dec. 15. As part of the commander’s African Enlisted Development Strategy (AEDS), Thresher focused his trip on the top Kenyan non-commissioned officers (NCO) responsible for developing NCOs within the Kenya Defence Forces.

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NCO development focus of AFRICOM Senior Enlisted Leader's visit to African nations

4:17 PM12/18/2020

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defense Forces Sergeant Major, invited Thresher to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs – a course implemented by Koranga following an AEDS key leader engagement in the U.S. in March, when he visited NCO academies from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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NCO development focus of AFRICOM Senior Enlisted Leader's visit to African nations

4:17 PM12/18/2020

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defense Forces Sergeant Major, invited Thresher to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs – a course implemented by Koranga following an AEDS key leader engagement in the U.S. in March, when he visited NCO academies from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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Article

NCO development focus of AFRICOM Senior Enlisted Leader's visit to African nations

12:00 AM12/18/2020

As part of Townsend’s African Enlisted Development Strategy (AEDS), Thresher focused his trip on the top Kenyan non-commissioned officers (NCO) responsible for developing NCOs within the Kenya Defense Forces.

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AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal

5:16 PM11/19/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests.

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AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, & Senegal

5:16 PM11/19/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests

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AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, & Senegal

5:16 PM11/19/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests

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AFRICOM Commander visits Tunisia to discuss security

3:24 PM9/30/2020

Following his meetings with Tunisian government officials, Townsend participated in a donation ceremony of COVID-19 medical and personal protective equipment.

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Article

Burke to helm U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

1:00 PM7/20/2020

Foggo, outgoing commander, strengthened the U.S. Navy-Africa partnership, increasing maritime security and combating the influence of common malign actors.

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AFRICOM, CJTF-HOA commanders meet with senior Djiboutian officials

10:49 AM6/12/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), meet with U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, Larry André; Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; Djibouti Minister of Defense, Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan; and Djibouti National Army Brig. Gen. Tahir Ali Mohamed, headquarters chief of staff of Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD), at Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ), Djibouti, June 8, 2020.

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AFRICOM, CJTF-HOA commanders meet with senior Djiboutian officials

10:48 AM6/12/2020

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), meet with U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, Larry André; Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf; Djibouti Minister of Defense, Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan; and Djibouti National Army Brig. Gen. Tahir Ali Mohamed, headquarters chief of staff of Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD), at Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ), Djibouti, June 8, 2020.

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Article

Army birthday commemoration honors past and future service

3:15 PM6/11/2020

As part of the tradition, Townsend was accompanied by the youngest and by the oldest Soldiers to help cut the cake. The youngest Soldier symbolizes the future of the U.S. Army, while the oldest Soldier symbolizes its history.

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