June 14, 2016 –
CAMP ROBERTS, Calif.- Let them train and eat cake too. This is exactly how the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) celebrates the Army’s 241st birthday.
"Even when I was deployed we had cake for the Army birthday,” said Brig. Gen. David Elwell, commander, 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).
This cake is special because the unit is currently participating in the Combat Support Training Exercise. During this training, involving thousands of participants, Army Reserve units practice their technical skills in an austere tactical environment under combat-like conditions.
Attempting to bake and decorate a cake in a field environment is a challenge. Under the guidance of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Danny Wolf, Culinary Specialists from the 311th ESC where ready to rise to the task. Wolf tried to keep the cake as healthy as possible but had to make some exceptions when it came to icing a cake in 90 degree heat.
The United States Army was founded June 14, 1775. Elwell said, "The Army has a very long history and you can be proud of that history ... when the historians write about these [current] wars, they're going to write about you."
The cake was presented to Elwell during a small ceremony. Pfc. Jose Rincon and Spc. Thomas Branson, after baking and decorating the cake, had the honor of cutting it for the celebration.