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4th BCD celebrates St. Barbara's Day in Sumter

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SUMTER, S.C. --  While many had thoughts of four-leafed clovers, pots of gold and a cold green beverage, the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment and guests enjoyed an evening of military tradition and socializing at a St. Barbara's Day Ball at the Sunset Country Club in Sumter March 15. 

Army Col. Kevin Felix, 4th BCD commander, hosted the event in celebration of St. Barbara's Day, which is dedicated to the Saint, who was adopted as the artillery patroness in the 17th Century. 

Upon walking through a pair of glass doors, guests were greeted by the sound of the Fort Jackson, S.C., Victory Band. Guests mingled throughout social hour until a bugle call gathered everyone into the dining area. 

Guests held their glasses high and toasted to the United States, the president, Air Force, Army, Field Artillery and fallen comrades. After a three-course meal, the 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus provided entertainment. 

Choreographically stomping their beat through the dining room, the chorus paratroopers performed their first musical selection with the precision of a drill team both physically and harmoniously. 

They performed several more selections, ending with "God Bless the USA," made famous by Lee Greenwood. The performance surely struck a chord in each heart of the room as the chorus stood tall in their service uniform singing the words so many Americans know and cherish. 

After a standing ovation for the chorus, the evening continued on. 

The guest speaker, Army Lt. Gen. James Lovelace, U.S. Army Central and Coalition Forces Land Component Command commanding general, spoke about the "best and the brightest" men and women serving the country today. 

"The team is doing a great job," he said, "Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines."
He also spoke about the support of local communities, including his experience in the Sumter community. 

"This has been a wonderful opportunity to meet the Sumter community," General Lovelace said. "What a wonderful, warm and caring community it is. We need the strength of communities like Sumter." 

The evening then proceeded to traditional ceremonies, including the St. Barbara and Molly Pitcher awards ceremony. 

Several servicemembers were inducted into the St. Barbara artillery tradition and the Molly Pitcher award was given to Mrs. Margie Greenlee, which is given to honor the selfless service of spouses. 

"This evening is really about the soldiers and families of the 4th BCD," Colonel Felix said. 

He gave some closing comments after the ceremony and invited the guests to enjoy the rest of the evening socializing and dancing.