Grissom celebrates Washington 's Birthday Published Feb. 14, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Perhaps no single man has had more of an influence on the U.S. government than the Virginian planter, military mastermind and distinguished statesman George Washington. Today, Grissom's Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines celebrate Washington's legacy with others around the country. Washington, who would become the first President of the United States, is lauded for his exemplary leadership which set policies and precedents that have become cornerstones to the U.S. government. Though some refer to the third Monday in February as Presidents Day, the official federal holiday declared by Congress in 1885 is Washington's Birthday. During this time, while many federal employees get the day off, the U.S. Senate remembers the first president by gathering for the reading of Washington's Farwell Address. A complete transcript of the address can be found by clicking here. Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment. Servicemembers from Grissom routinely deploy around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
