One team, one fight: Fairchild celebrates U.S. Army's 240th birthday Published June 16, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild is home to military service members from nearly all American uniformed services including the U.S. Army, whose soldiers have faithfully served in the Spokane community for nearly 160 years and America for 240 years. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress created the Continental Army as a unified army for the colonies to fight Great Britain. Today, the Army is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against the nation's adversaries. "For the last 240 years, our Army has defended the nation against all enemies foreign and domestic," said Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Daniel B. Allyn. "Today, we have more than 140,000 Soldiers committed in more than 150 locations around the globe, serving in defense of freedom and democracy." Locally, Spokane's Soldiers perform an array of mission essential activities administered at Fairchild ranging from the Infantry and Special Operations to a transportation company and aviation operations on the rotors of helicopters. "I'm proud to be part of the diverse Team Fairchild family as we continue supporting ongoing operations across the globe and community efforts locally," said U.S. Army Maj. Ray Leonard, the Charlie Company 1st of the 112th commander. "It's an honor serving in the Army at this time in history. We're more than just a combat force, we're a force for good at home and around the world." Allyn said that after 13 years of war, the Army remains strong and continues to attract and retain the nation's most talented young men and women. "It's a great day to be a Soldier," the general said. "We should rightfully reflect on [our] incredible legacy of selfless service that has been handed down generation after generation from Washington and his fellow patriots to us." The Air Force values its own heritage in the Army and according to Col. Brian McDaniel, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Fairchild Airmen owe a great deal of gratitude and "Hooah!" to their Army brothers and sisters. "We need to take time to reflect on the sacrifices our Army brethren have made," McDaniel said. "They lit the torch of freedom and will continue carrying it today, tomorrow and for generations to come." [Editor's note: J.D. Leipold from the U.S. Army contributed to this article.]