Thomas Donnelly

The United States Military Academy (USMA), commonly known as West Point, was established in 1802 on the west bank of the Hudson River in New York. Its mission has been to educate, train, and inspire future leaders of the U.S. Army. Throughout its history, West Point has produced many of America’s most distinguished military leaders, including Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Academy has played a crucial role in every major American conflict, with its graduates leading troops in wars from the Civil War to the present day.

The Command and General Staff College (CGSC), established in 1881 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a premier institution for educating mid-career officers of the United States Army and allied nations. Its primary mission is to develop leaders with advanced skills in command, staff operations, and military planning. Throughout its history, CGSC has adapted its curriculum to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare, playing a pivotal role in preparing officers for both World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts. Many renowned military leaders, including Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Colin Powell, are among its distinguished alumni.

The 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID), known as the "Rock of the Marne," was activated in November 1917 and earned its nickname during World War I for its heroic stand along the Marne River in France. The division played a significant role in World War II, participating in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany, and was one of the few U.S. divisions to fight its way from North Africa all the way into Germany. During the Korean War, the 3rd ID participated in several major battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and operations along the 38th Parallel. In the 21st century, the division has been heavily involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading the charge during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and participating in subsequent operations. Today, the 3rd ID is based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and continues to serve as a premier combat unit of the U.S. Army.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Corps Support Command (HHC, 3rd COSCOM), was first constituted in 1965 and activated in France to provide logistical support for U.S. Army forces in Europe. The unit later moved to Germany, where it played a vital role in supporting V Corps during the Cold War, ensuring rapid supply and maintenance capabilities. Throughout its history, HHC, 3rd COSCOM participated in multiple operations, including deployments to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm and later in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit’s legacy is defined by its adaptability, logistical excellence, and steadfast support to U.S. Army missions across Europe and the Middle East.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Support Command (HHC, 2nd SUPCOM) was a key logistical unit in the U.S. Army, primarily active during the Cold War period in Europe. Established in the 1970s, its mission was to provide comprehensive logistical and support services—such as supply, maintenance, and transportation—to U.S. Army Europe units, with its headquarters located in the Federal Republic of Germany. HHC, 2nd SUPCOM played a crucial role in maintaining readiness and sustainment for NATO forces through various exercises and operations, including REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany). The unit was eventually inactivated in the early 1990s as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and restructuring of U.S. forces in Europe.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 260th Quartermaster Battalion, stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, has a distinguished history supporting the United States Army’s logistics and supply operations. Constituted during World War II, the 260th Quartermaster Battalion has provided critical petroleum, water, and supply support in numerous conflicts and operations. Over the decades, the unit has participated in major campaigns, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, ensuring frontline troops receive essential sustainment. As part of the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, HHC, 260th QM Bn continues to train and support soldiers in the Army’s vital logistics mission.

The 725th Maintenance Battalion was originally constituted on 26 August 1941 as the 725th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company and activated at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The unit provided critical maintenance and logistical support for the 25th Infantry Division during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, ensuring operational readiness of vehicles and equipment. Over the decades, the battalion underwent several reorganizations, reflecting changes in Army structure and technology, and was redesignated as the 725th Support Battalion. Today, the unit continues its legacy of excellence as part of the 25th Infantry Division, supporting operations and deployments worldwide.