West Virginia Press Association
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia National Guard and Military Authority are celebrating the U.S. Army 250th Birthday at the Joint Forces Headquarters (WVNG Armory) in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Multiple events are scheduled, including a five-mile Ruck March through Coonskin Park, a Cake Cutting Ceremony, and a Birthday Bash Block Party featuring food trucks and music provided by our very own 249th Army Band Rock Ensemble.
Media partners are invited to attend any part of the celebration. Interview opportunities will be provided.
Please reference the attached flyer for additional details.
WHO: Maj. Gen. Jim Seward and Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians, and Family Members of the West Virginia National Guard and Military Authority
WHAT: U.S. Army 250th Birthday celebration events
WHEN: Thursday, June 12, 2025
WHERE: Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) located at the WVNG Armory, 1703 Coonskin Drive, Charleston, WV 25311
Have ID prepared – go through WVNG Front Gate for media escort
Coonskin Park: Media should access Ruck March from the park located at 2000 Coonskin Dr, Charleston, WV 25311
Media CANNOT access JFHQ from Coonskin Park. To cover JFHQ events, please follow directions to JFHQ Front Gate / WVNG Armory
MEDIA RSVP: To cover events at JFHQ: RSVP to Sgt. 1st Class Ariana Shuemake NLT 10 am on Thursday by calling or texting 304-627-7420. Must provide the name, date of birth, and cell phone number for all employees attending the ceremony for security access. Media must arrive at the front gate of the WVNG Joint Forces Headquarters NLT 10:45 am for gate clearance and escort.
To cover Ruck March: RSVP to Sgt. 1st Class Ariana Shuemake by 7 am Thursday by calling or texting 304-627-7420. Public Affairs will be along the route – which MAY INCLUDE off-road hiking or rail trail section. Dress accordingly. Call or Text Sgt. 1st Class Shuemake when arriving at Coonskin Park to ensure safety and direction.
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For more information, contact the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office at: (304) 561-6689 (office) or email: [email protected].
