General

One-day-olds are Army Strong

June 20, 2012 Editorial Staff

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Three one-day-old Brooklyn babies named Anthony, Lucas and Alex were the protagonists of a happy story on June 15 when they shared their birthdays with the U.S. Army.

As part of the Armys 237th birthday celebrations, two female soldiers from the Midwest presented the boys just born at Lutheran Medical Center — and their families with special gifts. The proud moms, still in hospital gowns, sat awaiting the arrival of the Army ladies as their husbands stood behind them.

They [the new moms] are really the heroes, as they were in labor just a few hours ago, joked Claudia Caine, Lutherans executive vice president and hospital director.

Caine expressed her tremendous gratitude for having soldiers from Fort Drums 10th mountain division present at the hospital. Were extremely proud to be a part of something so special. We dont often get to meet real heroes, she said.

Captain Jodi Witt, from Waterfront, Iowa, was glad to be on hand to support the local community. Witt, from the 1st Brigade Combat Team- 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs, is also a mother of six year-old twins.

Both Witt and Tami Hillis, a master sergeant, handed out brown teddy bears dressed in army combat gear as they shook the new parents hands and offered their congratulations for the new addition to the family.

For the past week, Witt and Hillis, who recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan, have been part of other events commemorating the Army birthday celebration. They have been at the 9/11 Memorial and the Times Square ceremony, and have attended performances by the Army band and the Old Guard at Bryant Park. They have also visited hospitals and nursing homes.

I want you to know us, were you. And, what better way to start than here in New York, exclaimed Christina Mouradjian, a captain from the Fort Hamilton Army Garrison in Brooklyn. Who doesnt like babies?