NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the New Cumberland, Pennsylvania Depot. In recognition of the centennial, many events are planned throughout the year to mark the occasion.
The official recognition ceremony, open to VIP guests and those with base access, is planned for May 11, 2018 and will feature music, a ceremonial flag raising, key note speakers, a time capsule dedication, enlistment and re-enlistment oath ceremonies and static displays.
Installation Commander, Col. Brad Eungard, noted the official kick-off ceremony in May reflects the importance of recognizing the installation’s legacy.
“During these one hundred years, Susquehanna has played a pivotal role in supporting military forces ‘the Warfighters’ serving in the continental United States and overseas. Additionally, the U.S. has called upon the men and women serving here to take on many dynamic roles through the years ranging from operating a mobilization station for the thousands of Americans drafted into service, to detaining prisoners of war in WWII, to maintaining helicopters, to robust storage and distributions. Each mission resulted in first class support and was possible only through the long-standing central Pennsylvania traditions of hard work and honest effort plus a strong sense of patriotism. Recognizing the installation’s legacy and the legacy of those who served here help us remember and rekindle our commitment to the people of the United States and the advancement of liberty for future generations.”
Navy Lt. Will Trefren was instrumental in the planning and operational phase of the official ceremony, bringing key staff together to aid in the planning process.
“Centennial Committee members and contributors are all truly professionals. Our collective commitment to spotlighting this Centennial year amplifies our velocity and ensures that we fully communicate the rich heritage distinctly held by the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna”, said Trefren, adding, “I am honored to learn from, work with, and help coordinate our team’s efforts in this historical and celebratory milestone anniversary year.”
Another major event planned will take place in the summer on August 15, 2018.
According to Morale Welfare and Recreation marketing manager Shannon Weldon, the 2018 Centennial SummerFest and Organization Day will feature a special program for Active Duty Service Members, National Guard/Reservists/Retirees, Department of Defense personnel and their family members.
“The SummerFest includes a special appearance from the U.S. Army Parachute Team the “Golden Knights,” performances by Dance Spectacular Production featuring the “Chicago Honey Bear Dancers,” music, vendors selling food and merchandise, information booths, and other fun-filled activities for all,” said Weldon.
To help bring attention to the significance of the Centennial and what it means to be a part of the installation’s legacy, DLA MWR Susquehanna will hold key Centennial-themed events throughout the year to keep people engaged and interested.
According to the Historic American Engineering Record housed in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. (https://loc.gov/pictures/item/pa1657/), New Cumberland has been in continuous operation as a supply depot since its construction by the Quartermaster Department in 1918. Between world wars, it was operated primarily as a reserve or dead storage depot. World War II brought increased activity to the installation, when it served as a Quartermaster and Army Service Forces, filler depot. Today, the New Cumberland, Pennsylvania site is home to the DLA Distribution Headquarters, the Defense Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania center, the United States Army Security Assistance Command, and DLA MWR Susquehanna.