FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Soldiers, civilians and family members from U.S. Army Pacific units across Hawaii gathered at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter for a 2-mile Family-Soldier Fun Run/Walk, June 12.

The run marks the beginning of a week of events meant to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 242nd birthday. It is one of several events that make up Pacific Theater Army Week, also known as PTAW.

While it was just two miles, the run allowed Soldiers to reflect on where the Army’s been, where it’s at, and where it is headed over its nearly two and half centuries of sacrifice and selfless service. It followed a mass reenlistment ceremony where 33 Soldiers, from across the island of Oahu, with a total of 253 years of service, reenlisted. Gen. Robert B. Brown, commanding general of USARPAC, said he hoped the Soldiers would contribute another 144 years.

Following the run, USARPAC, in conjunction with Tripler Army Medical Center, hosted a Wellness Fair to educate Soldiers on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and to highlight resources available to them through the Army.

Events will continue throughout the week to commemorate the Army’s birthday. On Tuesday a Golf Scramble will be held at the Leilehua Golf Course, at Schofield Barracks, from 12:00 p.m. until complete.

Wednesday morning USARPAC will host an Army Surf/SUP event at White Plains Beach at Kalaeloa (formerly Barbers Point Naval Air Station), from 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a Musical Outreach Event that evening, featuring the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning band, playing a public performance at Fort DeRussy, in downtown Honolulu, Wednesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The week’s birthday events continue with a noncommissioned officer versus officer softball game Thursday morning, from 8 to 11 a.m. on Takata Field, at Fort Shafter, and conclude with the Army Birthday Luau Celebration Friday evening at Weyand Field, on Schofield Barracks, from 5 to 9 p.m. The winners of the week’s ongoing Best Warrior Competition will be unveiled at the Luau. We hope you’ll join us.