This year, we celebrate a monumental milestone: the 250th birthday of the United States Army. 🇺🇸

As the daughter of a proud Army veteran and sister to a soldier who also wore the uniform, this moment is more than a historical marker. It is deeply personal. My family, like so many in our community, understands the meaning of service, sacrifice, and strength. That shared experience fills me with immense pride as we honor the Army’s legacy today.

For two and a half centuries, the United States Army has stood on the frontlines of freedom. It has defended our country, responded to crises, and uplifted communities with courage and resilience. That tradition lives on right here in Corpus Christi, where we are home to one of the Army’s most vital assets: the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), the world’s largest rotary wing repair facility.

CCAD is more than a military installation. It is a pillar of our local economy, a center of technical excellence, and a symbol of our city’s commitment to national defense. The depot employs thousands of highly skilled professionals including mechanics, engineers, technicians, and support staff. Their work keeps Army helicopters flying, helps protect soldiers in the field, and directly supports the safety and success of missions around the world.

These are not just jobs. They are careers with purpose. They support local families, sustain our tax base, and provide opportunities for our next generation to build meaningful futures right here in South Texas.

For decades, CCAD has quietly powered Army readiness by ensuring helicopters are mission-ready and our troops stay safe, no matter where duty calls. The work done at CCAD is extraordinary, and I could not be prouder of the men and women who carry out this mission with precision and pride.

As Mayor, and as someone with a personal connection to Army service, I want to say thank you to every soldier, past and present, and to the families who stand beside them. Your bravery has shaped this country, protected our freedoms, and inspired future generations to serve.

Happy 250th Birthday to the United States Army. May your legacy continue to grow stronger with each passing year. May Corpus Christi always be proud to stand with you and serve as part of your mission.

To learn more about how our region supports military readiness and defense careers, visit the South Texas Military Task Force.