KELLY MORRIS, Usaace public affairs FORT NOVOSEL—The 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment conducted an Advanced Individual Training graduation ceremony in its partner city of Geneva April 5.
The intent of holding the ceremony in the local community was to build partnerships, so the community better understands what the battalion does on a regular basis in the AIT population. It also benefits the soldiers, he explained. After McAvoy’s formal remarks, the Soldiers received their Aviation wings and Aviation branch insignia, and family members came forward to formally pin their Soldiers. The graduates also recited the Soldier’s Creed.
Cities surrounding Fort Novosel are each partnered with a unit on post, and the touchpoints throughout the year typically center around volunteerism, and also include invitations for tours and events on the installation. The battalion volunteers in the Geneva community for veterans’ property cleanups, at the community center, marches in their parades, and volunteers at their games.