Join us for a beloved Central Pennsylvania tradition: our annual Army Birthday Program.
In 2026, the U.S. Army will celebrate its 251st birthday, and you’re invited to commemorate it with us in historic Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where you can still see–and celebrate–the roots of both our Army and our country, and the lives of the soldiers who helped shape and protect it.
The Army Heritage Center Foundation Presents:
The Army’s 251st Birthday Program
Commemorating 251 Years of the U.S. Army and 250 Years of the Nation
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 6:00 pm
Where: Penn Harris Hotel and Conference Center
Guest Speaker: General Paul Nakasone
Dress: Business formal with or without awards and decorations,
Active-Duty service uniforms with awards and decorations.
The 251st Army Birthday Guest Speak is General Paul Nakasone, USA Retired.
Retired General Paul M. Nakasone assumed his duties as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service in May 2018 and served in these positions until Feb. 2, 2024.
He previously commanded U.S. Army Cyber Command from October 2016 – April 2018. A native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, GEN Nakasone is a graduate of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he received his commission through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
GEN Nakasone has held command and staff positions across all levels of the Army with assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
GEN Nakasone commanded the Cyber National Mission Force at U.S. Cyber Command. He has also commanded a company, battalion, and brigade, and served as the senior intelligence officer at the battalion, division and corps levels.
GEN Nakasone has served in Joint and Army assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His most recent overseas posting was as the Director of Intelligence, J2, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan.
GEN Nakasone has also served on two occasions as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
GEN Nakasone is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, the Command and General Staff College, and Defense Intelligence College. He holds graduate degrees from the U.S. Army War College, the National Defense Intelligence College, and the University of Southern California.
GEN Nakasone’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Defense Superior Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
The 251st Army Birthday Dinner Master of Ceremonies is Valerie Pritchett.
Valerie Pritchett anchors abc27 News at 5, 7, and 11 p.m. weeknights. In addition to her anchoring duties, Valerie also reports.
Valerie’s passion for giving children in Pennsylvania a world in which to grow and thrive was sparked by a foster mother she met who had cared for dozens of infants in need. As a result, Valerie created “Val’s Kids.” This special segment shares stories of children looking for adoptive homes through the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network. “Val’s Kids” airs on abc27 News at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6 p.m.
Valerie’s production and reporting of Operation Safe Kids, a feature promoting fire safety and the installation of smoke alarms, was instrumental in abc27 winning a Service to Community Award from the National Association of Broadcasters. The award is one of the highest honors a broadcast television station can earn.
Her love of Central Pennsylvania drives Valerie as an active community volunteer, serving as a board member for the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.
Valerie previously served on the boards of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and United Way of the Capital Region.
Valerie’s work for nonprofits includes the Harrisburg Police Athletic League, the American Cancer Society, Susquehanna Service Dogs, and many other community organizations.
Meet your corporate or business goals by becoming an 2026 Event Sponsorships.
2026 Army Birthday Dinner Sponsors
Event Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Table Sponsor
- COL Robert DeSousa, ANG Retired/ Eckert Seamans
- MG John Gronski, USA Retired
- James Ottevaere
- Kenneth Wong/ CIG Asia/ Union League
- Nancy Gessner
- Andy Quattlebaum & Blackwell Family Foundation
- Capital Blue Cross
Individual Tickets for Members and Guest are $100.
Individual Tickets for Non-Members are $125. RSVP REQUIRED
Please contact the Foundation offices at (717) 258-1102 or adminassist@armyheritage.org if you have any questions or concerns.