10 Reasons Why Working on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall ROCKS!

Picture by Michael Dailey

Let me say that I’m a civilian so I don’t wear a uniform and, therefore, am not doing this to please my chain of command.  I just happen to be driving in to work from Hatfield Gate and thought about the cool things that are unique to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH).  Aside from the Soldiers who run in the street or don’t look when crossing, visitors who stop at the stop signs in the pedestrian walk-way when NO pedestrian is present, and the occasional horse patty – there are (at least) ten reasons why working on JBM-HH rocks!

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So without further ado and in no particular order, we present the top ten reasons why working on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall rocks!

The Uniforms

Ok, it’s cliché. I give you that.  Still, it’s very cool to be surrounded by people in uniform.  It looks good…and everything is so neat - especially the Old Guard uniforms.  Aren’t they a handsome group?

The Ceremony

I tell people all the time that working on Ft. Myer is really cool, especially because you get to see the pageantry of a military burial.  The attention paid to every detail is way cool and stirs your patriotism.  …and if I may be goofy for a minute… the slow salute is pretty awesome.

The View of Washington DC

I never get tired of the view from Lee Avenue heading toward the Myer Officers’ Club.  It’s the stuff postcards are made of.  On a clear day, you can practically see the red tape and backdoor deals for miles – that and the Capitol building, the National Cathedral, the Watergate Hotel, the Kennedy Center, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington monument and more!  …and nothing beats the view from Whipple Field on Jackson Avenue to watch the fireworks on the 4^th of July. 

The History

Ft. Myer has been around since the Civil War.  One of the oldest buildings dates back to 1861.  Our base is also home to the Caisson Unit (the ceremonial horses).  This unit has been walked in the silent processional in Arlington Cemetery for many service members’ funerals.  The Wright Brothers demonstrated their Model A Military Flyer on July 27, 1909 for the US Army Signal Corps (watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MXol-twMzA).  Ft. McNair was the site of the trial for John Wilkes Booth's (the man who assassinated President Lincoln) conspirators.  Once arrested and tried by a military court on Ft. McNair in Building 20, four of the conspirators involved in the assassination were hung and buried on July 7, 1865.  …and there’s still so much more!

The 6:30 Wake Up

Reveille happens every day at precisely 0630 (that’s 6:30 am for you non-military types).  It’s a super cool reminder that we work for the military…that our job is not an ordinary job.  Not many other places are called to duty by the sound of a trumpet.  Arlington County may not be happy with us (though I haven’t heard any complaints) but they’ll have to admit that we’re an energetic bunch!

Proximity to Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria

Proximity?  Pah-leez!  Washington DC is in our front yard.  We can see almost every flight take off and land from Reagan National Airport.  Arlington is our backyard. From the National Cemetery to the hustle and bustle of Columbia Pike and the shopping of Clarendon, Arlington is our neighborhood. And Alexandria is about 5 minutes away.  There’s nothing like the Colonial history of Old Towne…and the shopping in the Del Ray area.

The Cowboy Soldiers & their Horses

This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!  Did you know that there are actual Soldiers whose uniform is actually jeans, a collared shirt, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat?  The Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Caisson Platoon are actually highly trained to care for the horses that participate in military funerals.  What’s better than a Soldier in uniform?  …a Soldier in jeans and a cowboy hat!

The Military Service Members from Other Countries

Our military is great and our service members are the best!  However, it’s really cool to see service members from other countries on our base.  To be able to see them, up close and personal, and in their uniform is something not many people will ever have the chance to see.  It’s also really cool to think that – for whatever reason – America’s military is working with another country’s military.  That’s what we call partnership at its best!

Twilight Tattoo

America and her military have a varied and long history.  Our Soldiers have fought in several wars, have worn several uniforms, and have been the biggest supporters of democracy since before 1776.  The Twilight Tattoo presents all of these things in a very entertaining and “time warp” kind of way.  You get to see first-hand what the uniforms of our Army’s past looked like.  Then, of course, the audience gets the thrill of a life-time watching the Silent Drill Team.  Just…wow.

We host high ranking dignitaries, including Barack and Michelle

Seriously, having the President and First Lady come to Ft. Myer or Ft. McNair is waaaaay awesome!  Hosting Colin Powell was awesome!  Hosting a State Funeral is awesome (but sad)!  Hosting Presidents from foreign countries is awesome!  Well, that’s what we hear after the fact.  Rumor is these people have come to Ft. Myer or Ft. McNair.  It’s just that 99% of the employees on the base don’t know about it until after the fact.  …Awesome!

We know that everyone has things they like and dislike about their place of employment.  We just happen to be super proud of the historical nature of our base and the services we provide not only to the immediate community but to the whole Military District of Washington and the White House!  Another base may be cool to work on but it’ll never be “The President just dropped by to catch a basketball game” cool.

Check us out at www.jbmhhMWR.com!