INDIANAPOLIS–The U.S. Army will celebrate its 245th birthday Saturday, during the coronavirus pandemic. But, that doesn’t mean everything will be done virtually.

“The number one priority is always keeping our soldiers and families safe, and then serving in our community,” said U.S. Army Capt. Dana Cline, commander of the Indianapolis Metro South company. “Right now we’re back at our stations. We’re getting back out in the community in safe ways.”

“So, we’re getting out in the community in different ways, going to some of the more open, spacious areas to be safe during this pandemic. So, we’re going to fishing holes. We’re going to parks.”

Cline said she talks to people about the Army as an option because she believes it gives people a way to serve others.

“The Army’s a profession. So, we live by the Army’s values. It really creates that base of trust. Some of those include selfless service, personal courage, integrity and honor, loyalty and duty,” said Cline.

She joined right after high school and is one of about 485,000 all-volunteer soldiers. Her first duty station was in Europe, where she was assigned after graduating West Point as an officer.

“As a female in the Army it’s pretty fantastic that I put on the uniform and I’m treated like anyone else,” she said. “Our soldiers’ varying ideas, beliefs and backgrounds help to make the Army the respected and diverse organization that it is today.”