South Carolina Adjutant General visits Third Army

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The Adjutant General, South Carolina Army National Guard, visited Third Army Oct. 27 to receive first-hand knowledge of conditions, progress and challenges for his Troops currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Maj. Gen. Stanhope Spears, who, according to the South Carolina National Guard website, is the U.S.'s only elected Soldier, received briefings on current operations, discussed key concerns and visited with Soldiers and Airman he represents as The Adjutant General for South Carolina.

But that wasn't his only mission.

Maj. Gen. Spears also addressed Third Army's strategic relocation to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. The move to Shaw AFB will co-locate Third Army and U.S. Air Force Central, allowing for better coordination and cooperation between the two services.

According to Maj. Gen. Spears, the citizens of both Sumter and South Carolina are excited about the move.

"It will be a great day when Third Army makes its official move," said Maj. Gen. Spears. "South Carolina is very supportive of the military and Third Army in particular."

Third Army makes a difference in 18 countries, as it will in South Carolina.

The strategic relocation, scheduled for fall 2011, will see more than a thousand Third Army military personnel and their Family members moving into Sumter to continue its mission of operational readiness in its area of operations.

According to Maj. Gen. Spears, the move will bring more than just Troops to Sumter.

"The economic boost will be tremendous," Maj. Gen. Spears said. "The total income generated by Third Army's move is a multiplier for the community and South Carolina."

According to Maj. Gen. Spears, Third Army is also ensuring a seamless transition to Sumter through outreach.

"Third Army personnel are already meeting with family readiness groups, military readiness groups and local community organizations to solve issues that occur with such a large movement."

The history of military support in South Carolina will continue and strengthen as Third Army moves closer to the date of relocation. South Carolina has a heritage of military association with Fort Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base. According to Maj. Gen. Spears, state and local communities surrounding these instillations will welcome Third Army with open arms.

"The citizens of Sumter are already talking about it," said Maj. Gen. Spears. "We are just extremely excited to bring Third Army into our military family."

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