FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- The transition from a military life to a civilian one can be a rough journey if a Soldier does not know which paths are available and which are best to take. To aid with the decisions that set the groundwork for a post-Army life, Fort Campbell provides a variety of transition services -- with a common focus of helping Soldiers make sound choices regarding education, career and benefits.
Recently, the Army amped up efforts to promote smooth transitions from the military sector to the private one with a new "Soldier for Life" program. The program, according to www.army.mil/soldierforlife, "supports successful reintegration of our Soldiers, Veterans and their Families in order to keep them Army strong and instill their values, ethos and leadership within the communities."
While Fort Campbell programs have worked on helping Soldiers accomplish successful transitions for years, the installation now has a one-stop collaborative entity that will make the venture an easier one. On Tuesday afternoon, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the official opening of the Pfc. Milton A. Lee "Soldier for Life" Center.
"The Milton A. Lee 'Soldier for Life' Center will serve as a one-stop facility that will anchor the Fort Campbell transition campus along with building 5668, which is currently occupied by the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Harold Riggins, transition services manager for Fort Campbell's Army Career and Alumni Program. "This building will house the Army Career and Alumni Program, the Reserve Component Transition Center, the Department of Veterans Affairs and three Veterans Services Organizations."
The three organizations that are incorporated into the facility are Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs. According to Riggins, the new center will offer assistance to transitioning Soldiers, be it through attaining college or technical degrees, civilian employment opportunities, starting a new business or utilizing federal and state benefits.
"The mission of this campus is to prepare our Veterans -- that one percent of America who volunteered to serve our great Nation -- for post-military successes," he said.
"This campus is one of the last visits in a Soldier's transition process. America wants her Veterans … to remember that this country loves and is gracious to them for their sacrifices."
The facility was named after Pfc. Milton A. Lee, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his gallantry in action during the Vietnam War, where he served as a radio telephone operator with 3rd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Moving through intense enemy fire, Lee conducted a one-man assault in order to secure a point of safety for his fellow Soldiers.
"It is very fitting that the mission of this center -- to prepare our Soldiers for the rest of their lives -- is in a small way affiliated with this great young American," said Riggins, "who gave his life saving the lives of many of his brothers-in-arms so that they themselves could succeed in life."
Colonel David "Buck" Dellinger, Fort Campbell Garrison commander, was on hand for the dedication ceremony, and was happy to see the efforts of Riggins and many others be culminated into one spot.
"We're putting together General McConville's idea of a smooth takeoff," said Dellinger. "They want all of our Soldiers to be taken care of because of the great sacrifice and the great commitment they've made during their career. They can come here and get everything to get a smooth takeoff from Fort Campbell."
It is a concept, according to Dellinger, that has been combined with the "Army for Life" concept envisioned by Gen. John F. Campbell, former commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell.
"The Fort Campbell vision is that this is the best military assignment any Soldier or Family ever has," said Dellinger. "So much so, that if you have to leave, you want to come back to Fort Campbell and end your career here -- stay in the local area and retire."
From VA programs to RCTC to ACAP's many efforts, Dellinger says that he's proud that the installation is taking a trailblazer approach to the new "Soldier for Life" program.
"No one can touch what we're doing at Fort Campbell," he said. "From a caring standpoint, we're going to lead."
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