FORT STEWART, Ga. (March 22, 2016) -- The 3rd Infantry Division held a tour of Fort Stewart, Georgia for St. Simons Island community leaders, hosted by 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., March 22.

"Today was a St. Simons Island Residents Association tour of Fort Stewart," said Maj. Quincy Manzey, engineer and planner for 2nd IBCT. "Ultimately, they wanted to see how the Army trained, manned and equipped Soldiers."

"When you get to be my age, you like to see the next generation coming in and taking responsibility," said W. Ferrel Harper, a retired surgeon and leader of the group, which included many veterans.

The tour included a greeting from Brig. Gen. Douglas Crissman, deputy commanding general -- support of 3rd Inf. Div., at Marne Gardens, as well as Warriors Walk, the Spartan Dining Facility, an M1 Abrams tank, and the Virtual Training Facility.

"We enjoyed getting up close to the tanks," Harper said. "It's nice to know it's ready if needed."

Manzey said the tour was an important way to keep local leaders informed of how the Army operates and maintain a community relationship.

"I think they better understand our current situation in the Army, how we're trying to accomplish more with less," Manzey said after completing the tour. "I think they were surprised to see that these guys aren't in combat, but they're still making that sacrifice and deploying."

The community members said they also enjoyed seeing different areas of Fort Stewart.

"I thought that walk you all had done for the fallen Soldiers was very nice and made you appreciate who's been before you," Harper said about the portion at Warrior's Walk.

"They really have a newfound respect for how the army has grown since they were in it," Manzey said. "They really enjoyed it and I think we should do more."

Manzey also said he thought the event went well and the community leaders all had smiles as they left.

"If you polled our group, 100 percent of them would say don't cut military funding back and take care of our veterans," Harper said. "We are so proud of all of you youngsters coming along and taking care of our country. It rejuvenated our belief in America."