"Sit down if you've been here less than 15 years," said Fort Jackson's Commander, Maj. Gen. John "Pete" Johnson, to a crowd of civilian employees during the first of two town hall meetings taken place this month. Johnson kept asking people to seat do...

"I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Army Civilians," said Fort Jackson's Commander Maj. Gen. John "Pete" Johnson during the first of two civilian town hall meetings taken place this month.

"I remember as a young second lieutenant going to Fort Benning, Georgia and [guess] who were the first people you see?," he said. "The DA Civilians making sure all your stuff was right, making sure that we were going to be ready for everything that followed."

Johnson hosted a town hall meeting Sept. 1 as a chance to engage in open dialogue with Fort Jackson's civilian workforce. A second meeting will take place today for people who weren't able to attend the first at 1:30 in the Solomon Center.

During the first meeting, Johnson expressed how much he appreciates the hard work and dedication of the civilian workforce on post. There are a number of employees working at Fort Jackson that have been here for over 30 years.

Johnson awarded Kent Carter, the Chief of Nonappropriated Funds support services, with a command coin for being a part of the Fort Jackson's Family for over 50 years.

"That's inspiring, Absolutely inspiring! That's a big, big deal," Johnson said about Carter's length of time working on Post.

Johnson discussed wanting to start a civilian employee award ceremony for Fort Jackson. He opened the floor for questions and comments at the end of the meeting.

"You are a huge part of this mission. Fort Jackson cannot support its fundamental mission without its civilian workforce," Johnson told the group.