FORT BENNING, Ga., (April 13, 2016) -- I've never been prouder to call Fort Benning home. Last Friday, April 8, we hosted the third annual Tri-Community Field Day for special needs children across the Chattahoochee Valley Region. We had over 1,200 athletes descend on us, representing the school districts of Muscogee County, Phenix City, Russell County, Chattahoochee County, Harris County, home school children, and, of course, our very own Fort Benning Schools.
They showed up, along with their teachers and teaching assistants, ready for a full day of fun and activity on Stewart-Watson Field!
More amazing to me, however, was the volunteer support that turned out to make this event truly successful. Fort Benning Soldiers, spouses, Family members, and local high school students (many of them military dependents) showed up in force, more than 1,300 strong, to support, assist, and cheer the athletes to do their very best. This was better than a 1:1 volunteer to participant ratio ... simply incredible!
If you witnessed this event it warmed your heart to see the smiles on the faces of these children. They face challenges each and every day most of us cannot appreciate. Simple tasks we take for granted are formidable for them. Their perseverance and determination are both awe-inspiring and humbling to observe.
This was a day dedicated solely to them and their ability to have a little fun. A lot of thanks must go to Fort Benning Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for planning and organizing this one-of-a-kind event, but none of this would have been possible without the outpouring of support from our community.
If you participated, please accept the sincere thanks of Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Floyd and myself. If you missed it, we look forward to seeing you next year!
Please go to Page B-8 and see for yourself one of very best reasons Fort Benning is a great place to live.
- Col. Andy Hilmes
Fort Benning Garrison Commander
Social Sharing