Mission accepted: Organization gets approval for construction of new park

As the wind blows sand from the empty field where Fort Jackson's post headquarters once stood, it's hard to imagine anything once stood there, let alone anything is going to be built there.

But within a year, that will all change.

The Gateway to the Army Association accepted a letter of approval from the Secretary of the Army April 27 to start the first phase of a three phase project to build a park on Fort Jackson.

"Literally millions of people who have come through this gate have become Soldiers in the world's greatest fighting force. That's worthy of note," said retired Command Sgt. Maj. Marty Wells and board member of the Gateway to the Army Association.

The park will be a birthday gift to the Fort Jackson community from the association to celebrate the 100 years of training that has taken place on the installation. The name of the park will be Centennial Park.

Board member and former post commander retired Maj. Gen. Abe Turner accepted the approval letter on behalf of the organization during the ceremony.

"We are happy that we are at this first phase and we are happy to move on to phase two and three and then present this to Fort Jackson," said Turner.

Phase one is scheduled to be finished around Veterans day. By November, the empty field located in

front of the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum will hold an amphitheater.

The park will also be home to a 20-foot-high monument. The granite sculpture will be of two drill sergeants; one male and one female. Underneath the Soldiers, the seven pillars of the Army will stand; Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

The Gateway to the Army Association is a non-profit corporation established to encourage patriotism by facilitating honor and respect for the Army.

Wells said the Park will be a great place to visit for families visiting the base for Family Day and graduation.

"They can sit down and reflect on what their sons and daughters are going to do for the Army and what past sons and daughters have done for them," said Wells.