The Fort Jackson NCO Club opened their doors to the fifth annual Fort Jackson Hall of Fame induction ceremony June 6. Three were recognized and honored for their positive, lasting and significant contribution to the Fort Jackson Team and surrounding communities.
Retired 1st Sgt. Pete Lara, retired Col. J.R. Sanderson and Jo Lynn Allen accepted the honor on behalf of her husband the late Maj. Gen. James B. Allen, Jr, were welcomed into the hall of fame by the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford "Beags" Beagle, Jr, and Post Command Sgt. Maj. Jerimiah Gan along with previous year's inductees.
"Our hall of fame members find the best in Fort Jackson," Beagle said. "To all of you we are inducting today and those that are already in the hall of fame, you help and continue to nurture the best in us. I truly appreciate that."
Lara, once the Company C, 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment first sergeant and 2009 Army Times Soldier of the Year, was recognized for his selfless service to his country, unit, Family and Soldiers.
Sanderson, Fort Jackson's Chief of Staff from 2008 -- 2011, was recognized for creating a G-staff where none had existed before, which led to the Basic Combat Training Center of Excellence achieving accreditation as a learning organization.
Allen, Jr, served multiple position across the installation that included aide de camp to the chief of tactics committee, deputy chief of staff and deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson.
After retirement, he worked for the Employment Security Commission that established the Troops to Teachers program within four state universities. His action, both in and out of uniform, were recognized for their impact on active-duty Soldiers and expanded careers opportunities after they leave service.
"It is because of these accomplishments and his love of Soldiers that he is therefore inducted into the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame," recited the ceremonies emcee as Beagle placed a gold medallion, emblazed with the installation's crest, over each inductee's head and Gan presented a matching lapel pin to each.
"Our hall of fame members find the best in Fort Jackson," Beagle said. "To all of you we are inducting today and those that are already in the hall of fame, you help and continue to nurture the best in us. I truly appreciate that."
The inductees took center stage as attendees helped to close the ceremony by coming forward to meet and welcome the newly inducted Fort Jackson Hall of Fame members.
"Your contributions and impact on Fort Jackson you've made, or your spouse has made, for many, many years," said Beagle. "You've been a hall of fame member all along. Today we just made it official."
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