Fort Hood recognized as outstanding community partner during Torch Awards

Photos and Story by: Sgt. Melissa N. Lessard, III Corps Public Affairs

(Killeen, Texas, Oct. 29, 2021)— Today Fort Hood received the Torch Award for Community Partner during the Workforce Solutions annual award luncheon in Killeen, Texas.

The criteria for the award included providing supporting services that lead to employment, encouraging the use of WorkForce Solutions, and leveraging resources to expand opportunities.

“This award is for our team,” said Col. Chad R. Foster, Fort Hood Garrison commander. “There might be a lot of installations that have great relationships with their community, but no one enjoys a better and stronger bond with their community than what Fort Hood has with Central Texas.”

Maj. Gen. Michael Keating, deputy commander for support (U.K.) for III Corps and Fort Hood, was the guest speaker during the event. Keating highlighted how a transitioning Soldier used the organization to find employment.

“They took the time to go over his background and ultimately connected him with a local employer,” Keating said. “This is what taking care of people looks like.”

Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Allen Wedding works as a military transition liaison and served in the Marine Corps for 26 years.

“There are a lot of different avenues in which we can help,” he said. “Whether you are coming to Fort Hood for the first time or leaving Fort Hood for the last time, we can help from both angles.”

Presenters handed out numerous awards, but a common theme emerged between Fort Hood and event organizers: community.

“This has been another example of the extraordinary relationship between Fort Hood and its community,” Keating said. “In my opinion it is unmatched. I’ve been in the Army 30 years. I have never experienced a community that is so supportive than what surrounds Fort Hood. We are very lucky to have them.”