Few would argue this year has had its fair share of ups and downs, busyness and fast changes.
As the last days tick away, let’s take a moment to recap the top 12 stories at Fort Knox that shaped our 2021. Then let's raise a glass to a slower, quieter 2022 …
- The New Year kicked off with big news when it was announced that Fort Knox military personnel could start being given COVID-19 vaccinations on post. Within a month, vaccinations were open to civilian employees, contractors, and eventually retirees and family members.
- More big news came at the end of January as Army officials announced a handful of installations would receive a share of $1.1 billion for additional housing construction and renovations. They included Fort Knox. Our housing partner Knox Hills had already been in the thick of renovations at the Dietz Neighborhood when the news broke.
- Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville called for installations to provide work spaces for spouses so can pursue careers outside of the home. Fort Knox leaders answered the call in February. Though coming out of hide at the Garrison level, leaders located and set up several office spaces for spouses to work in, saying the effort was worth it because “as an Army family, we should focus more on developing and strengthening the entire family.”
- Fort Knox and the area got hit with not one, not two, but three back-to-back-to-back snow storms in February that dumped tons of snow on roads. Not to be caught out, however, contractors got to work ahead of the storms to keep roads clear for residents, and work they did. All day, all night, until the job was done.
- What do you do with an old tank live fire range? Fort Knox officials decided to convert theirs at Yano into the most modern digital range to date for all kinds of coordinated firepower. Called a Digital Air-Ground Integration Range, or DAGIR for short, they started construction on it in May which, when completed next year, will make it the only installation east of the Mississippi with one.
- In May, Fort Knox reopened history when the last barracks standing from the old Armored Force basic training days came online as a history display in front of the Patton Museum. People can now walk through the barracks and get a feel for what it would have been like for thousands of basic trainees who passed through the gates of Fort Knox.
- The Fort Knox Middle High School graduation makes this year’s top list because while students still had to wear masks at key places in the graduation ceremony, unlike in 2020 they were allowed to stand together and move their tassels in a more traditional ceremony. Many considered this a major step toward getting back to some normalcy.
- Fort Knox leaders announced a very special change that would happen in time for the Army’s June 14 Birthday this year: Patton Museum would be opening to the public via direct access from Highway 31W. The news had been anticipated for a long time.
- Soldiers from 19th Engineers got to work in July on a much-anticipated new fishing spot for anglers and recreational location for outdoorsmen at Fort Knox, called Castle Lake.
- Back-to-School. Students and parents alike walked into the new school year in August with some expectations and a lot of excitement as Fort Knox Schools formed a solid schooling plan that put students back into the classrooms, albeit with masks and social distancing measures.
- The Fort Knox Eagles did it — again! Determined not to lose the coveted Army Bowl trophy to the Fort Campbell Falcons after finally capturing it two years ago, the Eagles took to the gridiron field Sept. 17 with fierce determination. Not only did they retain the trophy, they also shut out the Falcons’ chances of even getting on the scoreboard.
- Our last pick comes via Cantigny Dining Facility. Now considered a warrior restaurant, the facility took part in a million-dollar program that delivers a more expansive choice of healthy foods and preparation techniques for Soldiers.
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