A display featuring the 105-year history and contributions of Fort Knox was unveiled at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) at 4 p.m. March 24.
Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, U.S. Army Recruiting Command & Fort Knox commanding general, unveiled the display along with SDF Executive Director Dan Mann, and Knox Regional Development Alliance President/CEO Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jim Iacocca.
Showcasing Fort Knox – and the U.S. Army at large – the display aims to illustrate to worldwide travelers the special relationship that the Army post, Louisville Regional Airport Authority and commonwealth of Kentucky share.
Iacocca explained the origins of the project as well as why the partnership with SDF is so crucial for operations at Fort Knox.
“With such a national treasure as Fort Knox just 40 miles south of the airport, [Maj. Gen. Davis and former U.S. Army Cadet Command senior enlisted advisor – Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah Gan] thought it would be a great idea to be able to have some recognition of that in the airport as so many people come through here,” said Iacocca. “This collaboration matters. When the Department of Defense looks at growth and potential, they look to the ability of transportation networks, and we have a great transportation network here.”
The project also shows the missions and people of Fort Knox are an integral part of Kentucky’s story. As a single enterprise and location, the post ranks second only to UPS as the commonwealth’s largest employer, and its annual economic output is about $4.8 billion. Since its establishment in 1918, Fort Knox has played a critical part in national defense where today it is a multifunctional installation fulfilling a central role in recruiting, training, human capital management and supporting the warfighter.
Davis spoke about the special relationship Fort Knox enjoys with SDF.
"Relationships matter," said Davis. "And that's why I think the relationship between the Fort Knox, U.S. Army and the Louisville airport and Louisville is just so exceptional. One-hundred-and-five years this relationship has been going on and will continue to go on. And our partnership will endure for many more years to come."
Meanwhile, SDF continues its tradition of actively supporting tens of thousands of Fort Knox-related travelers each year, including military families being assigned to the post, their loved ones coming to visit, ROTC cadets participating in the U.S. Army’s single-largest training exercise, and senior military leaders serving on promotion and selection boards.
The Fort Knox display also incorporates the new U.S. Army branding which was launched earlier this month and is featured across the city of Louisville, including within other areas of SDF.
“Being just 40 miles away and being the second largest employer in the state of Kentucky, Fort Knox should have a connection to this wonderful city and airport,” Davis said. “I’m so glad that we have the opportunity to display our relationship with the citizens of this wonderful state… and really highlight the U.S. Army.”
For additional photos, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAx4b7
Social Sharing