FORT STEWART-HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga . – The installation hosted the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Savannah program to promote local partnerships, share the Army story and encourage collaboration within the community, Oct. 24.
Comprised of 44 class members from differing industries, backgrounds and local organizations, Leadership Savannah was created to provide current and emerging leaders with an in-depth understanding of their local community.
“The program is designed to highlight the economic drivers of our community such as manufacturing, government, military and tourism,” said Jennifer Davenport, vice president of community affairs at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.
The installation’s inclusion in the program positions Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield as an essential part of the community and helps solidify longstanding relationships that work to improve opportunities for Soldiers and their families.
“Each year's cohort is also challenged to give back to our community at the conclusion of the program through service in an area that the class learned about during the year," Davenport said. "For that reason, each program examines the challenges facing our community, so our next leaders are prepared."
This call-to-action ensures that each class member is not only learning about problems in the community, but how they can be active participants in solving them.
"The military community is full of people who love to serve others," said Lt. Col. Bob Cuthbertson, Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander. "We have so much to give and by developing a good synergy with the local community, we are able to strengthen those communities and build lasting bonds that work to benefit all."
The tour started at the Warriors Walk memorial on Fort Stewart. From there, the group spoke with the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Steve Hood, and visited the 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment motor pool, where they got some hands-on time with the Abrams tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The group then loaded into two U.S. Army National Guard Chinooks and flew to Hunter Army Airfield. During the flight, the class was taken over Army training areas, the Hyundai plant currently under construction and the Savannah port.
Once arriving to Hunter, the group ate lunch with 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade and U.S. Army Recruiting Command Soldiers at the new Warrior Restaurant. From here, they visited several displays and demonstrations by Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Garrison and 385th Military Police Battalion working dog handlers. Once complete, the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, hosted a networking social for the group to connect with military leaders from around Hunter Army Airfield.
“The military day experience was exceptional, as always,” Davenport said. “This year's inclusion of Warrior's Walk was especially poignant, bringing home to the participant's the true price paid by our warriors. Every class enjoys seeing the helicopters, planes and other equipment, but to experience the respect and sacrifice shown at Warrior's Walk, truly made the day more meaningful.”
Overall, the tour was designed to give the community leaders a deeper understanding of military missions, lifestyle, equipment and base operations.
"It's our hope, that inviting people onto the installation will make people feel more connected to their military, allow us the opportunity to share our Army story and demystify the great work our Soldiers and civilians are doing daily in support of this nation,” Cuthbertson said.
In addition to the tour, Cuthbertson explained several ways to help the military. This included hiring veterans and military spouses, inviting the military to participate in community events, supporting military families living in the community and encouraging youth to learn more about the importance and benefits of military service.
"My main takeaway from military day was that the military needs community support with recruitment," said Kewaan Drayton, an entrepreneur with Leadership Savannah 2023. "As a citizen, it's easy for me to think of our local military as an organization that thrives separately from the general community, but I need to make more of an effort to get involved and interact with them."
If you're interested in participating in professional development opportunities such as this, reach out to the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Workforce Development program at 912-767-0302.
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