Showcase Keeps Stewart-Hunter Community In the Know

By Pat Young, Fort Stewart Public AffairsSeptember 17, 2009

Fort Stewart Community Showcase
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Sharing information about upcoming events and activities was part of the goal at the 2009 Fall Regional Information Sharing Forum and Community Showcase at Club Stewart, Sept. 9 and at Hunter Army Airfield, Sept. 10.

More than 100 county, municipal, military and civic leaders from the installation and surrounding communities met in the two Regional Information Sharing Forums.

Third Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, and Command Sgt. Major Jesse Andrews were among the military leaders in attendance at both events. Major General Cucolo briefed attendees about the upcoming deployment of the Marne Division and thanked community leaders for their continued support to Soldiers and their Family Members.

One of the other top priorities at each of the respective RISF's was the signing of the Community Preparedness Covenant, where the installation and local communities demonstrated their resolve to be prepared during either natural or man-made emergencies.

The covenant was designed to demonstrate the community partnership in emergency preparedness. Part of that emphasis was demonstrated in the RISF's complimenting activity, the community showcase, held at both locations, where the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security featured the Family Readiness Kit that has similar items as suggested in the severe weather preparedness guide found at www.stewart.army.mil to include disaster checklist, maps, flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, and more.

Among the other topics discussed at the RISF was the America Supports You Freedom Walk (see page 1A for details); and the 'Something to Believe in' Twilight Tattoo, which starts at 6:30 p.m., tonight. Speakers also discussed the upcoming Family-oriented events sponsored by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; within local communities, including the Wiregrass Festival, in Reidsville, Sept. 26 - 27, and the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in Richmond Hill, Oct. 16-18. Richmond Hill and Tattnall County were also well represented among the other 62 vendors that participated in RISF's companion event at Stewart, the community showcase. The showcase featured events, activities, and services available to community members in the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield area. About 100 vendors participated at the showcases, with more than 500 Soldiers and Family members attending.

Door prizes were offered that varied from a television donated by Fort Stewart Commissary, to local vacation packages, and gift certificates.

The Community Showcase also hosted a people's choice award for favorite vendor. This fall's winner at Fort Stewart was the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority and Zum Rosenhof, who teamed up to earn more than 50 votes.