An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Phantom Village: DPW gives fresh start to reopened barracks

By Sgt. Joshua TannerNovember 26, 2024

III Corps Phantom Village Opening
U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, III Armored Corps (IIIAC), and Mrs. Tracey Foster, area manager for the Department of Public Works, cut the ribbon to commemorate the re-opening of the Phantom Village barracks, on Fort Cavazos, TX, Nov 1, 2024. IIIAC has been working with the Department of Public Works on Fort Cavazos for the previous three months to renovate the Phantom Village barracks and conduct mold abatement to ensure healthy and safe living conditions for the Soldiers that live there. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua Tanner) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Joshua Tanner) VIEW ORIGINAL

Phantom Village: DPW gives fresh start to reopened barracks

Fort Cavazos, Texas – Phantom Village reopened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 1, highlighting the improved living conditions for Soldiers.

For Sgt. Geovannie White, the barracks manager for the newly named Phantom Village, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, III Armored Corps, and Tracey Foster, area manager for the Fort Cavazos Directorate of Public Works, the ceremony symbolized closure for both the Soldiers who helped during the renovation process as well as the Soldiers who will be returning to the barracks.

As the barracks manager, White assisted with the project to help improve the living conditions for single Soldiers, noted how this affected him personally.

“I was a single Soldier here for the last three to four years, so this really means a lot, and it means the command team cares,” White said. “The command team, as well as DPW, taking the necessary steps to correct these issues is a major milestone for us Soldiers.”

Members of DPW worked on renovations and mold abatement at Phantom Village for the past three months to ensure safe living conditions for the Soldiers.

Soldiers living in Phantom Village were moved to another barracks during the three-month renovation. With the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the reopening of Phantom Village, Soldiers will be coming back to safer living conditions. Prior to the renovations, mold was found in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, system, possibly causing health hazards for the Soldiers living in the barracks.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Torrian Peterson (HHBN sergeant major, III Armored Corps) came to us to address some concerns that he had with our HVAC system, which they thought possibly had some mildew or mold concerns,” Foster said. “We found there was a malfunction within the DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System) and called DPW specialists to come in to address the concerns and issues.”

Foster further explained the issue with the DOAS was resolved and mentioned during the renovation, all the mildew and mold in the rooms were removed.

The renovations also included new furniture, and giving Soldiers their own room. This is a welcome change for the single Soldiers living in the barracks, allowing them to have privacy in their living space.

White and Foster both said they are proud of the work and the results of the extensive project. These renovations are set to transform the quality of life for Soldiers at Fort Cavazos.