Chamber of Commerce leadership program participants arrive at Clayton Barracks and receive a briefing from leaders of the 551st Signal Battalion on life for new Soldiers during advanced individual training at Clayton Barracks, Fort Eisenhower, March 12, 2025. The annual Military Day event is part of the installation’s ongoing community relations efforts to strengthen ties with the surrounding region.
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FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. – Business and civic leaders from across the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) got an up-close look at the Army’s mission and influence during Fort Eisenhower’s annual Military Day, March 12, 2025.
The installation welcomed participants from the Columbia County and Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership programs for a full day of interactive experiences designed to provide a deeper understanding of Fort Eisenhower’s purpose, capabilities, and regional impact.
The event, organized by Fort Eisenhower’s Public Affairs Office, is part of the Army’s ongoing community relations efforts to strengthen ties between the military and the communities it serves.
“Hosting guests taking part in their chamber's leadership programs provides an opportunity to do exactly that – open our doors, invite folks unfamiliar with the military in, and share with them,” said Anne Bowman, a public affairs specialist with Fort Eisenhower and one of the event’s lead organizers. “We want the community members to leave with both an understanding of our collective purpose here and a sense of connection to the service members who also call this area home.”
Participants were divided into two groups – Leadership Columbia County and Leadership Augusta – allowing each to rotate through a full schedule of activities.
Leadership Augusta, established in 1980 by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, selects about 30 individuals each year for a 10-month program that develops practical leadership skills, encourages active involvement in local initiatives, and offers a close-up look at the people and businesses shaping the region. Leadership Columbia County provides a similar experience for business and civic leaders through the Columbia County Chamber.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of hands-on and informational events:
- Welcome remarks and overviews of Fort Eisenhower and the Cyber Center of Excellence
- A history briefing on the installation
- Military working dog demonstration
- Funeral honors and flag folding ceremony by the Installation Support Detachment
- Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 (the Army's laser-based marksmanship training)
- Barracks tour with a drill sergeant team (Delta Company, 551st Signal Battalion)
- Signal Schoolhouse tour at Vincent Hall
- National security and cyber threat briefings by NSA Georgia
- Discussion on veteran employment and Transition Assistance Programs
However, the most talked-about event was the funeral honors demonstration.
A moment to remember
Staff Sgt. Joseph Nixon, a 35P signals intelligence voice interceptor and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Installation Support Detachment (ISD) funeral team, spoke to participants about the meaning behind the ceremony.
“We’re often the last interaction the military has with a family,” said Nixon. “It gives us a lot of pride to represent the Army with that level of dignity. This job reminds us every day of the sacrifice others have made.”
In 2024, the ISD performed a total of 673 funeral services across 49 counties in Georgia – 473 of which were conducted by a two-person detail, and 200 of which were full-honors ceremonies requiring an eight-person team. The ISD includes 51 Soldiers per cycle, rotating four times per year. These service members are drawn from across the installation to provide funeral honors and assist with various special events and ceremonial duties on post.
Nixon, who has served more than 12 years in the Army, said engaging with the local community in this setting was a valuable experience.
“I hope they see what we do and take that as a reflection of how we treat each other in the military – with respect and honor.”
The event also provided an opportunity for visitors to ask questions, many of which led to open and insightful conversations between civilian guests and Fort Eisenhower’s service members.
“Hands down, it’s the service members themselves who make these engagements worthy endeavors,” said Bowman. “All it takes is one or two curious questions from the visitors to start organic, real conversations about why they joined and what military life is really like.”
Learning beyond the gate
Participants toured Vincent Hall to learn about the Signal School and its various programs. Nikki Brigham, an analyst with Georgia Power and member of Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2025, was particularly impressed by the depth of training offered to Soldiers.
“I met two gentlemen who will be graduating from a 26-week program in May,” said Brigham. “It’s a very intense and hands-on program. I didn’t know this kind of training was offered here, and I’m very impressed by the quality of instruction.”
Brigham added that visiting the barracks and speaking with advanced individual training (AIT) Soldiers provided a more personal perspective on Army life.
“It exceeded my expectations. I’ve gained a whole new perspective on what Fort Eisenhower offers – not just to the military but to our entire region.”
An economic and community force
Beyond its military mission, Fort Eisenhower plays a vital economic role in the CSRA, employing more than 31,000 military and civilian personnel and contributing nearly $2.4 billion annually to the local economy.
“This day helps the community understand just how important Fort Eisenhower is – not only to national security but to our local economy,” said Beth Frits, program manager for Leadership Columbia County. “It’s incredible to see how many job opportunities exist right here and the role the installation plays as a global and local resource.”
Frits also emphasized the hospitality shown by the installation.
“Fort Eisenhower is so welcoming to us. From the commanding general to Soldiers, they truly rolled out the red carpet,” said Frits. “You can tell they want us to understand what they do and why it matters.”
Another key stop during the day was a presentation by Angela Gaston, transition services manager for Army Community Services, who highlighted employment pathways for transitioning service members and military spouses.
“We’re a gateway to a highly trained and skilled labor pool,” Gaston explained to the class. “These service members bring a lot to the table, and we encourage local businesses to connect with us.”
Gaston also informed the class about upcoming Hiring Our Heroes events organized by the Transition Assistance Program. She noted that the March event focused on military spouses, while a June event will focus on transitioning service members, and she invited Leadership Columbia County and Leadership Augusta participants to attend.
Through resume assistance, job fairs, internships and employer outreach, Fort Eisenhower’s Transition Assistance Program aims to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment.
Strong ties, stronger community
Military Day at Fort Eisenhower is more than a tour – it’s about building genuine connections and cultivating a shared sense of purpose; it’s an investment in community connection and mutual understanding. For those who serve on post, the event is a chance to showcase their pride and professionalism. For those who live and work in the CSRA, it’s an opportunity to better understand the post’s mission and the people behind it.
“I’ve been a communicator for the Army for 29 years,” said Bowman. “And this is one of the most rewarding types of events we get to host. When Soldiers and civilians connect – really connect – that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
Visit our Flickr page for more photos of the event.
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