FORT STEWART, Ga. Six Soldiers from 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team found an opportunity not only to help the community but learn something about history too. They lent a hand to help set up for the Pleasant Grove Cemetery visit at Fort Stewart for guests from the Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, Oct. 30.
Sergeant Monique Bellamy, 4th IBCT, 4-3 Brigade Support Battalion, said she didn't realize the rich history associated with Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield and the communities that existed prior to the installation.
Together with Sgt. Bellamy, Spc Terry Burnett, Spc. Bobby Smith, Spc. Divincy Francis, Spc. Douglas Watt and Pvt.Keyandria Ware, made it a point to make the weekend detail into a bit of professional development.
Some of the facts she learned were that Pleasant Grove's origin dated back with the history of Taylors Creek, where early settlers carved out life during the 1760s near the junction of the Canoochee River and what was later to be known as Taylors Creek.
Sergeant Bellamy and the Soldiers learned from a historical marker at the site that communities developed in the areas that would later become Fort Stewart, and that Pleasant Grove itself "was organized in 1869 after the Civil War when Reverend Henry McNeal Turner helped establish AME churches with freed African Americans."
The marker also noted that the Pleasant Grove community would gather for a "Camp Meeting" for spiritual renewal and fellowship, something that continues at the Grove, although the community itself was displaced with the formation of Camp Stewart in the 1940s.
However, Liberty County Commissioner and event coordinator Donald Lovette and his participants from the Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church ensure that tradition continues with the assistance from the installation and the 3rd Infantry Division.
On this occasion, Sgt. Maj. Ricky Davis, 3rd ID Effects Coordinator; 3rd ID-Rear Chaplain (Col.) William Ralston; and Chief Warrant Officer Idaryon Brasher; joined with the Pleasant Grove Community in fellowship and celebration of the areas rich history.
Among the other guest attending the day's event were Hinesville's Mayor Protem Charles Frasier; Worship leader Charlotte L. Norman; Vice-President to the Fort Stewart Cemetery Council Wyman May, and former resident of Pleasant Grove, Lelon Frasier Sr.
Lelon recalled happy days at Pleasant Grove, attending the communities school where all grades were taught in by their teacher, Mrs. Freeman, and he helped pump water during breaks at the well just outside the school house.
He recalled how life was not always easy but confirmed there was a strong feeling of community - much like that expressed by the day's attendees.
Community members can learn more about local history by visiting the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Museum, open 10 a.m. to 4 .m, Tuesday - Saturday (closed Sundays, Mondays and federal holidays); or participate in one of the installation's cemetery tours; or by visit Fort Stewart's Cultural Resources Web site onine at http://www.stewart.army.mil/dpw/PC_Cultural0Resources.asp.
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