We hear it all the time " BRAC, BRAC, BRAC … we are investing $3.5 billion at Fort Benning in construction and growth to enhance training for America's Army … the Chattahoochee Valley is growing while so many other parts of the country continue to reel from the economic downturn that began in 2008. Underlying all of the news we see in the papers and around our military and civilian community is the fact that all of this is about an investment in people.

There is nothing more important than people " our service members, their families, the Army civilian workforce and contractors, and our community outside the gates of Fort Benning. We can have all of the equipment, ranges and facilities in the world, but if we do not have the best people, the best families and the best community support " trust me, we will not succeed.

It is in this spirit, this investment in Fort Benning, that I am happy to announce you are going to see illustrated more and more about the "Spirit of Fort Benning." Countless great Americans, leaders and community supporters enriched the grounds of this post with their presence, dedication and commitment to excellence for many years. Fort Benning was a talent magnet attracting the best Soldiers and leaders in the Army. Examples include Gen. George Marshall, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Gen. George Patton, Lt. Gen. James Gavin, Col. Ralph Puckett and Lt. Gen. Hal Moore. That tradition continues today and is growing rapidly as we welcome the Armor team.

So, when you drive around and see all of the construction, when you read in the paper and see on the news the details about the increased training at Fort Benning (and the increased noise which I know rattles some), keep in mind that at the end of the day, we are not just investing in bricks and mortar. We are investing in people " America's best Army, America's very best families and a community second to none.

One Force, One Fight!