FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians gathered in the West Atrium of the III Armored Corps headquarters building here to mark the installation’s 80th anniversary, Sept. 16.
Fort Hood has a long and proud history, dating back to the World War II. In 1942, Camp Hood was officially opened as a training ground for troops heading to fight in the war. Over the last eight decades, it has played an essential role in the military, providing a place for Soldiers to train and prepare for battle.
Commemorating those eight decades of service to the nation, Soldiers and civilians formed an “80” in the West Atrium prior to a cake-cutting ceremony.
Col. Chad R. Foster, commander, U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Hood, took to the podium and made remarks before cutting the cake. He spoke about the long history of the installation and how the Great Place has become an Army home for many of those in attendance, and across the installation.
“Lots of great storied units have served here over the years and serve here today,” Foster said. “I guarantee you, if you just look at it a little bit, you’re going to see the countless number of great memories great experiences, both personal and professional, that will take you through the rest of your life.”
Foster noted how Fort Hood has served as a strategic force projection platform for the United States. He praised the Soldiers, family members, civilians and contractors who serve here, and who contribute to national defense every day, reminding those attending that the men and women who live and work on Fort Hood are the heart and soul of the installation.
“If you ever want to see the monument that symbolizes our installation, it’s not any kind of statue or a marker on the ground. It’s all around you,” Foster said. “There is no better way to celebrate the birthday of the Great Place than by celebrating all of you.”
Among those who attended the event was Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, III Armored Corps deputy commanding general for maneuver. Beck highlighted the importance of Fort Hood’s history and its role in today’s Army.
“I would just say, it’s great to celebrate the birthday of Fort Hood,” Beck said. “When you think through the incredible people that have been here over those 80 years, and are represented by the great people that are here now, it truly makes this the Great Place to live and serve for everybody that’s here.”
Beck said he is proud to be part of the Fort Hood community, and looks forward to seeing Fort Hood continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
Commemorating the post's 80th anniversary, the Fort Hood Sentinel produced a 48-page special section published in the Sept. 15 edition. The special section can be viewed online at www.forthoodsentinel.com/special/page-a1/page_358f5be5-2e25-5b79-a6e4-4f0a62ba72a4.html.
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