Photo By Robert Timmons | Lt. Col. Claudia Pena, Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion commander, smiles as she...... read more read more
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Fort Jackson has accomplished a lot over the course of its 106 years. It has prepared Soldiers to fight in all the nation’s wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, while leading the way in multiple other areas.
“For 106 years Fort Jackson has continued its legacy as a beacon of training excellence,” said Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commander, during the post’s birthday celebration, June 7 on Darby Field. “We provide a direct strategic contribution to Army readiness. We transform volunteers into highly-trained, disciplined and fit warriors.”
The celebration was the highlight of a weeklong on series of events that started with a post-wide run June 5, sporting events June 6, the organizational day June 7, golf tournament, June 9 and culminated in the Army Birthday Ball held June 10.
“Team Jackson past and present has much to be proud of,” Kelly added. In 1950 Fort Jackson was the first Army installation to be integrated; it was the first installation to launch gender-integrated Basic Combat Training in 1994.
“We are unlocking potential for those that want to be on our team” with the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, he said.
Since Camp Jackson was founded in 1917, 5 million citizens have been trained at Fort Jackson. Today more than 50% of all Soldier (with 56% of female and 59% of male trainees) beginning their Army journey at Jackson.
During Victory Week, Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion took home the sporting events trophy by taking three of six events.
The event also saw the official end to the year’s Army Emergency Relief campaign. The campaign started March 1 and ended May 15.
“This year we raised over $147,000,” said Wanda Redd, Fort Jackson AER coordinator. “I want to say this year that we won second place over all large installation Army wide.” Second Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment raised the most money for the campaign, she said.
“We want to thank you for everything you have done … and contributed for the campaign,” she said moments before Kelly signed the big check.
Kelly, along with Post Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Ochs, Staff Sgt. Ashley Buhl, drill sergeant of the year, and Staff Sgt. Devonta McLean, the 2022 U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy drill sergeant of the year, cut the Fort Jackson birthday cake during the organizational day.
The winners of unit sports were:
Football - Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion
Basketball - Soldier Support Institute
Volleyball - 165th Infantry Brigade
Dodgeball - Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion
Tug O’ War - Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion
Cornhole - 165th Infantry Brigade
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2023 10:44 |
| Story ID: | 447254 |
| Location: | FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Piece of Cake: 106 years of proud achievements, by Robert Timmons, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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