Carlisle Barracks holds Welcome Expo for War College
Photo By Robert Martin |
USAWC resident student Lt. Col. Brain Durham and his wife Rebekah talk to a vendor......read moreread more
Photo By Robert Martin | USAWC resident student Lt. Col. Brain Durham and his wife Rebekah talk to a vendor during Carlisle Barrack's "Welcome Expo" for new War College students, faculty and staff. The expo brought together 124 vendors from both the local community and various on-post agencies. Carlisle Barracks, Aug. 5, 2026. see less
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Carlisle Barracks holds Welcome Expo for War College
CARLISLE BARRACKS, PA — As a new academic year begins at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks officially opened its gates to its newest class of strategic leaders and their families with the annual Welcome Expo. Designed as a "one-stop" information gateway.
This year's expo brought together 124 vendors from both the local community and various on-post agencies, providing families arriving with everything they need to do during their time here at Carlisle.
“One of MWR's goals is to help make life outside the classroom just as rewarding as life inside it,” said Bruce Wooten, Director of Family Morale Welfare and Recreation. “The Welcome Expo brings together the people, programs, and local businesses that help Army War College students and families get the most out of their time at Carlisle Barracks. That’s why we do it,” said Wooten.
The Welcome Expo is an event for inbound students, spouses, and children. Held across multiple venues including the Thorpe Gym, the Letort View Conference Center, and the connecting roads out to the Wheelock Band Stand offered an immediate, face-to-face introduction to the community's support network.
“I enjoy meeting so many people from so many places during the welcome expo,” said Sharron Rameriz, owner of Slaylon Muse. “The expo helps our community along with the War College community; it’s another way to invite everyone into the local area.”
“Carlisle is a fun little town; there is so much in the heart of Carlisle. It is so important that you park and walk around the town; there are so many small businesses in the downtown area. We are about community and helping each other, so get out there and support a small business,” she said.\\
For the families of the USAWC Class, the Expo is more than just a resource fair; it is the first real opportunity to build social connections. Spouses exchanged contact information, children find future classmates, and students began building networks that will support them through a demanding academic year.
“You can’t underestimate the importance of these kinds of events, especially on one-year assignments,” said resident student Lt. Col. Jenifer Gonser. “You and your family must integrate into a community quite quickly. It is important to see other parts of the community here, both military and civilian, and it is great war for children to make new friends before the school year starts to make it feel a little more at home,” she said.
The sentiment was shared by others who recently arrived.
“This has been an outstanding opportunity for us to experience Carlisle and see what it has to offer,” said resident student Lt. Col. Brian Durham. “We just arrived a couple of weeks ago and have not had time to get out and see everything.” His wife, Rebekah, added that they found resources they were looking for, like a fitness club and local garages.
“I have actually run into some old friends; everyone is super friendly and family-oriented,” said Durham. “Getting together makes sure we all get through this year as a team.”
The Welcome Expo along with other activities organized by the Carlisle Barracks Garrison and the Army War College. In the days surrounding the expo, families also participate in a welcome social, the Carlisle experience welcome briefing and the highly anticipated welcome picnic and boatyard wars.
