It’s frightful to think what living in the Midlands would be like today without Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest basic training facility. The base creates jobs, sends soldiers to volunteer in our community, brings positive publicity, attracts thousands of visitors annually, and beckons military retirees to move here after their active duty days are over.
On Saturday, Fort Jackson will officially launch its yearlong centennial celebration with the annual Army Birthday Ball at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
During the next year, the public will have plenty of opportunities to help the fort celebrate. We encourage everyone to do so, not only to recognize the fort’s contributions but also to see first-hand the dedicated women and men serving our nation and keeping it free.
Fort officials estimate that by the time the celebration is over in June 2017, five million soldiers will have trained there since it opened.
Read more online at The State: http://www.thestate.com/opinion/editorials/article84313617.html#storylink=cpy