As he prepares to move to Fort Hood, Texas, Col. Todd Buchs held back a few tears as he recollected memories from his time at Fort Stewart during a farewell address to Rotarians on Tuesday.
During the speech, Buchs repeatedly thanked community members for their support and for engaging in what he called a “tremendous partnership” between the post and the civilian community.
“I thank you for all the spiritual and moral support we received,” he said.
Buchs reviewed many of the collaborative programs, events and celebrations that have taken place during the past three years.
From shared school grounds and airports, to orchestrating community-wide Freedom Walks in memory of 9/11, to engaging in emergency preparedness efforts, Buchs said the two entities have and will continue to work in unison to create a strong community.
As he continued to thank the group, he was clear that the area’s support is invaluable to the success of Fort Stewart.
“There wasn’t one welcome home ceremony, I don’t care what time of day it was or what the weather was like, that the community didn’t show up to support the troops.” Buchs said. “That’s the epitome of this relationship.”
Buchs closed by reminding the community that when soldiers deploy, this is the last piece of America they see and that when they return home, they return to Georgia. He said Hinesville residents provide a much needed home for Fort Stewart soldiers.
“We’ll need your unwavering support as you’ve always given,” he said.
During the speech, Buchs repeatedly thanked community members for their support and for engaging in what he called a “tremendous partnership” between the post and the civilian community.
“I thank you for all the spiritual and moral support we received,” he said.
Buchs reviewed many of the collaborative programs, events and celebrations that have taken place during the past three years.
From shared school grounds and airports, to orchestrating community-wide Freedom Walks in memory of 9/11, to engaging in emergency preparedness efforts, Buchs said the two entities have and will continue to work in unison to create a strong community.
As he continued to thank the group, he was clear that the area’s support is invaluable to the success of Fort Stewart.
“There wasn’t one welcome home ceremony, I don’t care what time of day it was or what the weather was like, that the community didn’t show up to support the troops.” Buchs said. “That’s the epitome of this relationship.”
Buchs closed by reminding the community that when soldiers deploy, this is the last piece of America they see and that when they return home, they return to Georgia. He said Hinesville residents provide a much needed home for Fort Stewart soldiers.
“We’ll need your unwavering support as you’ve always given,” he said.