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Leaders urge for more troops at Fort Stewart
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In an official letter, U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Congressman Jack Kingston, R-Ga., urged Army Secretary John McHugh to station additional troops at Fort Stewart.

The senators and congressman asked McHugh to consider sending Fort Stewart a Heavy Brigade Combat Team, which has been slated by the Defense Department to leave Germany and return to the U.S. in 2015.

The three lawmakers said Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield has been “transformed” into a “premier power projection and training platform along the East Coast.”

“From the perspective of military value – in addition to having the longest runway on the East Coast, Fort Stewart’s strategic location in southeast Georgia makes it easily accessible by road, rail and sea,” according to the letter. “Movement to ports takes place in hours vice days and weeks.”

Chambliss, Isakson and Kingston extolled Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, describing the post as the “largest military installation east of the Mississippi River,” adding military training is highly efficient due to its “digital multipurpose range training complex.”

“Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Air Field also have no significant environmental impact or encroachment issues. All environmental impact statements were completed and validated in anticipation of the 46th BCT’s projected assignment to Fort Stewart,” the letter stated.

Lawmakers also said the installation has the infrastructure necessary to welcome another brigade, noting the installation won the Army’s Community of Excellence award four times in the past six years.

For more, pick up a copy of the April 13 edition of the News.

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Exchange Service salutes Vietnam vets with custom truck design
Army and Air Force Exchange Service redesigned logo 2011

To thank Vietnam veterans for their sacrifices, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is debuting a new truck design, part of the Department of Defense retailer’s efforts alongside the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to honor veterans during the 50th anniversary of the war.

“The Exchange is privileged to have the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veterans through our fleet,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, who served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “These trucks will serve as rolling billboards, expressing gratitude for all who served during this era.”

The truck design features the silhouette of a lone service member set against the background of a faded horizon with a call to “thank a Vietnam veteran for service to our nation.” The single military member represents the warfighters who served during this time.

Three trucks in the fleet feature the commemorative design and will deliver merchandise to Exchange stores from the organization’s distribution centers in the continental United States.

The West Coast Distribution Center at Sharpe Army Depot in California; Dan Daniel Distribution Center in Newport News, Va.; and the Waco Distribution Center in Texas will each have a truck in service on their standard delivery routes, serving the whole country.

Air Force veteran Pat Thompson served in Vietnam before coming to the Exchange as a truck driver and mechanic. In his 18 years with the Exchange, he has deployed four times to support the troops. The new design means a lot to him.

“They remember,” said Thompson, who is based at the Exchange’s Waco Distribution Center. “We want to be remembered.”

The trucks also highlight the veteran online shopping benefit, which launched in November. The lifelong online military exchange benefit authorizes all who served honorably to enjoy tax-free shopping and exclusive military pricing at ShopMyExchange.com.

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is a program administered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The U.S. began commemoration of the Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary in 2012 and will continue through Veterans Day 2025.

The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize Vietnam veterans and their families for service, valor and sacrifice in conjunction with the commemoration.

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