Email   Print   Share By Col. Bill Hill, Fort Hood Garrison Commander

Facebook Digg Delicious July 1, 2010 | Editorial

Col. Hill

Three years ago, I had the pleasure to assume command of the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hood. At that ceremony, I focused on our core mission, which is to provide support to our units, our Soldiers and our families. That has been my focus throughout the period which experienced six different senior commanders. Additionally, the garrison has been able to provide that quality support, while at the same time teaming with our community partners from across Central Texas.

Over the past two weeks, a number of organizations and people have expressed their thanks. My reply is that I was simply doing my job as entrusted to me.

It is my turn to thank you. It is impossible to express completely my gratitude and deep respect for the different communities operating from Fort Hood.



Units



Over the past three years, the troop strength has been as high as 55,000 Soldiers assigned to the numerous units at Fort Hood. Our post was built for a pre- 9-11 troop strength of approximately 41,000 Soldiers. Our units have constantly deployed and played musical barracks, headquarters, and motor pools for over 9 years; this was no easy task. The entire garrison staff thanks you for your cooperation and collaboration in accomplishing our mission to provide you the infrastructure and ability to train and deploy multiple times.



Soldiers



The strength of our Army comes from the strength of our Soldiers. I thank you for your dedication and the resiliency as you deploy to multiple missions and return. We all know that the missions and operations are becoming more complex with each passing year, yet we are accomplishing our mission with great professionalism and success. You inspire me to keep serving.



Families



The strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of our families. Our spouses and our children are the true unsung heroes of our Army during this time of war as they sustain us. I thank you all for supporting your Soldiers and hope that there will be a time in the near future when we can repay you for your support.



Central Texas Community



Fort Hood is the “Great Place” for many reasons, but the most important is because of the support each community provides to the units, Soldiers, and families. I’ve been to a lot of posts where the community is focused mostly on the generals and the colonels. In Central Texas, your support is focused all the way down to the individual Soldier and family. You deserve a lot of thanks for that everyday world-class support.

Lastly, there are so many of you that I owe my personal thanks. Any successes that we have experienced at Fort Hood are really the combination of many folks working together. Many of you have personally helped me along the way, and I want to say thanks, again, one more time.