Email   Print   Share By Lt. Gen. Don Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood Commanding General

Facebook Digg Delicious May 24, 2012 | Editorial

Memorial Day is always a very special time to honor those who have died while serving our nation, as well as a time to reflect on the many sacrifices those service members have made throughout our nation’s great history. This week, we have had the unique opportunity here at the Great Place to personally and professionally honor our veterans, focusing on our Vietnam veterans, during the III Corps and Fort Hood Phantom Warrior Week. It is truly special to give the long overdue but well-deserved recognition to our tremendous Vietnam veterans.

This Memorial Day, let us not forget that we honor all those who put country before self, and freedom above oppression. We honor those ordinary people who made extraordinary sacrifices when called for their country. It is these people and their sacrifices that ensure freedom will endure. While we pay tribute as a corps, an Army and a nation to those who have fallen in the line of duty, let us also recognize those brave sons and daughters who have volunteered for service and are defending our nation and the freedoms we enjoy as we speak. They represent the best and the brightest, as well as what is good about America. They come from all walks of life yet unite in purpose and pride for our great nation.

This is also a time to honor and thank those spouses, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and all the Family members and friends who have lost a loved one serving our country. Their pride, love and support can never be forgotten. Our military Family members have and always will be one of our greatest resources. I want to personally thank all those Family members who have supported a loved one in the military, either past or present.

Also, as we reflect and honor those we have lost as a nation, we must look forward with resolve to not needlessly lose any more of our nation’s best to preventable accidents. Memorial Day is a time when many summer activities begin, and I encourage everyone to enjoy the summer weather and the many great activities Fort Hood and our Central Texas communities have to offer.

Sadly, this is also a time when there are increases in accidents involving motor vehicles, to include cars, motorcycles and boats, with many being alcohol related. Last year in III Corps, we had sixteen fatalities with nine of those occurring during the summer season. We have already had eleven accidental fatalities this fiscal year in III Corps - six automobile accident fatalities, four motorcycle fatalities and one water-related fatality. Common trends are the use of alcohol, not wearing proper protective gear and friends and battle buddies not stepping in to stop a potentially bad situation.

These trends show a lack of discipline and responsibility that is historically not characteristic of the American Soldier. This tragic loss of life is unacceptable and I challenge all of our leaders and Soldiers to show the proper discipline and responsibility that has made the American Soldier the best in order to stop this disturbing trend and, more importantly, to save lives.

Finally, I would like to wish all the III Corps and Fort Hood Soldiers, civilians and Family members a very safe Memorial Day holiday weekend. Thank you for your service and again, thank you to all our wonderful veterans that continue to make a difference both in our great community and many others.

Phantom Warriors!

Army Strong!