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

Facebook Digg Delicious May 31, 2012 | Editorial

This past week, III Corps and Fort Hood hosted the inaugural Phantom Warrior Week. This was a tremendous event where we were able to not only honor our great veterans throughout the week, but also highlight the outstanding Soldiers, training opportunities, resources and community support here at the Great Place.

One of the true highlights of the week was the friendly competition between 17 of our brigade-sized units in 11 separate events over a three-day period. I was truly impressed by the skill, esprit de corps and sportsmanship displayed by all the units involved. This is again a credit to the great Soldiers and teams that are developed on a daily basis here on Fort Hood in our ultimate mission to fight and win our nation’s wars. Much of the corps’ leadership was able to observe and commend these Soldiers, and most importantly, reward each victor with their respective championship trophy.

Congratulations to the 4th Sustainment Brigade for winning the overall Commander’s Cup Trophy during this year’s Phantom Warrior Week. I would also like to commend the 36th Engineer Brigade and the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division for their second and third place overall finishes, as well. These events could also not have successfully taken place without the planning and organizing by many Soldiers and civilians throughout the Great Place over the past few months. For these extraordinary efforts, thank you!

We were also honored to have more than 1,300 veterans and guests attend many of our special events throughout the week. In addition to honoring our extraordinary Vietnam Veterans in their Welcome Home Ceremony and Pass in Review, we were also very fortunate to have a luncheon with former III Corps commanders focused on the future vision for the Great Place, a Prayer Breakfast with Dave Roever, the inspirational veteran wounded in Vietnam, as the guest speaker, a visit by the American Veterans Traveling Tribute wall, honoring our Vietnam Veterans, as well as many other team-building activities and training displays. The effort to make all these different events an overwhelming success was extraordinary and did not go unrecognized.

Phantom Warrior Week was a wonderful time to step back, take a break and reflect. This was a time to reflect on all our veterans who have given so much and still continue to serve in so many ways.

This was also a time to reflect on so many of our current brave warriors who have served with distinction in harm’s way overseas for the past 11 years of conflict. This was a time to take a break from our normal busy schedules and have some fun in friendly competition.

Lastly, this was a time to showcase what an exceptional team and resources we have here at Fort Hood, along with all our partners in the local communities, as we continue to support and answer the call of our great nation.

Phantom Warriors! Army Strong!