By Eric Franklin
Fort Cavazos Public Affairs
FORT CAVAZOS, Texas – The Army’s chief of staff visited Fort Cavazos Feb. 20-21. The visit was part of his continued commitment to Soldiers’ quality of life.
In his visit to Fort Cavazos, Gen. Randy A. George, the U.S. Army chief of staff, participated in an in-depth briefing with top officials from the III Armored Corps and the Fort Cavazos Garrison. The conversation covered a range of critical military operations topics, from pioneering recruitment strategies to the vital importance of training drills for operational readiness, as well as the challenges associated with upgrading and sustaining military equipment.
“I came to Fort Cavazos last summer right before I became the CSA,” George said. “I really wanted to come down here because there’s so many things that this installation and this power projection platform is doing for our Army.”
During his visit to the Black Jack Dining Facility, the chief of staff of the Army had the chance to explore the Culinary Outpost. This model stands out because it allows Soldiers to use their Basic Daily Food Allowance for purchasing individual items, mirroring a more traditional dining experience.
Sgt. Maj. Kresassidy McKinney, the chief culinary management sergeant major for III Armored Corps, emphasized the importance of this approach.
“I believe it’s important to give the Soldiers healthy meal options, allowing them the ability to stay within the nutritional means and maintain a healthy body,” McKinney explained. “Having that readily available and at the convenience of the Soldier is one is one of the highest investments that we have right.”
George commended Fort Cavazos for its exceptional execution of the Department of Defense’s Military Construction, or MILCON, program, which encompasses all necessary activities to create fully functional facilities, thereby establishing a benchmark for excellence in Army operations.
“This installation is leading the way on how we (Army) do MILCON,” George said. “That’s just one of the great examples happening right here, and I appreciate that.”
The presentation also spotlighted enhancements to the quality of life for Soldiers through innovations such as the Cavazos Connector. This fare-free transit system, launching fully on March 2 here, is designed to elevate the living standards for Soldiers, civilians and their families. It boasts a circulator route with 28 stops and a 20-minute loop at crucial facilities. It also has a micro transit system that mirrors ride-sharing services for barracks and family housing areas, with reservations accessible via The HOP app or by calling 254-933-3700.
Col. Lakicia Stokes, commander of U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos, noted an encouraging uptick in the usage of the new transit system within its initial two weeks.
“As of today, we’ve seen 856 riders utilizing the service,” Stokes remarked.
Stokes mentioned that Fort Cavazos has the distinction as the first Army garrison to take part in the development of the new MyArmyPost app, which is tailored by and for Soldiers. This venture highlights the critical role of accessible, current, and precise information in improving the living standards of Soldiers and their families.
“During our weekly newcomers orientation, we give new Soldiers and family members time to actually download the app,” Stokes explained. “We ask them to provide in-app feedback and to complete the surveys there, which our public affairs can see.”
As the chief of staff of the Army concluded his Fort Cavazos visit, he reflected on the efforts of the leaders and Soldiers stationed there. Despite occasional negative reports, he affirmed that Fort Cavazos remains a great place.
“It’s a great community. These are great units, great Soldiers, leaders who care and we’re learning from what they’re doing down here,” George explained. “I wanted to tell all those leaders that because they’re quiet professionals down here, just making things happen, and it’s important to
hear.”
B-roll of U.S. Army chief of staff visit
