[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 FORT BENNING, GEORGIA--1999 ARMY COMMUNITIES OF EXCELLENCE COMMANDER-
                            IN-CHIEF'S AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize Fort Benning, GA, the ``Home of the Infantry'' and the Army's 
premier installation, for being recognized with the 1999 Army 
Communities of Excellence Commander-in-Chief's Award.
  This is the fourth Commander in Chief's Award Fort Benning has 
received in the last five years. The annual award recognizes the best 
Army installation in the world. Fort Benning has also been awarded, for 
the seventh consecutive year, the Chief of Staff, Army Award which 
recognizes the best Army installation in the continental United States.
  The ability and professionalism of the tens of thousands of soldiers 
and nearly 7,000 civilians who pass through Fort Benning's gate each 
and every year are responsible for this recognition. The awards are 
also indicative of the successful partnership that has been developed 
over the years between Fort Benning, Columbus, Georgia, and Phenix 
City, Alabama.
  Major General Ernst, Commanding General, and his able staff continue 
to reinforce Fort Benning's longstanding commitment to military 
quality, focusing on the watchwords ``first in training, first in 
readiness, and first in quality of life.'' As the home of the infantry, 
Fort Benning's mission is to produce the world's finest combat-ready 
infantry and to continue to be the Army's premier installation and home 
for soldiers, families, civilian employees, and military retirees. This 
mission is achieved with distinction on a daily basis by Fort Benning 
soldiers who constitute a cornerstone of our Nation's Armed Forces.
  While the infantry remains the central focus of activity at Fort 
Benning, other specialized units have been added over the years, 
enhancing the ability of the installation to accomplish its mission. 
Fort Benning houses, among others, the 11th and 29th Infantry 
Regiments, the 36th Engineer Group, the Ranger Training Brigade and the 
75th Ranger Regiment, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, the Drill 
Sergeant School, the Henry Caro Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, and 
the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Each of these units work 
tirelessly to defend our national interests around the world and to 
serve our communities at home.
  To the military and civilian personnel of Fort Benning, I offer my 
sincere thanks and congratulations for a job well done.

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