Operation Just Cause vets remember 

 

Seven Operation Just Cause veterans joined hundreds of students from the U.S. Army Airborne School in Thursday's jump to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the operation, including the Armor School's top NCO, CSM John Troxell.

"It was the first and only time I've ever jumped into a combat zone," he said.

 

 

The Army wants to decrease the weight Soldiers carry on missions, and Fort Benning's Maneuver Battle Lab is part of the effort.

Last week, 10 Soldiers evaluated a lightweight base plate being developed for the M224 Lightweight Company Mortar System during a series of live-fire, static and movement exercises at McKenna Urban Operations Complex, Fergusson and Buckner ranges.
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Four Soldiers get medals for combat valor 

 

More than a year removed from the enemy confrontations where they risked their lives for fellow service members, four former 503rd Infantry Regiment Soldiers were honored for their bravery in combat Monday at the Benning Conference Center.

SSG Justin Grimm received the Silver Star for gallantry, SSG Clifton Anderson and SGT Michael Lawrence received the Bronze Star with V device, and SSG Zachari Rushing received the Army Commendation Medal with V device.

 

Christmas comes early for families of deployed Soldiers  

 

Christmas came early for 100 Fort Benning families when Chicago-based Operation Homelink gave free refurbished computers Saturday at the Kelley Hill Recreation Center.

This was Operation Homelink's first donation to Fort Benning families.

"What a great Christmas gift!" said Andrea Young, Family Readiness Support assistant for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. "You don't a get an opportunity very often where an organization comes, finds you and says 'Can we give you a computer?' A lot of people can't afford $300 to $400 to spend on a computer. This is above and beyond generosity." 

 

Liberian delegates observe officer-NCO interactions  

 

A Liberian military defense delegation is looking at ways to build respect in the ranks of the newly reformed Armed Forces of Liberia by modeling its professional relationship between officers and NCOs after the U.S. Army.

The AFL restructured in the last year after 15 years of war.

A three-member delegation visited Fort Benning last week and toured several sites to observe NCO-led training. The visit, aimed at furthering Liberia's efforts to build an army capable of sustaining security as the U.S. transitions to an advisory role, was to observe NCO-led training, said COL A.L. Rumphrey, chief of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. African Command, at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia.
Rumphrey escorted the delegation during the visit, which ended Friday.