There is probably no one more important in these young, new Soldiers lives than a drill sergeant.

These drill sergeants have a vested interest in ensuring that when these Soldiers leave here they have had the best training possible, and are ready to face the challenges they will have ahead of them when they get to their first unit.

Recently, I had the opportunity to recognize some very important and selfless people who stand side-by-side with our drill sergeants - their spouses.

We know that when a Soldier volunteers or is assigned to walk the trail, the spouse also walks the trail -  a trail of strength and fortitude -  because that is what it takes to be the spouse of one of our drill sergeants.

 ·  They become the backbone on the home front.

 ·  They understand that although their spouse is not deployed downrange , because of their important role, they are "deployed" in a different sense.

 ·  They are the ones who must carry on the day-to-day family operations of work, school and childrens' activities as their spouses spend hours upon hours, days upon days preparing today's Soldier for tomorrow's battlefield.

For that we are thankful - I am thankful.At Fort Benning, we are a team, and our team includes not only our Soldiers in uniform, but also their spouses and family members.They are all vital to our Army Family and they are pivotal in molding tomorrow's Soldier.

God bless our Soldiers and you - their dedicated spouses.

One Force, One Fight!

Michael Ferriter

Commanding General