Team Eglin visits Fort Bragg

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Leonhard
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
FORT BRAGG, N. C. --  More than 30 base representatives travelled to Fort Bragg, N.C., April 16-18 to present information about the base and Northwest Florida to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) members and spouses. 

During the two days more than 1,000 people were briefed about the benefits of moving to Eglin by a team of subject matter experts from the base and the surrounding communities. 

"All of the Army personnel, from general officer to junior enlisted, stated that Team Eglin established a new standard for how to welcome the organization to the base," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "The cooperative effort between Eglin's base agencies and the community was very dynamic and positive."
 
Along for the trip were representatives from services, housing, education, medical, outdoor recreation, the Army Air Force Exchange Service and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Also representatives from the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and Jobs Plus were in attendance to answer the Soldiers' questions. 

Because the cadre wanted to make sure spouses and Soldiers of all ranks were comfortable asking questions, an Army spouse of a Soldier assigned to the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School, went along to answer any questions. 

"As the briefings took place I could see the transformation in their posture and how attentive they became," said Lori Burgess. "I feel Team Eglin delivered a lot of information that was important to the individual member of the 7th Special Force Group. 

"I was excited to be a part of an unprecedented event," she said. "In the Army, we just don't get information like this. We are told the unit is moving and we move." 

Many questions were addressed at each of the session. Concerns about housing, jobs for spouses and area schools were the foremost issues of interest. The team of experts were able to answer these questions and facilitate one-on-one conversations with attendees about each unique circumstance. 

"I think they have done an excellent job of trying to accommodate the families of the Special Forces Group," said Maritta Grissom, whose husband is assigned to the group. "I think we are going to be very happy over there." 

The 2005 Base Closure and Realignment law directed that the 2,200-soldier group to relocate to the base in the Florida Panhandle no later than Sept. 15, 2011. The 7th SFG has been at Fort Bragg since its activation in 1960 and is overflowing the buildings they currently occupy.
 
While on the trip, Colonel McClintock was able to see first hand the Group's facilities and said he was convinced the 7th SFG will have the premium facility in all of Special Forces when they complete their move to Eglin in 2011. 

The group's new home will sit on a 350-acre area on the northern portion of Eglin. The cantonment area will consist of 32 buildings, including a medical clinic, dining facility, 25-meter range, three barracks, a physical fitness center and a gas station. It will also include a 12,000-square-foot AAFES Shoppette containing restaurants, Military Clothing Sales, a laundromat and barber. 

But having the best facilities is only a small portion of the move. 

"We understand some of the families have lived in the Fayetteville area for quite some time and have established some deep roots within the surrounding community," said the colonel. "So we know there may be some reservations about the move. We went there with the thought that if we were the newest members of Team Eglin, what information would we need or want.

"The Soldiers of the 7 Special Force Group are on the front line of the war--during their last deployment, they lost 17 of their own. We're going to do all we can to make their move as smooth as possible so they can focus on their mission--to fight and win the war."