Major General John F. Campbell’s Letter to the local Communities

Office of the Commanding General

To the Fort Campbell community and surrounding areas:

I wanted to thank you for the support you provided to our Army Families and Soldiers here at Fort Campbell.  It is difficult to leave the 101st, a division with outstanding Soldiers and Families, a rich history, and an especially strong and supportive community.

Ann and I have continuously been impressed with the level of support between Fort Campbell and the great surrounding communities, including Clarksville, Hopkinsville, Oak Grove, and other areas in Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky.  Each of your communities does so much for our Soldiers and our Families which makes Fort Campbell such a desirable duty assignment for so many military Families.

Ann and I have been stationed at many Army posts throughout the country and I have had the opportunity to visit nearly all of our Army posts throughout the world, and no other Army post has the level of community support that Fort Campbell enjoys.  We will always remember the supportive people of the community, its leaders, and of course the wonderful Soldiers and Families who serve in this great division.

Maj. Gen. James McConville will take the reins Friday.  He and his wife, Marie, are no strangers to Fort Campbell, and have many ties to the community.  As difficult as it is to leave command, I am comforted knowing that the new Commanding General is well prepared to lead this division.  Jim has the credentials, experience and ties to the area that will surely make him a success here.  I know that Jim and Marie will know the same level of support that you gave Ann and I.

With these parting words, I ask that you continue to pray for our deployed Soldiers.  Many have returned home, but many remain in harm’s way.  We must continue to pray for those still deployed.  We must continue to honor our Fallen Screaming Eagles and their Families.  And, we must continue to support the Wounded Warriors and their Families as they work through their recovery.

Many of our Soldiers’ and Families’ lives are forever changed, and all Americans owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much.

Again, thank you for all that you do – we are forever grateful for your love and support.

Air Assault!  Army Strong!

Sincerely,
John F. Campbell
Major General, US Army
Commanding General
101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell