Latest news with #JuliaMoore
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Former Fort Benning commanders speak out on renaming
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — Following the news that Fort Moore has been renamed back to Fort Benning, announced by the Secretary of Defense on March 3, former Fort Benning commanders are speaking out. Retired Maj. Gen. Patrick Donahoe served as the commanding general of the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning from July 2020 to July 2022. He said: 'We should understand the upsides in naming our local base after both LTG Hal and his wife, Julia Moore. The renaming honored our Korean and Vietnam War veterans while also uniquely recognizing the vital role of military spouses by naming the installation after both a Soldier and their spouse. This is the only military post in the nation named for a married couple who exemplify service, sacrifice, and unwavering character. It is even more meaningful that the Moores remain a part of the installation, resting in its cemetery. As the home of the Maneuver Center of Excellence, Hal Moore was a great choice as he represents both branches Armor and Infantry! Commissioned into the Infantry he commanded in the 7th Cavalry in Vietnam as highlighted in the book and movie 'We Were Soldiers Once And Young.' In the Army, you strive to be all you can be—here, you come to Be Moore!' Former Fort Benning Garrison Commander (2015-2017) retired Brig. Gen. Andy Hilmes also offered a statement. 'The renaming of DoD installations has become a highly emotional and politicized subject. It pains me to see fellow Americans so divided on this matter. America is at its best when its people are united. Hal & Julia Moore, who made much of the history they are famous for here in the Chattahoochee Valley, were uniters of men, women, and families of all colors, religions, and backgrounds. The blended human fabric of the modern U.S. Army enabled any success I was involved in during 28 years of service to the nation. Requiring Fort Moore to undergo a name change twice in as many years not only invites taxpayers to question the appropriate use of resources, but also reopens old, divisive wounds that distract us from moving forward together on more complex and far-reaching matters. Further, it indirectly politicizes an institution every American expects to remain apolitical, regardless of who the commander-in-chief is.' Read more about the renaming here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fort Moore changed back to Fort Benning -- sort of
The Trump administration is changing the name for Fort Moore back to Fort Benning -- but it appears they are renaming it after a different Benning. In a statement from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, he said that he signed a memorandum ordering the renaming. 'The new name pays tribute to Corporal (CPL) Fred G. Benning, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in action during World War I with the U.S. Army in France in 1918,' Hegseth said in his statement. The base was previously named after Brigadier General Henry Benning, who was a leader of Georgia's secessionist movement and an advocate of preserving slavery. The base was renamed in 2023 after the House passed a funding bill that created a commission to rename bases named after Confederate leaders. TRENDING STORIES: Apalachee High School football coach steps down for PTSD, anxiety counseling 2 accused in Atlanta shooting that led to death of 6-month-old boy to face judge Bill banning GA liquor stores from selling wholesale hemp products back returning to committee The new name, Fort Moore, was approved by the House and Senate. The base was renamed for retired Lt. Gen. Harold 'Hal' and his wife Julia Moore. Hal Moore is a decorated and highly regarded commander of the Vietnam War. His wife, Julia Moore, is a distinguished leader of Army family programs who changed how the military cares for the widows of fallen soldiers. 'There can be no better way to inspire the men and women who will train to defend our nation, and particularly to provide recognition to the widows of our Nation's fallen, than to name our installation for a couple who exemplifies America's highest standards of courage, character, and compassion — Hal and Julia Moore,' commanding general Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard said at the time. In his statement Monday, Hegseth said the renaming of the base still honors the 'storied history of service to the United States of America.' '(It) honors the warfighter ethos, and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades and will continue to train on its storied ranges,' Hegseth said.
