New Numbers Show Big Gains From BRAC

August 05, 2009

By WRBL Staff

Fort Benning says BRAC, or Base Realignment and Closure will rake in roughly 4,000 jobs over the next three years.

They will come as the Armor School moves from Fort Knox to Fort Benning.

705 will be available in late 2010, early 2011. Those positions will be in supply, safety, administration and manpower.

Fort Benning Garrison, the entity that runs the post, will need to hire 500 to manage the increase in services. And roughly 300 will be needed in the medical and dental commands. Plus mangers have to factor in the thousands of contractors used, they handle everything from food services to tank maintenance.

At Tuesday’s BRAC update meeting, BRAC program manger Jay Brown stressed that while this is an unprecedented Army move, don’t expect to see these new neighbors tomorrow, “The hiring actions come just before the mission comes to get those people on board, training and ready so you will only see a handful in 2009, in 2010 a trickle and you’ll see a big waterfall in 2011.”

They also talked about improving the morale and welfare at Fort Benning. They are planning on building a hotel to offer updated housing for visitors on post. They are renovating the bowling alley, and they are going build a Chuckee Cheese type facility for families.

You can read more about the projects at http://www.benning.army.mil/mcoe

The BRAC community meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at the National Infantry Museum.

2010 Best Friends Calendar

August 03, 2009

Opelika Auburn News

Opelika Auburn News:
The Lee County Humane Society is now accepting votes for its 2010 Best Friends Calendar.
So far, 65 pet entries have been submitted, garnering more than 2,000 votes, said Stacee Strength,  director of public relations for the humane society.
The pet with the most votes will be featured on the cover as well as inside. The next 11 highest vote-getters will be featured as pets of the month.
Each vote costs $1. There is no limit to the number of votes a person can cast.
Strength said most entries are cats or dogs, but other pets are eligible.
All donations to the LCHS are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit the shelter’s general operating fund, which includes food, medical and other needs of the animals.
“It’s really interesting to see how enthusiastic people are about their pets,” Strength said. “Our goal is to have a calendar that is all about pets, and I think we’re well on our way to having one.”
Voting is available online at http://www.leecountyhumane.org; at the animal shelter; at For Paws Boutique in Auburn; from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 3-7 at Village Mall; and at the annual Woofstock event Aug. 22.