FORT HOOD, Texas – In conjunction with Phantom Warrior Week, III Corps is holding a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony May 21.
Lieutenant Gen. Don Campbell Jr., the III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, said this ceremony at the Great Place is about the Army embracing Vietnam veterans and caring for them because they never received the welcome home they deserved.
During the ceremony, Vietnam veterans from around the nation will receive the same fanfare present day Soldiers receive when they return from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The veterans will parade onto Sadowski field in front of hundreds, perhaps thousands of supporters who appreciate the sacrifices they made 50 years ago. Vietnam veterans who are interested in participating in the welcome home ceremony need to register online here by April 24.
While Vietnam veterans will be notably recognized on the parade field, all veterans are invited to attend the week’s events and should also register online. Many events have limited availability and will be open on a first come basis.
In addition to the welcome home, Fort Hood Soldiers who are home from the battlefields, are coming together to rebuild their camaraderie.
After the welcome home ceremony May 21, the general said units are encouraged to host veterans at open houses to show off their unit pride and to share battle histories.
May 22, veterans are invited to a prayer breakfast and golf scramble.
Fort Hood Soldiers will hit the playing fields and gyms May 23 to compete in multiple sporting events to earn the Commander’s Cup. Spectators are welcome, and veterans are encouraged to cheer on their former units.
Then, May 24, Vietnam veterans are invited again to participate in the pass in review with Fort Hood units prior to the presentation of Phantom Warrior Week trophies and the coveted Commander’s Cup.
More details will be released as they become available at the Fort Hood Press Center, www.hood.army.mil/pww and the Fort Hood Facebook page.
To access Fort Hood, visitors will need stop by the visitor’s center with their driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Passengers will also need to show ID at the gate.
Those arriving on motorcycle, including passengers, will be required to wear a Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 or Snell Standard M2005 approved motorcycle helmet fastened under the chin, full fingered abrasion-resistant gloves or mittens, long sleeved shirt/jacket and long trousers, foot protection and eye protection. Reflective vests are required for Soldiers, civilian employees, Families and retirees and are encouraged for all other visitors.
Veteran Registration Form
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CHANGE TO FORT HOOD ID CARD SERVICE - PLAN AHEAD, MAKE APPOINTMENT
Effective 9 April, the Copeland Center ID Card Office that services retirees, family members, Army civilians, contractors and retirees underwent a staff reduction that reduced the ID card service capability. Walk-in customers may experience twice the wait time for service and should arrive no later than 3:00 p.m. Customers are urged to make an appointment that will allow them to be serviced within 30 minutes. Planning ahead allows you to avoid peak periods of August, Christmas Break, Spring Break, and lunch time (1100 – 1300).
Make the appointment at 2 weeks in advance of when the service is needed. Remember a separate appointment is required for each person needing a card. Consecutive appointments are available if you make them early. Customers may receive a new ID card up to 90 days prior to their current card expiring or 90 days before an eligible college student turns 21 so there is no need to wait until the last minute. One exception - for customers turning age 65, to prevent a gap between Tri-Care and Medicare coverage, you should not renew your ID card prior to the date your Medicare coverage begins.
Online appointment website is: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/
Customer Service Hours are 0730 -1530 Mon – Fri. First Thur each month – 0900 – 1530