Fort Jackson celebrates its 107th birthday

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Fort Jackson — known for training half of all Army recruits across America — is celebrating its birthday with a week of events.

On June 2nd 1917, the United States War Department gave final approval for the location of an Army Training Center in Columbia. At first called Camp Jackson, today’s Fort Jackson is celebrating its 107th birthday.

Wednesday’s “Organizational Day” included music by the 282nd Army Band, cultural displays for Juneteenth and Pride Month, and food trucks.

The Deputy Commander of Fort Jackson, Colonel Mark Huhtanen, says making what’s known as “Victory Week” more special, is that it leads up to the Army’s 249th birthday on June 14th.

“Well you know, it’s like the Army song. We were the first to fight. So, we have stood by from the Declaration of Independence to the forming of our Constitution. Last night, I got to re-enlist three soldiers at the Fireflies game, and you know, we’re sworn to defend the Constitution of the United States, and what’s different about our Army versus any other Army is we’re not sworn to a king or queen, or anything like that. We’re sworn to defend the ideals of our country that are founded in our Constitution. So that’s I think what makes it different,” he says.

Along with the cutting of a cake, trophies were handed out to winners of intramural sporting events as well.

Staff Sergeant Lionel Hunter, a part of the winning team from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, says he’s also a Military Police Officer and appreciates the celebration.

“I’ve been in the military for 18 years, so this is definitely something I believe in and I love, and especially to spend this time with my daughter as well — it means the world to me and I definitely appreciate it,” he says.

Wrapping up the week of celebrations, this Saturday June 8th, Fort Jackson will hold its 249th Army Ball at the 1917 Club from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.