Spring 2004
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Nearly 200 people, including federal and state representatives, civic leaders, state and local regulatory officials, environmental groups, land management agencies and every battalion commander and sergeant major on post, attended an environmental summit to support sustainability at Fort Hood, Texas, Oct. 21, 2003.

Lt. Gen. Thomas F. Metz, III Corps commander, said sustainability for Fort Hood is not only the ability to continue with current operations but to position itself for additional missions in the joint arena.

Located in Central Texas, Fort Hood encompasses 326 square miles, employs more than 40,000 Soldiers and 5,900 civilians and houses 16,500 family members.

Col. William Parry, Fort Hood garrison commander, said that just about every possible interest group was in attendance and each would play a role in keeping Fort Hood a sustainable installation.

"America entrusts the Army with her two most valuable assets: first, her sons and daughters, and second, pieces of the country itself," said Parry. "At Fort Hood we are sworn to protect them both."

Col. Randall Butler, the director of public works for Fort Hood, said while it is a military installation that focuses on training Soldiers for war fighting, the goal is to preserve the environment while accomplishing that mission.

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