DATE: June 10, 2021 6:32:42 PM CDT

New Secretary of the Army visits Fort Hood, receives People First update

By Sgt. Evan Ruchotzke, 7th MPAD

FORT HOOD, Texas — The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the United States Army, toured Fort Hood, Texas, June 10. The visit was her first to a major U.S. Army installation since assuming her duties on May 28.

Wormuth visited Fort Hood to receive updates on III Corps’ “People First” initiatives, meet with junior enlisted Soldiers, tour barracks, family housing, and motorpools.

“People are the Army’s number one priority,” said Wormuth. “As (one of) our Army’s largest installations, I wanted to hear directly from the Soldiers, families, and civilians about the unique capabilities and challenges here at Fort Hood.”

Launched during fall 2020, Operation People First is an enduring campaign to build trust and strengthen bonds for all 90,000 Soldiers across III Corps — including Forts Hood, Bliss, Carson, and Riley. The People First program has three focus areas: getting to know Soldiers, certifying leaders, and leaders’ holding leaders accountable for individual and unit actions.

Wormuth held a closed-door listening session with junior enlisted Soldiers from several Fort Hood brigades and battalions. Only privates through specialists were included in the hour-long discussion.

“I believe Soldiers like myself were able to express concerns with how we’re being taken care of,” said Spc. Michael Alvarado, after the session. “It’s always good to check on the people who are doing the work; making sure we have cohesion.”

Spc. Ricardo Alma expressed appreciation that Wormuth was interested in barracks and security, due to her ability to influence policy changes at the Pentagon.

“It’s exciting to see her down here,” said Spc. Shaun Washington, a Stryker systems maintainer assigned to 3rd Cavalry Regiment. “I’m glad she can see how we operate on the ground, how we actually live and see our truth.”

Following the morning’s briefings, Wormuth took lunch with a panel of battalion leaders, hosted at the Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility.

“It’s such an honor to have the Secretary of the Army at this dining facility,” said Sgt. 1st Class Luz Simmons, the Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility Manager. “It feels good to have this kind of representation in the office, I feel empowered, and I know that women can make it to the top.”

Wormuth is the first woman to serve as secretary of the Army.

Following lunch, Wormuth toured the installation and reviewed barracks renovation projects and a mix of old and new family housing.

“I wanted to see first-hand how we are improving the quality of life for our Soldiers and their families and what still needs to be addressed at this installation and across the Army,” said Wormuth.

Wormuth concluded her visit by touring 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment’s motorpool where she met Armor, Infantry, and logistics Soldiers.  Fort Hood boasts the Army’s largest row of motorpools, slightly over five miles long from end-to-end, packed with tracked-vehicles, artillery equipment, Strykers, and tactical trucks.

Wormuth concluded the day by making remarks reflecting on the Corps’ efforts to improve the command’s climate and to work towards lasting cultural changes.

“Fort Hood continues to move forward to reshape how leaders communicate to their formations. The rate that units train and deploy can affect unit cohesion,” said Wormuth.  “We must look at the effects of work-life balance to ensure that our Soldiers and their families have the tools needed to be mission-ready both deployed and at home.”

For video of the Honorable Christine Wormuth, 25th Secretary of the United States Army, visit to Fort Hood, click here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/800628/new-secretary-army-visits-fort-hood

Lt. Gen. Pat White, III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, introduces Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne, III Corps and Fort Hood command sergeant major, to the Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the Army, June 10 at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)
The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the Army, and Command Sgt. Maj. Cliff Burgoyne, III Corps and Fort Hood command sergeant major, discuss III Corps operations June 10 at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)
The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the Army, converses with senior members of III Corps and Fort Hood during her first visit to a major U.S. Army installation June 10 at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)
The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the Army, speaks with junior members of III Corps during a sensing session June 10 at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)
The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th secretary of the Army, receives lunch from Staff Sgt. Reginald Pamphile June 10 at Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)
The Honorable Christine Wormuth, the 25th Secretary of the Army, speaks with a panel of leaders at the Theodore Roosevelt Dining Facility at Fort Hood, Texas. Wormuth met with Soldiers, toured the post, and received updates on Fort Hood’s People First team building programs. Wormuth is the first woman to serve as the Secretary of the Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Evan J. Ruchotzke)