Fort Benning Gets Its Name Back
Well, honey, it looks like Fort Benning is back. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it official. This ain’t the first time, and Lord knows it probably won’t be the last. First, Biden’s folks went and changed the name, now Hegseth is changing it right back. Makes you wonder if these people got nothin’ better to do.
Who Is the New Benning?
Originally, this base was named after Brig. Gen. Henry L. Benning, a Confederate officer. Well, that ain’t happenin’ no more. Now, they’re naming it after Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero. He led his troops into battle after their commander got taken down. That’s the kind of grit folks down here respect.
The Naming Debate Rages On
Not everybody’s thrilled, though. Some folks think Fort Benning should’ve been named after Lt. Gen. Harold Gregory Moore Jr., a Vietnam War hero. That man led troops at the Battle of Ia Drang and his wife, Julia Moore, made sure families got notified properly when soldiers didn’t come home. Seems like a fine choice, if you ask me.
Fort Bragg Name Also Restored
Now, this ain’t just happenin’ in Georgia. Over in North Carolina, Fort Bragg got its name back, too. It had been renamed Fort Liberty in 2023, but Hegseth wasn’t havin’ it. Now, it honors Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II vet who earned a Silver Star and a Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge.
The Cost of Changing These Names
Now, let’s talk about money, because Lord knows this ain’t cheap. Back in 2022, folks estimated that renaming Fort Benning to Fort Moore would cost $4.9 million. Changing Fort Bragg cost around $8 million. And now, they’re spending more money just to change it back. Makes you shake your head, don’t it?
What Hegseth Had to Say
Hegseth stands by his decision. He says troops care about tradition. Hegseth wants to keep these historic names alive. He even said he was callin’ them Bragg and Benning from day one. Now, it’s official.
More Name Changes on the Way?
Word is, this ain’t over. The Pentagon is still reviewing base names. They’re tryin’ to find honorees who share last names with former Confederate figures but actually did something heroic. Now, that’s a plan I can get behind.
The History of Fort Benning
Fort Benning has a long past. It was established in 1918. It became home to the U.S. Army Infantry School. Over the years, it trained thousands of soldiers.
During World War II, Fort Benning was a major training site. It helped prepare troops for combat. The base continued its role through the Cold War, Vietnam, and beyond. Soldiers trained here before heading overseas.
Why This Matters to Georgia
Military bases are part of life in Georgia. Fort Benning brings jobs. It keeps local businesses running. Soldiers live in nearby communities. Their families spend money in town.
Every name change affects locals. It stirs up strong feelings. People care about tradition. They want to preserve history while respecting new generations of soldiers.
What Happens Next?
The debate ain’t over. Some folks love the change. Others think it’s a waste of time. But one thing’s for sure—people down here won’t stop talkin’ about it.
