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Day 2 in Washington D.C. – Capitol Hill

December 4, 2025 By krda

This is the second of two blogs highlighting Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA)’s trip to Washington D.C. with a delegation of local leaders to highlight the value of Fort Knox to our region.

Day 2 of KRDA’s trip to Washington D.C. saw our regional delegation head to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with Senator Mitch McConnell’s staff, Congressman Hal Rogers’s team, and a meeting with Congressman Brett Guthrie in what is called the “Board of Education” conference room in the Capitol. A self-proclaimed history buff, Guthrie shared how the room, constructed during the 1857 expansion of the Capitol building, was known to host many an evening poker games including one when then-Vice President Harry Truman learned that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) had passed away, and he had consequently become President of the United States.

In each of our meetings, we discussed critical Fiscal Year 26 and 27 budget needs for Fort Knox as well as the Elizabethtown Regional Airport (Addington Field) expansion. We also shared details of our meetings at the Pentagon, including the cost benefit analysis of our region compared to other defense communities. Given Congressman Guthrie’s role as chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, our group also reinforced the importance of Fort Knox energy program upgrades.

We ended the visit to Capitol Hill with a special treat – a visit with Elizabethtown High School graduate and Army Veteran Chase Kerr who works for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. We are so proud of the work this young man is doing on behalf of our nation’s veterans. Chase also knew the perfect spot to take pictures of the Capitol and escorted us there.

As we head home, we leave Washington D.C. with great pride in our military, gratitude for the steadfast support we receive from our congressional leaders and most especially appreciation for a group of community leaders who took the time to join us and reinforce how important Fort Knox is to our region.

Greater Fort Knox Region Delegation:
Brian Kerr
Daniel London
Ed Delaney
Jeff Gregory
Jennifer Swope
JJ Duvall
Keith Taul
Kendra Scott
Mike Carroll
Nathan Denne
Pam Ogden
Rob Ramey
Selena Hudson

KRDA meet with key stakeholders at Pentagon

December 3, 2025 By krda

In promoting and protecting Fort Knox, KRDA is always telling the story of Fort Knox and the Greater Fort Knox Region to influencers and stakeholders at all levels. This week includes a visit to Washington D.C. with stops at the Pentagon and Capitol Hill, but we didn’t come alone. We are fortunate to have a delegation from our region joining us – elected leaders, business leaders, defense contractors, key community partners and KRDA board members who are committed to seeing Fort Knox and the surrounding region grow and thrive.

Their voices and unique perspectives will best help us tell the story of Fort Knox and its value to the region.Today’s agenda took us to the Pentagon. First stop – a meeting with the Honorable Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations Energy and Environment, and members of his team. Our delegation shared details of a Cost Benefit Analysis of the Greater Fort Knox Region that quantitatively demonstrates what sets our community apart from other military
communities. The discussion also highlighted Fort Knox’s energy program including key investments and upgrades that could raise the bar even higher on what is already the best energy program in the Army.

After a quick tour of the Pentagon, the group then met with Mr. Patrick O’Brien, Director of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. Mr. O’Brien and his staff provide valuable technical assistance and funding that enhances support and cooperation between military installations and local communities. That includes funding for compatible use planning that the Lincoln Trail Area Development District leads as well as the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) that could aid in the Elizabethtown Regional Airport (Addington Field) expansion.

In each of these meetings, our hosts expressed how impressed they were by the broad cross section of regional leaders in attendance and their demonstrated support to Fort Knox. We couldn’t agree more. There are no better ambassadors than the people who play a critical role in making our region such a great place to live, work and raise a family. We are grateful for their support and leadership. Stay tuned for an update from tomorrow’s visit to Capitol Hill.

Greater Fort Knox Region Delegation:
Brian Kerr
Daniel London
Ed Delaney
Jeff Gregory
Jennifer Swope
JJ Duvall
Keith Taul
Kendra Scott
Mike Carroll
Nathan Denne
Pam Ogden
Rob Ramey
Selena Hudson

2025 Resource Guide

December 1, 2025 By krda

When the 2025 government shutdown ended, the Knox Regional Development Alliance cancelled its Fort Knox Workforce Resource and Financial Assistance Fair, originally scheduled for November 18 at the Phillips Grove Event Center.

More than 20 resource providers from across The Greater Fort Knox Region had registered to participate. This Resource Guide features each provider and a brief description of their services. While we are hopeful that we will not face another shutdown in the future, we still wanted to make this guide available to the Fort Knox workforce and their families.

Thank you again to the organizations and businesses that stepped up to provide support.

Cadet Summer Training (CST) Underway

June 24, 2025 By krda

Photo by Jordan Chism, University of Memphis

A Cadet, Alpha Company, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, crawls under wire to complete an obstacle during the confidence course on Fort Knox | Photo by Meghan Sawitzke, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

This summer, thousands of additional personnel and visitors will be in the Fort Knox area as part of Cadet Summer Training (CST) missions and activities. During the Army’s largest Annual Training Exercise, the post population grows by more than 14,000. As such, higher traffic volume is anticipated, especially on days when CST Family Days and Graduation ceremonies are hosted. Everyone is asked to exercise patience and plan accordingly for longer-than-normal wait times at the entrance gates.

CST graduations are open to the public for attendance and are held at Brooks Field. In the event of inclement weather, ceremonies will be held at Natcher Gym. Additionally, all graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed on the ArmyROTC Facebook page and @ArmyROTC YouTube channel.

Real IDs are required to enter Fort Knox – click here for more information. US citizens who do not possess a Real ID are required to present supplemental documentation such as a birth certificate, SSN card, or another photo-issued identification from local, state or federal government. Visitors to Fort Knox without a valid military ID can pre-register for a 5-Day FastPASS or visit the Visitor Center to obtain a Visitor’s Pass. All adults (18+) must possess a valid ID.

Advanced Camp Graduation Dates:

1st Regiment: Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 8 a.m.
2nd Regiment: Friday, July 11, 2025, at 8 a.m.
3rd Regiment: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 8 a.m.
4th Regiment: Monday, July 21, 2025, at 8 a.m.
5th Regiment: Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 8 a.m.
6th Regiment: Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 8 a.m.
7th Regiment: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 8 a.m.
8th Regiment: Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 8 a.m.
9th Regiment: Friday, August 15, 2025, at 8 a.m.
10th Regiment: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 8 a.m.

Basic Camp Graduation Dates:

1st Regiment: Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.
2nd Regiment: Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 8 a.m.

KRDA launches capital campaign to fund its mission to promote, protect Fort Knox

February 6, 2025 By krda

The Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) launched its capital campaign to fund the organization through 2030 during its recent annual meeting of investors. The non-profit, funded through private and public sector investments, is the only organization dedicated to promoting and protecting Fort Knox and growing the defense sector economy in the region.

Luke Schmidt, a Hardin County native and CEO of L.B. Schmidt and Associates, is co-chairing the KRDA capital campaign with Marilyn Ford, KRDA’s outgoing board chair and City President of Kentucky’s Heartland Region for WesBanco. During the meeting, Schmidt encouraged the assembled investors to continue their support of KRDA.

According to Schmidt, the campaign’s goal is to secure $2.25 million in pledges to fund five years of operations beginning in 2026. Schmidt spoke of the importance of Fort Knox and having an organization like KRDA, proactively working to protect its tremendous impact on our regional economy.

“For more than a century, Fort Knox has fueled this region’s economy and helped us weather global economic downturns better than most,” Schmidt said. “Fort Knox’s $1.3 billion in annual payroll and $5.6 billion in annual economic impact are second to none in this region. It is imperative we do all we can as a community to promote it, protect it and grow defense-related business in the region. KRDA has been doing that now for almost a decade with great success.”

Schmidt pointed to several indicators of success since KRDA was established – most notably that Fort Knox’s annual payroll and annual economic impact have more than doubled.

In addition, the post has gained several new missions, including V Corps Headquarters, the Command Assessment Program (CAP), and a new three-star headquarters in Recruiting Command. These three missions alone have brought nearly 1,000 new jobs.

“The KRDA team always credits the leadership of Fort Knox and its dedicated workforce for putting the installation in a position to gain these missions, as they should. But we also know that KRDA’s advocacy, our community’s support, and the region’s overall quality of place make Fort Knox more competitive when these opportunities arise,” said Schmidt. “Competition for new missions is high and KRDA helps make sure we do all we can as a community to position the installation for continued growth.”

KRDA CEO retired Colonel Lance O’Bryan knows first-hand the importance of community support. In his last assignment before retirement, O’Bryan was the Fort Knox Garrison Commander. This assignment is comparable to that of a mayor or city manager.

“This community helps set the installation apart from others,” O’Bryan said. “Whether it’s limiting encroachment, providing career opportunities to military spouses and transitioning service members, or fostering partnerships that are mutually beneficial to the community and the installation, we want to be the very best.”

O’Bryan also spoke about the potential for another round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) or mission changes associated with the new federal administration’s government efficiency efforts.

“Because of the installation’s capacity, energy resilience and security, we consider Fort Knox well-suited for growth,” said O’Bryan. “But it’s imperative we have the resources in place to mount a strong advocacy effort in the event the federal government decides to move in this direction. We also regularly share the Fort Knox story with stakeholders and decisionmakers at all levels of government to help keep Fort Knox top of mind. “

Schmidt called KRDA the go-to community organization for all things Fort Knox, emphasizing that its operations and grassroots funding model serves as a national example for defense community organizations. He also commended KRDA’s strong fiscal oversight.

“I have served on several boards and can honestly say I have never seen a level of financial stewardship like that of KRDA. They run a lean operation and it’s tremendous what they have accomplished,” said Schmidt. “I had the privilege of chairing their last capital campaign and am proud to co-chair this campaign with Marilyn.”

During the meeting, O’Bryan also thanked the current board and investors for their support.

“Thanks to our investors, we are able to dedicate ourselves fully to our mission each and every day,” he said.

In closing the annual meeting, Marilyn Ford explained why Wesbanco supports KRDA.

“Investing in KRDA is an investment in the future of our community,” said Ford. “Their efforts ensure that Fort Knox remains a strong economic engine for our region, creating jobs and driving growth. The return on investment is clear—supporting KRDA means supporting economic stability and opportunity for businesses and families alike.”

To learn more about investing with KRDA, please email lance@growknox.org or visit growknox.org/invest.

MG (Ret) John Tindall named Greater Fort Knox Defense Community Champion

February 3, 2025 By krda

During their annual investor meeting at Elizabethtown Community & Technical College (ECTC) on Wednesday, the Knox Regional Development Alliance (KRDA) honored retired Maj. Gen. John Tindall with the third annual Greater Fort Knox Region Defense Community Champion award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). This achievement also means Tindall is nominated to compete for the national award, which will be presented at the ADC National Summit in Washington D.C. this spring.

“John Tindall has modeled for us what it means to be a community servant and provides the

highest level of care and support to our military service members. He is incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said KRDA Board Chair Marilyn Ford.

Tindall, 80, has dedicated his life to serving military families. After returning from service in Vietnam and joining the Army Reserve, he became a prominent business leader in the Greater Fort Knox Region and a champion for organizations improving the quality of life for military families.

Tindall serves on the Hardin County Water District #1 Board of Commissioners, ensuring critical infrastructure for Fort Knox and surrounding communities, and on the Baptist Health Foundation Hardin Board, which enhances healthcare across the 10-county region Baptist Health Hardin serves, including nearly all specialty care for Fort Knox Soldiers and their families as well as a military veteran population of more than 50,000. He is also Vice Chair/Military for the KRDA Board of Directors, providing critical leadership and insight.

As a past member of the former North Hardin Industrial Foundation’s Board of Directors, Tindall helped attract new business to the community which has created quality jobs for military spouses and transitioning service members. He owns Radcliff TV & Appliances, and revitalizes properties for commercial use in the Fort Knox area, providing valuable rental space for area businesses to lease.

In 2003, Tindall was instrumental in helping found USA Cares. The organization was initially called Kentuckiana Cares and raised funds for military families through yard sign sales. Now a nationally recognized nonprofit, the organization has assisted over 100,000 military families facing financial crises with millions of dollars in grants. Tindall continues to lead on its Executive Advisory Council, guiding the organization’s growth over two decades.

“It is an honor to be recognized for this award, just as it has been an honor to serve this incredible community and support the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Tindall. “I share this recognition with everyone who works tirelessly to make a difference for military families.”

Maj. Gen. Hope Rampy, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC), was the guest speaker at the KRDA annual investor meeting. She provided an update on HRC’s vital role in caring for Soldiers, Army retirees and their families, providing dedicated support to nearly 9 million military personnel and retirees.

“The work we do is about providing readiness to the Army, managing talent and caring for Soldiers, families and veterans,” Maj. Gen. Rampy said. “It was an honor to speak to such an engaged group of community leaders who are deeply invested in the success of Fort Knox and its Soldiers and their families. Opportunities like this allow us to share the incredible work being done at HRC and serve to strengthen the vital partnership between the installation and the surrounding region.”

The meeting was the first for KRDA President and CEO Col (Ret) Lance O’Bryan, who assumed his role in November. During the meeting, O’Bryan celebrated Fort Knox’s role as a cornerstone of the regional economy and KRDA’s work to proactively promote and protect the installation. Fort Knox’s $1.3 billion in annual payroll provides unmatched spending power in the region, and its over 35,000 annual visitors further buoy local retail, hotel and restaurant sales. O’Bryan also celebrated the opening of Fort Knox’s Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR), one of only two of its kind in the Army and the only one east of the Mississippi. The DAGIR, along with the installation’s numerous critical missions, further elevates Fort Knox’s strategic importance.

“The DAGIR is yet another example of Fort Knox’s strategic value to the Department of Defense. It’s advancements like this that further the installation’s contributions to military readiness and our national defense,” said O’Bryan. “KRDA remains committed to ensuring Department of Defense and Congressional leaders know how valuable Fort Knox is. Our continued community support helps keep the installation well positioned for additional growth and continued economic prosperity for our region.”

Also during the meeting, new board members were introduced, including Lincoln Trail Area Development District Executive Director Daniel London, North South Consulting CEO Krista Stevens and Corey Salsman, Director of Field Operations for Kinetic. Board member Ben LaRue is rolling off the board while retired Maj. Gen. Bill Barron and retired Brig. Gen. Jim Iacocca are now emeritus board members. Hardin County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kendra Scott will fill the term for her predecessor, Margy Poorman, who resigned from the Chamber in December.

To learn more about KRDA and its leadership, visit growknox.org.

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