Source: Katherine Knott, The News-Enterprise
Since Maj. Gen. Christopher Hughes assumed the job as commanding general of U.S. Army Cadet Command and Fort Knox, he said he’s often been asked if the Armor Center is coming back.
He said those he spoke to believe the post has lost its purpose with the departure of the armor command.
“But I don’t see it that way,” Hughes said Wednesday at the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s November luncheon. “What Fort Knox has been given is a tremendous opportunity.”
Hughes updated chamber members about new medical facilities and museum renovations at the post.
With Veterans Day approaching, Hughes first took a moment to thank the military veterans in the audience. Saturday is Veterans Day.
He said those who served in the military have enabled the American way of life.
“What really sets our veterans apart from so many great leaders in this nation is that veterans are willing to risk everything they have, everything they own, everything they believe in to protect a document, an idea, the U.S. Constitution,” he said.
Hughes’ speech to the chamber comes amid various projects on post.
Fort Knox will have a groundbreaking at 10 a.m. Thursday for a new Ireland Army Health Clinic, Hughes said. The new facility will be more than 101,000-square feet and include state-of-the-art technology.
Recently, the General George Patton Museum closed for renovations. Hughes said the museum falls under Cadet Command’s purview, so he decided to invest $4.8 million into the museum to improve the visitor experience.
Renovations to the museum include a new roof and roof facade, replacing glass and metal in the atrium and opening access to the museum from U.S. 31W.
Hughes said when the museum reopens, it will feature new exhibits about Patton and Fort Knox, and an ROTC Hall of Fame.
“Believe it or not, the Patton Museum has never displayed the history of Fort Knox,” he said. “We’re finding history tucked away in closets across the entire post.”
Hughes said the post is marking its centennial next year and asked the community to celebrate with them.
“It’s amazing to think what’s happened with our community and this installation in the last century, but what I find more exciting and interesting is to think about what is yet to come,” he said.
Katherine Knott can be reached at 270-505-1747 or kknott@thenewsenterprise.com.