FORT HOOD, Texas — Fort Hood hosted a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday to address the continued concerns of those who live on post amid the COVID-19 crisis around the country.
The Town Hall was hosted by Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt and CSM Adam Nash, Task Force Phantom Command Sergeant Major. Both men stressed the importance of following the CDC guidelines that have been set and said that any complaints received would be looked into and taken through the proper chain of command.
"Soldiers are still equipped to serve anywhere needed at this time," Efflandt said.
The Town Hall, which lasted for one hour, was mainly a question and answer session.
As part of the Q&A, officials said they hoped they could keep the gym facilities open on post but would not be able to guarantee the safety of those in attendance, so they were closed down.
"While we wanted to keep the gyms open for everyone, we ran into two problems that made that untenable," Efflandt said. "First off, it was difficult to guarantee the safety of the workers. And the second problem we had regarding the gym was keeping it open for the soldiers on post to maintain their level of fitness. It also brought in those off post and actually compounding the problem."
With everything that has happened, there is also confusion as to which soldier's job is essential and which is not.
One concern brought up was about those that are overseas now, in Korea and Afghanistan. Some believe they should be brought home immediately. Officials didn't necessarily disagree but wanted to remind those with concerns that missions are still happening at a critical time.
"We need to bring people home from Iraq, Syria, Africa and all around the world," Efflandt said. "When they need to rotate out, they need to rotate out. Sergeant Major and I know from personal experience that it's not a lot of fun being extended but there is a sense of duty that comes with it."
Efflandt added the challenge they have with bringing people home, aside from the quarantine which can be worked out, the mission continues for the United States Army.
Fort Hood officials also said all welcome home ceremonies will be canceled and soldiers that do return from deployment will go into quarantine for 14 days.
Officials said they want people to remember that together, the coronavirus can be beaten and if you are showing signs or symptoms to, please, quarantine yourself.
Hotline number for the Darnall hospital: (254)533-6612
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