Best wishes for the 4th of July Holiday

What a couple of weeks I've had. The marvelous dedication of the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning, followed by another impressive basic training graduation ceremony and than the ever so moving Change of Command Ceremony in honor of Major General Michael D. Barbero and Major General Michael Ferriter. The ceremony was hosted by General Martin E. Dempsey, Commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. The pavilion at the parade grounds at Ft. Benning was packed and the ceremony was so very impressive. General Barbero has been at Ft.Benning since November, 2008 and was recently tapped to return to Iraq as commander of Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq and commander of NATO Training Mission-Iraq, United States Central Command. General Ferriter was most recently Deputy Commanding General for Operations, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. The smoothness of the Change of Command ceremony and the expansive respect felt at the parade grounds that morning reinforced to me the value of freedom and liberty and the role these rights play in higher education. At the dedication of the National Infantry Museum former Secretary Colin Powell reinforce the maxim that "freedom is not free." (Secretary Powell will be at Columbus State University in August with General Petraeus participating in our Blanchard Leadership Forum) As we develop and deliver a myriad of undergraduate and graduate degree programs on the Columbus State University campus we must be ever mindful of the tremendous latitudes we are given to express and share and debate opinions and ideologies in a uniquely "American" way. This discourse defines U.S. Higher Education and allows for tremendous flexibility and options in what we say, write and do both inside and outside the classroom. My sincerest thanks to all of the men and women in uniform today and in the past who have put their lives on the line to protect these same freedoms. At a time of unbelievable challenge we still enjoy unique rights and privileges that many have served to protect. To those who have served thank you and have a happy 4th of July holiday.

Kudos to Turner College graduate Vance Smith!

So very proud of State Representative Vance Smith on his appointment as Commissioner of the State Department of Transportation. Commissioner Smith and his wife, Michele, are both Columbus State University graduates. This is a great testimony to Commissioner Smith's leadership abilities and his long-term advocacy for transportation solutions for the State of Georgia.

Dedication of National Infantry Museum impressive

What an honor and a privilege for Lauren and me today to attend the dedication of the National Infantry Museum at the parade field at Ft. Benning. This $100 million, private project, was conceived by Major General (ret.) Jerry White and opens officially today to rave reviews. The facility is a stunning testimony to the U.S. Army Infantry and celebrates the "last 100 yards" always covered in battle by the Infantry. General Colin Powell delivered a stirring address and appropriately thanked U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop for his leadership of this effort in Congress. Additionally, General White made special reference to Mr. Bill Turner and the Bradley-Turner Foundation for their foresight and investment in this huge project. Mayor Wetherington discussed the huge legacy value of this project to Columbus and the region and the many in attendance today were awestruck by the scope of this project. Major General Barbero, Commanding General at Ft. Benning, presided over an impressive graduation ceremony at the Parade Grounds and also actively participated in the dedication ceremony. Senators Chambliss and Isakson were in attendance along with Rep. Westmoreland. This was truly a wonderful day that will have enduring impact on this community and the nation.