Soldier Support Center Offers One Stop Services
The Soldier Support Center, a 83,876 square-foot building, co-locates 20 organizations and more than 200 people together to create a truly one-stop facility for military members.
The new building’s 350-seat auditorium was packed with Team Lee members, many there to watch as the building was dedicated as Faughn Hall in memory of the late Maj. Dwight A. Faughn, the much loved former adjutant general and director of human resources who passed away two years ago.
Approval for construction of the facility replacing the Soldier One Stop building was granted in November 2007 and completed in less than two years’ time.
More than 118,000 manhours went into constructing the building using more than 380 tons of recycled materials. The building has multiple 100-seat classrooms and includes two conference rooms.
Faughn Hall will house agencies such as the Army Career and Alumni Program, permanent party personnel services, student services, the installation transportation office, the housing office and many more.
In a stirring invocation, Chaplain (Col.) Byron Simmons reminded those in attendance why such a facility exists.
“Today we pray for Soldiers, men and women who so bravely take up the cause defending this great nation. As we cut the ribbon for this building, may we recommit ourselves to the task of serving them knowing all they do to serve us and the America that we love so dearly,” Simmons said.
Col. Michael G. Morrow, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee commander, said the opening of the Soldier Support Center is a milestone for the installation and a dedication to a great American.
“This building was designed and constructed specifically to support our Soldiers,” Morrow said. “Soldiers will in-process and out-process here and essential administrative services will be provided.”
Morrow also spoke about the transformation taking place at Fort Lee.
“This is a monumental effort by a whole lot of people,” he said. “It took a lot of planning and coordination to complete this construction and place these buildings.”
He thanked the Directorate of Public Works, the Directorate of Logistics, the BRAC Construction Office, the BRAC Synchronization Office, the Army Corps of Engineers and the unit representatives that work to make Fort Lee an efficient installation by saving billions of dollars.
Esther Lee, former deputy to the garrison commander, was keynote speaker at the event. Lee spoke fondly about Faughn.
“Each of us who knew Dwight has great memories of him,” she said. “He always greeted me with a ‘Hi, boss’ whether it was in person, peering around the corner in my office or on the telephone. It was most often followed by ‘I’ve been causing trouble again and I want you to hear my side.’”
Faughn was known to fight for what he believed Soldiers deserved.
“This building and its service to Soldiers was his dream,” Lee said. “It is only fitting and proper that it be named for him.”
Lee said she recently found old e-mails from Faughn. One included a poem written to the rhythm of a Dr. Seuss story. Lee recited the poem which lightly mocked common complaints found in a workplace.
“I shared it with you, because it was so Dwight,” she said. “Seriously, Dwight loved Soldiers. He was special in many ways, a professional, a loving soul and a strict task-master. I know that he is here with us today, just as he was here each day looking over the construction of this great building that’s sole purpose is to take care of Soldiers.”
Faughn’s wife Clyda and his sons were in attendance as the building was officially opened.
“This center is everything that Dwight would have been proud of,” Clyda said. “He wanted the very best for every Soldier that came in. He was so passionate about Soldiers having all that they needed to do their job.”
