When the government launches a commission, count me among the skeptics, but not for this recommendation. This summer, the naming commission created by Congress, recommended Fort Eisenhower as the new name for Fort Gordon in Augusta. The memorandum of approval by the Secretary of Defense indicates that the name change will take place after December 18, 2022, but no later than January 1, 2024.
The business community should take note, as the name change is much more than just an Army matter. Changes in signage and branding are among the most obvious implications. Of course, one of the towering expenses is the repainting of the highly visible water tank. With all other signage changes combined, the spending will likely exceed $2 million.
Five-star General Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower is one of our all-time greatest military leaders. He has universal name recognition that is almost unparalleled. His preeminent status as a leader, soldier, and president continues to generate positive reactions, nationally and globally. The Augusta business community that works with Fort Eisenhower will benefit tremendously.
Raised in Kansas and educated at West Point, Ike Eisenhower gradually developed into one of the most admired leaders of this country. In WWII, he planned and supervised the invasion of North Africa and later, the invasion of Normandy on D-Day.
The latter was probably one of the most complex and challenging tasks in military history. His leadership was central to the success of the landing. After the war, he served as president of Columbia University and later, as the first Supreme Commander of NATO.
In 1952, he was elected the 34th President of the United States. His two terms are known for numerous major achievements, among them the Interstate Highway System, the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the establishment of NASA, and many others.
At Augusta University, I teach management and leadership in public health. Citing examples and wisdom from Eisenhower is a recurring part of my courses.
General Eisenhower, as he preferred to be called even after the presidency, was also an avid golfer with many great connections to Augusta. He was a member of the Augusta National Golf Club, visiting the city many times. These were occasions of joyful play and relaxation.
There was only one exception: “The chief torment and concern of his life was the big pine tree located in the left center of the seventeenth fairway” and he moved to cut it down. Well, we all know that the stubborn Georgia tree ultimately defied the President of the United States and survived him for many decades.
In the renaming of the army base in Augusta, the only risk that I can see today is that Fort Eisenhower is a somewhat long name. Surely, the many dedicated young soldiers will eventually come up with an abbreviated version for everyday use. We should support their choice without skepticism or hesitation.
Andrew Balas serves as Professor of Public Health at Augusta University, Vice President of the Friends of the NIH National Library of Medicine, a member of the American College of Medical Informatics, and an elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He is a former dean at AU and is also a proud member of the local Association of the United States Army chapter.
