Fort Gordon plays role in community expo

Fort Gordon plays role in community expo

Fort Gordon Signal

By Charmain Z. Brackett

09.17.10

Even for someone who has been acquainted with the Augusta area, the Central Savannah River Area Community Expo is a great venue to learn more about what it has to offer.

“I’ve been in and out of Augusta multiple times,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Lynn, Fort Gordon Commanding General and Chief of Signal. “Through this event, I’ve learned about other things to see.”

More than 115 exhibitors filled the Gordon Club’s main ballroom on Sept. 9 for the 10th annual event which provides information on area attractions, Fort Gordon clubs and services, area universities and colleges and local businesses.

“For the exhibitors, it’s very important every year,” said Thom Tuckey, executive director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, who coordinates the event. “They get great exposure.”

Informational booths were grouped according to theme.

All of the Fort Gordon organizations including the Fort Gordon Service Club, Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center Fisher House at Fort Gordon, Army Community Service and the Signal Museum were in one section of the club while all of the area universities and colleges with satellite campuses were also put together.

Another section brought together Augusta area museums and attractions such as the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, the National Science Center’s Fort Discovery, the Augusta Canal and the Morris Museum of Arts.

Several area businesses also had booths.

Francisco Cruz, manager of the DDEAMC Fisher House, said the event helps bring awareness of his organization and its mission. That’s important especially during the Combined Federal Campaign as the Fisher House relies on donations.

A lot of people don’t know about the Fisher House, which has been equated as the military Ronald McDonald House, as providing housing while a service member or family member receives treatment at local hospitals, he said.

Also, events such as this are good networking opportunities, he said.

“It helps the other vendors see what other organizations are here in the area. They might need to know about these services,” he said.