Fort Cavazos, IIIAC induct three new Good Neighbors

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos inducted three new Good Neighbors, who have had the influence and impact to contribute to the quality of life of Soldiers and their families at The Great Place, during the Good Neighbor induction dinner Nov. 14 at the Lone Star Conference Center.

The 2024 Good Neighbor inductees were retired Col. Keith Sledd and retired Command Sgts. Maj. Terry Fountain and Jackeline Soriano Fountain.

Sledd served in the Army for 34 years, some of which were spent at Fort Cavazos. He serves as the executive director for the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance where he tirelessly advocates for Fort Cavazos, regional defense industries and, most importantly, Soldiers and their families. He also serves in several civic organizations and professional, economic development and civic boards. He was recently appointed as the chair for the Texas governor's Committee to Support the Military.

"It is a great honor to be included here today with these great folks before us," Sledd said of his fellow Good Neighbors who were present for the induction. "I've been very lucky to be able to play Army for 34 years, and I absolutely enjoy being able to serve the top 1% of our nation because they chose to volunteer to serve us."

Fountain and Soriano Fountain cofounded the Texas Chemical Corps Association Lone Star Chapter, with Soriano Fountain serving as the first vice president for Central Texas and Fountain as the inaugural operations officer. Together, they have led numerous initiatives to preserve the history of the Chemical Corps, while donating time, money, equipment and furniture to support families of the 48th Chemical Brigade. The two were also instrumental in the effort to establish the Harker Heights Armed Services YMCA.

Individually, Fountain founded the Central Texas 13th Corps Support Command, or COSCOM, Association, led fundraising for the 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command memorials and served as the organization's first president. For over 16 years, the association has supported scholarship programs for Soldiers and their families, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Soriano Fountain demonstrated her commitment to community service by establishing and serving as vice president of the Central Texas Women to Women Foundation, an international organization that aids abused women. Through events like Garadiosa in March and Levantando El Violo in November, the foundation has helped over 400 women find closure and healing.

The couple's contributions to the community have earned many recognitions. Fountain was inducted as an Honorary Texan, and Soriano Fountain was awarded a Yellow Rose of Texas by former Gov. Rick Perry. They were also awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation Medal by Rep. John Carter (TX-31).

Additionally, the Association of the United States Army Central Texas Chapter has honored them with numerous accolades, including the Central Texas Chapter Award for Outstanding Support, the Douglas B. Hayes and Joseph B. Bufford Awards for Sergeants Major and the Robert M. Shoemaker Award for exceptional service.

"It's truly an honor to be here," Soriano Fountain said. "This is selfless service. We do this because we love our Soldiers; we love our community."

"I am proud to be a Good Neighbor," Fountain added. "I am proud be a part of this organization. Thank you all."

Fort Cavazos has recognized 75 Good Neighbors since the program's inception in 1996, allowing The Great Place a way to recognize those who have dedicated and sacrificed so many hours and personal efforts to enhance the lives of Soldiers and their families.

"In your programs tonight, you'll see the names of 75 Good Neighbors," said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos commanding general, during his opening remarks. "These selfless citizens have given their time and energy all for the sake of helping Fort Cavazos live up to its title of The Great Place.

"I'm glad that we have an easy way to recognize those who have contributed so much to our installation, and I am also glad to recognize three new members as Good Neighbors tonight," he continued.

Admiral closed out the 2024 Fort Cavazos Good Neighbor induction by acknowledging the recipients and the Good Neighbors as a whole.

"There are so many good people here who make it possible for our Soldiers to train and serve here at Fort Cavazos and the world," he said. "It's because of you that our Soldiers know that they belong to a community that will take care of them and their families and loved ones while they serve."

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