Commanding general to speak at Florence Veterans Day service

Lt. Gen. William G. Webster Jr., commanding general of the Third U.S. Army, will be the featured speaker during Veterans Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Florence Veterans Park.

Also on tap is the unveiling of new plaques on the Wall of Honor and the unveiling of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument.

Webster became commanding general of Third Army and U.S. Army Central Command in May.

The Third Army, sometimes known as “Patton’s Own,” is the Army’s longest continually deployed warfighting headquarters. It is capable of conducting operations across the entire spectrum of conflict, including command and control of joint task forces and sustainment operations.

The focus of Webster and his command is the Central Command, which includes Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and most of southwest Asia.

“The Florence community is extremely fortunate to have one of our military’s most senior leaders join us as the speaker at the Veterans Day ceremony,” said Barry Wingard, retired soldier and chairman of the Veterans Park Committee.

Wingard has known Webster for 15 years.

“I first met Gen.Webster when we were both lieutenant colonels,” Wingard said. “He and I shared a small group seminar setting at the U. S. Army War College.

“Gen. Webster was one of those who stood out from the rest. Our class had an enormous amount of talent, but other students recognized Glenn as one who would some day be a general and distinguished leader. He was able to blend his charisma with intelligence, willingness to work and helpfulness.”

Wingard also remembered Webster’s family devotion.

“The Webster family is a true Army family,” he said. “Glenn’s wife, Kimberly, is the daughter of a soldier and the wife of a soldier. Together they have three children, two daughters and a son, who is also a soldier.”

Third Army’s presence spans 4.5 million square miles in 20 countries and across four timelines. It is 1½ the size of the continental United States and is home to 42 ethnic groups speaking more than 60 languages.

Among Third Army’s current missions are the build up in Afghanistan and overseeing a responsible draw down of forces and equipment in Iraq.

Third Army is headquartered at Fort McPherson, Ga. The command also has a forward operating base at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

Fort McPherson has been designated on the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) to close, however. The Third Army headquarters is scheduled to relocate in to Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter.

Meanwhile, last year’s Veterans Day speaker was astronaut and retired Marine Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, who has been named director of NASA.

“Lt. Gen. Webster is a super speaker to follow the outstanding precedent started last year with Gen. Bolden,” Wingard said. “I encourage the entire community to join us to honor our veterans.”

IF YOU’RE GOING
WHAT: Veterans Day speaker Lt. Gen. William Webster
WHEN: 11 a.m. Nov. 11
WHERE: Florence Veterans Park
COST: Free