Opinion

Visit Fort Sam's unique Quadrangle for CAM

The Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston features peacocks, geese, ducks and cannons. The Quadrangle at Fort Sam Houston features peacocks, geese, ducks and cannons. Photo: COURTESY PHOTO Photo: COURTESY PHOTO Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Visit Fort Sam's unique Quadrangle for CAM 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

In early August, I returned to San Antonio after being away for more than 25 years. After completing brigade command at Fort Hood in July, I was assigned to U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) as the director of Operations, Plans, Training and Theater Security Cooperation.

During my first 60 days on the job, we tested the readiness of the Department of Defense's all-hazard response force; monitored military support to the U.S. Secret Service and FBI during the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the U.N. General Assembly and the first presidential debate; and prepared to coordinate support to FEMA as it responded to the needs of citizens who were affected by Hurricane Isaac.

I also learned more about wild-land firefighting than I would have ever thought possible. As we in the military often say about moving to a new job, “the learning curve was vertical.” I was drinking from a fire hose!

Fortunately, my office is in the Quadrangle — a unique place on Fort Sam Houston that offers a pretty nice mental break. It is the oldest building on post and is open to the public. Built in 1876 as a supply depot, the Quadrangle has a distinguished historical past housing Indian outlaws, including the Apache war chief, Geronimo. Its centerpiece is the clock tower that still bears the inscriptions and architecture of 19th century Texas.

Being the headquarters of the Fifth United States Army, it has been host to numerous distinguished military leaders including Gen. John J. Pershing (Black Jack Pershing) and Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Quadrangle ranks second in terms of Texas historical buildings of significance. The Alamo ranks first.

For those of you old enough to remember open military posts prior to Sept. 11, 2001, your parents or grandparents probably took you to the Quadrangle for visits. If you are like me, you hurried through the Quadrangle's arched gateway (called the sally port) off East Grayson Street and started looking for all the animals — peacocks, deer, geese, ducks, a rooster and some chickens. I always enjoyed feeding the animals, and you probably did too!

Every now and then, as I hurry to the next meeting, I'll see a family with small children walking the grounds, wide eyed as they see a herd of deer or a muster of peacocks. Two weeks ago, my wife brought my mother-in-law to the Quadrangle. She thoroughly enjoyed feeding the rooster and chickens. Well, it is time to share that experience with a new generation.

For the past 42 years, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has recognized active and retired service members just prior to Veterans Day. During this year's “Celebrate America's Military” (CAM) activities, Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell IV and the members of the U.S. Army team at Fort Sam Houston want to recognize you, San Antonio, for your outstanding support of the military by inviting you to a Gazebo concert at the Quadrangle featuring “Fort Sam's Own,” the 323rd Army Band.

The concert will start at 5 p.m. Nov. 4, but the Quad will open at 3:30 p.m. for historic tours and other festivities. All you need to get on the post is a driver's license or a photo ID.

Vietnam Veterans, we would also like to have you, your family and friends to join us at 4 p.m. Nov. 7, for a “Welcome Home” ceremony on the Staff Post parade field, near the Quadrangle, in honor of your service to the nation.

If you can't make it to the Gazebo Concert or the “Welcome Home” ceremony, pick some other day to come to the Quadrangle and see a part of Texas history (or just feed to the animals). Someday soon, I hope to see the smiles on your children's faces as I scurry to another meeting.

Col. Lawrence H. Madkins III is a 1982 graduate of Judson High School and a 1986 graduate of UTSA. Prior to being assigned to Fort Sam Houston, he commanded the 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West.