The 101st Airborne Division once again demonstrated its elite capabilities through Operation Lethal Eagle, a division-wide training exercise designed to enhance individual fundamentals while mastering large-scale air assault operations. This rigorous training ensures that our soldiers remain prepared for any mission they may face.

For the second consecutive year, the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce has had the privilege of welcoming soldiers home with snacks and drinks, showing our community support for the brave men and women returning from the training. This year’s exercise provided another chance to express gratitude for their dedication and resilience.

Volunteers with the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce greet soldiers returning from Operation Lethal Eagle training at Fort Campbell. (Chamber of Commerce, contributed)

“What a wonderful opportunity for our Clarksville friends and neighbors to come out and show our appreciation for these soldiers and the challenging work they do on our behalf,” said Walt Lord, chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. “Throughout my family’s 36 years of military life, we lived in more than a dozen places, and none of them come close to Clarksville’s level of love, support and appreciation for Fort Campbell’s soldiers and military families. These soldiers were clearly exhausted, but they all smiled and returned that appreciation, and that made this day truly heartwarming.”

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Chamber volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to making this event a success. Their support and enthusiasm helped create an environment where soldiers felt appreciated and encouraged throughout their demanding training.

Volunteers with the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce greet soldiers returning from Operation Lethal Eagle training at Fort Campbell. (Chamber of Commerce, contributed)

We are grateful for the chance to support these heroes and look forward to continuing our partnership in future exercises. A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible — Fortera Credit Union, signature sponsor for the event, Ajax Distributing Company and TriStar Beverage of Clarksville are beverage sponsors, along with Montgomery County Government, CDE Lightband, Lowe’s, TTL, City of Clarksville, USO CEMC+Cumberland Connect. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to uplift and recognize our military community.

To learn more about how you can get involved, go to the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce website.