Fort Campbell, KY. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Fort Campbell held its 2017 Champions of Fort Campbell Induction Ceremony Wednesday at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) headquarters. Local community and Fort Campbell leaders were on hand as Sheryl Ellis, of Hopkinsville, was honored.
Champions of Fort Campbell is recognition given to members of the community who strive to enhance the quality of life for soldiers, their families and the communities surrounding Fort Campbell. Ellis joins 20 other people who have received the honor since it began in 2010.
Other Champions of Fort Campbell are Ted Crozier Sr., T.C. Freeman, Bob Freeman, Anna Caryl Guffy, Bill Harpel, Phil Harpel, Chuck Henderson, Ben Kimbrough, Jack Turner, Sam Bass, Ed Rufo, Shirley West, Dick Winters, Bob Seitz, Billy Colwell Sr., Lori Harper, Lana Bastin, Rita Bodensteiner, Valerie Hunter-Kelly, Robert Carter and Gary Luck.
The Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell, Major General Andrew Poppas, talked about her many contributions to the military community and congratulated Ellis, saying it was an honor to induct her as a Champion of Fort Campbell.
As part of her awards, Ellis’ photo will be placed on the Champions of Fort Campbell wall at McAuliffe Hall. Ellis said she was very excited to be inducted as a Champion of Fort Campbell, especially on the 75th anniversary of the 101st Airborne Division.
Along with the Champions of Fort Campbell, a cake cutting ceremony was held as the youngest soldier on the installation as 17-year-old Pvt. Mark Gurrola and a 101st WWII veteran, Vincent Speranza, took a sword to cut the cake.
