Third Army hosts Sumter relocation expo Published March 17, 2010 By Sgt. Beth Lake Third Army Public Affairs FORT MCPHERSON, GA -- Third Army/U.S. Army Central hosted a Sumter Strategic Relocation Expo at the Commons on Fort McPherson, Ga., March 17 with members of the Shaw Air Force Base and Sumter, S.C., communities. The event focused on providing different opportunities for Third Army personnel and their families who will be relocating with the command to Shaw AFB in 2011. Lieutenant Gen. William Webster, U.S. Army Central commanding general, thanked representatives of the Sumter community for coming to the expo and stressed the important role it plays in the command's upcoming move. "Thank you for coming here today," General Webster said. "We view this move as a significant and positive change in all our lives, and we look forward to joining the growing military-civilian community at Shaw Air Force Base and in Sumter County." Staff Sgt. Doretha Jones, Third Army Headquarters and Headquarters Company chemical biological radiological and nuclear noncommissioned officer in charge, attended the expo learn to more about her future home. Jones will move with Third Army to Shaw AFB next year and was anxious to find out what the area could offer her family. "Coming here today is a basis of what we have to look forward to," Jones said. "In a way, this expo is the groundbreaking for Soldiers to get an inside look into the Sumter community." After talking to representatives from the Sumter school districts she is looking forward to the permanent change of station. "I love the school system," she said. "They have a lot to offer academically to my high-school-age son." In addition to education, representatives from South Carolina, the Sumter community, Georgia and Fort McPherson garrison, showcased resources from health care to senior services to recreation and public safety that the area has to offer Third Army military personnel, civilians and their Families who will be relocating to Shaw AFB with Third Army. The Third Army Strategic Relocation Office worked closely with the Sumter Chamber of Commerce and the Sumter mayor's office to provide as much information as needed to help educate Families on their future in joining the Sumter community. Mayor Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., City of Sumter Mayor, expressed his excitement for Third Army's upcoming move and officially welcomed the command. "The Sumter community truly appreciates what you all are doing," McElveen said. "The community is ready for Third Army to be our neighbors."