Fort Hood, Texas 13 May 2022

Mr. David Berlad represented the chapter at the III Armored Corps People First Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 13 May 2022 at Fort Hood. 
 
U.K. Major General Michael Keating, III Armored Corps deputy commanding general – support was the keynote speaker and spoke about the value and support this new center will bring to the soldiers of Fort Hood.  It is their way of showing that soldiers come first. The center is a “leadership laboratory to reinforce elements of a healthy organizational culture". 

Many dignitaries were in attendance including representatives from Senator Ted Cruz and Senator John Cornyn, CASA Ken Cox, Ft. Hood Garrison Commander COL Chad Foster, representatives from the city mayor’s office, Chief of  Police and many others.

Established on 01 October 2021, the Fort Hood People First Center (PFC) aims to prevent harmful behaviors through a developmental model that relies on the scientifically proven value of experiential learning. The focus in the learning model moves from "instructor-centric" to 'student-centric" learning. Personal experiences shape thinking and behavior in a fundamental way. With this in mind, the People First Center immerses units in a series of specially designed exercises that provide learning experiences in a safe, structured environment under the tutelage of certified experts and their own unit leadership.

People First Training (PFT) occurs at a centralized training facility to certify selected leaders on special skills and build advocates. Transformational Courses and immersive lanes are designed to complement efforts at all levels. Organic Teams, Leaders and Soldiers experience immersive live training lanes (ENGAGE Training for Leaders, EOLC, SHARP Foundation, ASAP, Suicide Prevention (ACE-SI), SWAT, PFT, Spiritual Readiness Training (SRT) in order to reinforce trust, create awareness and build Cohesive Teams.

The People First Center has impacted the installation far past the vision of its original conception. To date the PFC has facilitated 31 Company/troop/Battery level Commands from across the installation in the transformational course.  They have supported over 127 Leader professional development sessions. Induction Ceremony's, suicide prevention seminars, SHARP seminars, and houses a women's mentorship program.