Is it Time to Change the Name of Fort Hood? Officials Discuss Possibility

Fort Hood often gets a bad rap. Is it time to throw out the name and start anew?

According to a report from our news partners at KWTX, Fort Hood officials and local leaders recently sat down together to discuss the possibility of changing the name of Fort Hood.

The name originates from that of John Bell Hood, who resigned his commission in the United States military when the Civil war began in 1861 and then became a Confederate cavalry captain, according to the National Park Service.

I'm convinced already, but obviously it takes a lot to completely change the name of an entire city and army base.

U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, participated in the discussion alongside Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra, veterans, and other local officials.

“We want to make sure that it’s done right, that the community has the say — not a say but the say — in the naming of it, and we want a connection to Fort Hood,” Williams stated to KWTX.

At the meeting, discussion also turned to the multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations, plus the #IAMVANESSAGUILLEN bill. The current military culture at Fort Hood is being questioned by the public, veterans, and active military.

Rep. Williams stated, “There’s issues in there that take too much — in my mind — authority from the military component and bring the private sector in. Fort Hood is very responsible and frankly can handle its issues."

After a news conference following the discussion, Rep. Williams stated that a commission in DC could choose to rename the base within two to three years following a study.

While a name change and outside investigators in military cases may seem like a lot of change, we obviously can't keep moving in the direction that we have been. Something drastic absolutely needs to change, and not just the name of a base under such intense scrutiny.