Brig. Gen. Alan Lynn, Fort Gordon commanding general and Chief of Signal, talks to Jim Green, Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation director, and Vanessa Stanley, Army Community Service chief, July 22 at the ACS 45th Anniversary celebration at Freedom Park. Charmain Z. Brackett On his first full day as Fort Gordon’s Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Alan Lynn visited a special celebration.

“The Army is a people business,” said Lynn, who hit the ground running and had an impromptu meeting with Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials, Soldiers and Families at the commemoration of Army Community Service’s 45th anniversary July 22 at a picnic at Freedom Park.

And for 45 years, ACS has been all about helping the Army and its people.

“ACS is at the tip of the spear in providing training and programs for Soldiers and their Families,” said Vanessa Stanley, ACS chief

From programs designed to ease transitions when moving and money management to parenting classes and job search services, ACS has many ways it assists Families.

Over the years, ACS has added programs to fit the needs of service members.

One of the newest programs is Survivor Outreach Services, which was established

about two years ago to assist Families after a Soldier’s death. Many of the people who have been helped through SOS are survivors of Vietnam War era veterans.

“We are growing – sadly,” said Suzanne Crosby, program director, who is gearing up for a special event in October for Gold Star families.

Other specialized programs include the Exceptional Family Member Program for Family Members with special medical or educational needs.

The July 22 event brought light to some of these programs. Staff members were on hand, and there were brochures lighting the various services.

There were hamburgers and hot dogs as well as a giant birthday cake, and fun and games for the children.

Stanley said the event was a success, and she was grateful for Lynn’s appearance.

“We’re ecstatic to have him,” she said. “It’s really awesome.”