Columbus Baptists rally for support of Fort Benning

It was a day of American contrasts in Columbus.

Just outside of Fort Benning, for the 15th year, more than 10,000 School of Americas protestors - including everyone from local church members to Hollywood celebrities - gathered to proclaim their opposition to the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.

The School of Americas, based in Fort Benning, trains Latin American soldiers in combat strategy.

And just a few miles down the road another 10,000 gathered to announce "God Bless Fort Benning," including country singer Lee Greenwood who sang "God Bless the USA."

About 5,000 soldiers arrived in busses on the grounds of the Columbus Civic Center. The free community event was held to show support for the soldiers that live and train at Fort Benning.

"It's a community agenda. We just want to let the troops know we're glad they're here. This is pro-Army and pro-community. We're not anti-anything," said Buddy Lamb, pastor of Schomburg Road Church, Columbus.

Lamb coordinated volunteers from Columbus Baptist Association who manned a tent full of children's activities and a field full of inflatable games.

The concept of "God Bless Fort Benning" began three years ago as the brainchild of Jack and Miriam Tidwell. Jack Tidwell is a Columbus doctor who wanted to show community support for the soldiers during the same weekend that so many protested against some of what Fort Benning does.

"We are here in harmony and solidarity in standing up for our rights. In some way, we are staging our own rightful protest," he told the crowds.

This is Columbus association's first year in the event.

Marvin Dean, a church planter who works with bikers, was involved in the event last year, organizing a motorcycle ride for about 400 bikers. He recommended the association to the planning committee.

"It snowballed," Lamb said. "We have volunteers from at least 20 churches and even more helped by providing financial support."

The biggest draw was the Disaster Relief tent where volunteers from two feeding units prepared 20,000 free chili dog and slaw plates.

But the "driving force" for the volunteers was sharing the gospel, Lamb said.

"We want these guys to know we care - and that God loves them."

Sherri Brown

Odell Jones, member of Gentian Church, Columbus, talks with a soldier during the "God Bless Fort Benning" celebration. Jones spent the day witnessing to soldiers while other volunteers provided games and activities for children and families.

Sherri Brown

Disaster relief volunteers prepared 20,000 chili dog plates for soldiers and family members who attended the celebration.

Sherri Brown

Disaster relief volunteers stuff hot dogs. Two units set up to cook and serve. They were the GA 1F unit from Warner Robbins and GA 9F unit from southeast Georgia.

Sherri Brown

Janet Galey, member of Schomburg Road Church, Columbus, explains the rules of the game to one of hundreds of children who came through the activities tent. Volunteers from more than 20 local churches worked throughout the day.