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So far they have built 1,437 out of 2,036 planned housing units. With Over 3,800 families being relocated to new or newly-renovated homes including new Military Construction (MILCON) homes.

By the end of the initial development period in 2013, Picerne Military Housing will have built approximately 2,036 new homes, demolished 952 homes, and renovated 3,236 existing and historic homes at Fort Bragg. All older homes will be renovated or replaced with larger homes and more modern amenities to create a more comfortable and enjoyable family environment. Total privately funded development costs will be to over $400 million by 2013. With much of it going to over 450 local businesses!

Due to (BRAC) Defense Base Closure and Realignment, Picerne also assumed property management responsibilities for 627 homes at neighboring Pope Air Force Base on September 1, 2007. In addition to renovations scheduled on Fort Bragg, all Pope AFB homes will have been renovated by 2013.

Many of you might remember the neighborhoods that sprang up after World War II like Levittown, New York. The new military housing at Fort Bragg is like Levittown on Steroids.

In addition to new homes and renovations, Neighborhood Centers are being built to increase the amenities accessible by military families. These Centers, which are available to residents and military support groups feature swimming pools, half-court indoor gymnasiums, formal lounge areas, community rooms, fitness centers, media rooms, tot-lots, picnic areas, laundry facilities, maintenance facilities, computer labs and other open spaces for community activity.

The Army's Residential Communities Initiative (RCI) is another one of those programs that is making a big difference in the quality of life for our soldiers and families.

Picerne Military Housing is partnered with the Army in the ownership of more than 18,500 homes at Forts Meade, Bragg, Polk, Rucker, Riley and Sill. They are scheduled to assume responsibility for family housing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in September of 2009.

RCI has already produced more than 17,000 newly constructed and 12,000 renovated homes since the first privatization project began at Fort Carson, Colorado in November 1999. Once complete, the Army will reach its goal to privatize 90,272 homes.

By investing $1.9 billion in government funds in the first 31 projects, the Army has been able to leverage these funds through private sector resources to provide more than $11.9 billion for development of new and renovated homes for soldiers and their families.

With fiscal management like that, I am sure the Army could teach congress and the automobile industry a few things.

Ok, now I wanted to see what kind of K-rations or MRE's (meals ready to eat) were being served in the "mess halls".

I learned to eat whatever food was prepared as I grew up. But let me tell you, the meals we received were not only appetizing to look at, they were nutritious (especially the chocolate cake... well maybe not too nutritious...) and very, very good. I wish the cooks could have given my mother some of their recipes.

Again let me point out, this was not in a "photo-op" setting. This was just a very proud American sitting down to "break bread" with a few hundred heroes.

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