About this Unit
The Army Community Service (ACS) Center at Fort Lee, Virginia, was established to provide comprehensive support services to soldiers, families, and Department of the Army civilians. Since its inception, the ACS Center has played a crucial role in strengthening military readiness by offering programs such as relocation assistance, financial counseling, deployment support, and family advocacy. Over the years, it has adapted its services to meet the evolving needs of the Fort Lee community, especially during periods of mobilization and transformation. The center continues to serve as a vital resource, enhancing the quality of life for the Fort Lee military community through proactive outreach and support initiatives.
Historical Facts
•
Origins during World War II: The Army Community Service (ACS) concept traces its roots to the 1940s, with informal assistance programs established to support soldiers and families at installations like Fort Lee during World War II.
•
Official Founding: The Army Community Service program was formally established Army-wide in 1965, and Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams) quickly became a key location for implementing and expanding these services.
•
Support for Deployments: The ACS Center at Fort Lee played a crucial role in supporting families during major deployments such as Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
•
Emergency Response: ACS at Fort Lee has coordinated disaster relief and emergency support for military families during events such as Hurricane Isabel in 2003, providing shelter, information, and resources.
•
Multicultural Services: The ACS Center has been recognized for its multicultural outreach, providing English language classes, newcomer orientations, and cultural transition support to international military families.
•
Volunteer Powerhouse: Over the decades, thousands of volunteers, including military spouses and retirees, have contributed countless hours at the Fort Lee ACS, earning local and Army-wide awards for community service.
•
Financial Readiness: ACS at Fort Lee pioneered financial counseling programs in the 1980s, helping service members avoid predatory lending and develop lifelong money management skills.
•
Resilience Training: The Center is known for its strong focus on resilience and family readiness, offering workshops in stress management, parenting, and relationship enhancement for soldiers and their families.
•
Gold Star Support: ACS at Fort Lee provides dedicated support and remembrance programs for Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in service—ensuring they remain connected to the Army community.
•
Name Change and Legacy: In 2023, Fort Lee was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams, but the ACS Center continues its legacy of service, adapting programs to meet the needs of today’s diverse military community.
