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-   -   Fort Jackson, South Carolina Graduation (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/fort-jackson-south-carolina-graduation-844278/)

kenm26 Jun 10th, 2010 08:40 AM

Fort Jackson, South Carolina Graduation
 
Hello all,

My nephew is graduating from the army's basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina at the end of July. My 80 year old father, who is a Korean war vet, wants to go down there to see his oldest grandson graduate, so we are planning a trip down there from Rhode Island. It will be my Dad & Mom, as well as my wife, and my two young sons (twins age 9). Has anyone gone to a Graduation at Fort Jackson before, and if so, do you have any tips to share. I have been trying to find info online, but have run into road blocks, and the info the military has been providing has been sparse. I believe there is some sort of family day the day before the graduation as well as a dinner that familes can attend on the base. Also any advice on hotels that are convenient to all the activities would be greatly appreciated. We also hope to take a day trip to Charleston while we are down there. Thanks,

Kenm

suewoo Jun 10th, 2010 09:54 AM

Congratulations to your nephew. That is hard work.

Do call Army Community Services on the post. They can give you the full run down of activities. I worked on Ft. jackson briefly and found the people there very helpful to those in your position.

There are several hotels close to the gate. Some are great, some are not. There are several new ones on Garner's Ferry Rd. I stayed 6 weeks at Candlewood and found it to be great. There are full kitchens in each room so you can make meals and snacks. There's a nice pool there with a grill for cooking out. You'll need to enter the big gate without a pass.

Charleston is @ 100 miles away. Do be aware that traffic on 26 during rush hours is horrible, so time your trip accordingly.

kenm26 Jun 10th, 2010 11:59 AM

Hi Sue,

Thanks so much for your response. I do have a number for soldier information, but I haven't been able to get through yet. I'll keep trying. I did look at Candlewood as well as Best Western Fort Jackson. Both got good reviews in TripAdvisor and had resonable rates. As far as Charleston, I knew it was a 2 hour ride, but I didn't know about the traffic situation. I'll keep that in mind when planning this thing out. Thanks again!

Kenm

suewoo Jun 10th, 2010 12:08 PM

Ken,

I am happy to help. If ACS doesn't respond, ask your nephew. They will be briefed on the entire process.

If you leave Columbia @ 9am, you should miss the traffic. Stay in town for supper to miss it going the other way. Sitting still on an interstate is miserable. Thank your nephew and your daddy for their service.

suewoo Jun 10th, 2010 12:09 PM

And remember-it will be HOT. Be sure to keep plenty of water handy. Trust me on this one.


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