LOCATION
The post is surrounded by San Antonio, the 10th largest city in the United States. Some interesting places to visit are the Alamo, the Riverwalk, the Missions, the Alamodome, Seaworld of San Antonio and Fiesta Texas Theme Park. San Antonio is the home of the three time champions The San Antonio SPURS, but the SPURS are not the only game in town. Minor league hockey, and baseball, professional golf, horse racing, auto racing, rodeo, the WNBA and collegiate championship events can all be found in San Antonio. San Antonio is know as "Military City USA" and the city shares a wonderful rapport with members of our military community.
HISTORY
Fort Sam Houston was founded in 1845 and named for General Sam Houston, hero of the battle of San Jacinto and first president of the Republic of Texas. Fort Sam Houston is unique among Army posts. On one hand, it is a major, active military installation and plays a vital role in the defense of the United States. On the other hand, it contains some of the oldest structures on any Army installation. This blend of old and new gives today's soldiers a share of the post's history which dates back more than 150 years.
PERSHING HOUSE.
The Pershing House is named for General John J. Pershing (1860-1948), one of its most famous residents. The only soldier to have the rank "General of the Armies," General Pershing commanded the American expeditionary forces during World War I. He occupied the quarters that now bear his name. The Pershing House continues to be the home of the senior Army officer at Fort Sam Houston.
THE QUADRANGLE.
The Quadrangle is an enclosed park-like area that houses the clock tower, offices, and blacksmith shop. Deer and fowl roam freely as visitors wander through the enclosure. It is listed in the National Register of Historical Sites and bears a Texas state historical building landmark.
MISSION
The primary mission at Fort Sam Houston is medical training and support post. The post is the home of the HQ U.S. 5th Army, U.S. Army 5th Recruiting Brigade, Brooke Army Medical Center, Institute of Surgical Research, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, U.S. Army Center Brigade, and U.S. Army Medical Command.
POPULATION SERVED
Total Force: 26,907
Family Members: 26,814
Retirees: 47,246
TOTAL: 100,967
SPONSORSHIP
Fort Sam Houston Sponsorship Program. The program is managed by the Directorate of Military Personnel. Those soldiers who are relocating to Fort Sam Houston that have not been assigned a sponsor should call (210) 221-2696 or (210) 221-0543. Sponsorship for Civilians is the responsibility of the gaining supervisor, call (210) 221-1425. Visit the Fort Sam Houston web page and you can fill up your request.
TEMPORARY QUARTERS
Fort Sam Houston has a new convenient guest house for temporary lodging. For reservations call (210) 357-2705 ext 2000 or 1-800-462-7691. (NO DSN AVAILABLE, PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THE NUMBER TO DSN). The suite has A/C, microwave, refrigerator, color TV and maid service. If guest house is full, relocating personnel must obtain a non-availability statement before making reservations at off post hotels/motels.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE
The newly arriving soldier and family members should be aware that the Army Community Service Relocation Assistance Program and Lending Closet are specially designed to make their transition into our community an easier, more pleasant experience.
One of the fastest ways to know where things are is to participate in the "TRAILS AND TALES TOUR OF FORT SAM HOUSTON." Experience ghosts to high tech as you drive by and visit sites of our historic post. You can register at the Newcomers' Extravaganza table.
ATTENTION NEWCOMERS: The Newcomers' Extravaganza is "MANDATORY" for all permanent party inprocessing soldiers, LTC and below to attend the Newcomers' Extravaganza within 60 days of their arrival. Please see the enclosed schedule.
FY 2006 NEWCOMERS' EXTRAVAGANZAS:
TIME: 0930-1100
PLACE: SAM HOUSTON CLUB, Bldg 1395 Chaffee Road
31 JAN 28 FEB 28 MAR 25 APR
30 MAY 27 JUN 25 JUL 29 AUG
26 SEP 24 OCT 28 NOV NONE IN DEC
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
According with a Policy signed 17 Oct 06 by MG George Weightman, all vehicle drivers will not use hand-held or hands-free communication devices such as cell phones, two way radios, or electronic devices such as personal data assistnts (PDAs) while driving a vehicle. Vehicle drivers wll operate these devices only once the vehicle has been safely stopped and the vehicle placed in park.
"This policy applies to all military and civilian personnel who operate a privately owned motor vehicle, Governmment Owned vehicle, or Government Service Administration vehicles on Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis."
POST OFFICE
Fort Sam Houston Post Office is located in building 368, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 0830 to 1700, and Saturday from 0830 to noon. For additional information please call (210) 226-0089.
TELEPHONE ACCESS
All phone numbers listed in this guide are in the (210) area code unless otherwise noted. The operator may be reached commercially by calling (210) 221-1211 or through the DSN system by calling 471-1211. For the Brooke Army Medical Center Information Desk call (210) 916-4141 or DSN 429-4141. Fort Sam Houston Toll Free number 1-800-531-1114 may be used for official business (5 minutes only) the operator will transfer to any number on post.
REALTOR INFORMATION
Need a REALTOR? There is an approved and authorized Realtor on duty full time at the In/Out Processing Center to help with off-post rental and home purchases. These services are available FREE of charge. For Additional information call Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors at DSN: 471-8539, COMM: (210)354-2134 or Toll Free 1-888-789-MOVE. For rental information call Lupe Kennedy at (210) 410-3525.