With a full week of events including a division run, a Hall of Fame Ceremony and various competitions, the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Week at Fort Bragg will take place May 19-22.

Celebrating the heritage and history of the 82nd Airborne Division, All American Week is open to the public. The 82nd Airborne Division is “an active airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in joint forcible entry operations,” the Army’s website states.

“On order, the 82nd Airborne Division rapidly deploys within 18 hours of notification, strategically deploys, conducts forcible entry parachute assaults and secures key objectives for follow-on military operations in support of U.S. national interests,” according to their website.

The division encourages the community to participate in the events as they demonstrate the strength behind the 82nd Airborne, which bears the “AA” or “All American” patch.

Schedule of activities

Monday, May 19

  • The 82nd Division Run begins at 6:30 a.m. at Rock Field. This four-mile run is open to the public.
  • A veterans’ breakfast for former paratroopers will be held at 9 a.m. at the 2BCT Dining Facility.

Tuesday, May 20

  • A prayer breakfast with the division chaplain will take place at 8 a.m. in the Iron Mike Conference Center. 
  • A Division Memorial Ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum.
  • Junior Paratroopers of the Year and Family Fun Run will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Heroes at 5108 Ardennes St. This event is for families and is open to the public.

Wednesday, May 21

  • The All American Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Heroes at 5108 Ardennes St. This ceremony recognizes past and present paratroopers and is open to the public.

Thursday, May 22

  • Division Review, a parade-like event where paratroopers march and display their skill sets, will be held at 10 a.m. on Pike Field. This event is open to the public.

There are also sports competitions throughout the week with events like boxing, swimming, softball, bowling, flag football and basketball. Opportunities to learn about airborne operations and Fort Bragg’s 34-foot training tower are also part of the fun.

Also, to enter Fort Bragg as a civilian, you’ll need a visitor pass. Civilians without a Department of Defense ID must first stop at the All American Visitor Control Center to obtain a pass or apply for your pass online.

Online pass applications are processed during Visitor Control Center operating hours from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. It is recommended that visitors submit pass applications 24 hours in advance of their planned visit.

For more information, visit www.army.mil/82ndAirborne#org-all-american-week.

Jami McLaughlin writes for CityView. She can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc.com or at 910-391-4870.

Jami McLaughlin is a freelance writer for CityView. She has deep family roots in Spring Lake and in Cumberland County and is also currently the director of government relations and military affairs for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. She is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications, and Central Michigan University, where she earned a master’s degree in administration. She has four beautiful children who attend Village Christian Academy.