Good morning. A soldier who lived in Fort Bragg’s barracks for six years says the living conditions — including mold on the walls and a malfunctioning air conditioner — made him sick with headaches, nausea and a heavy feeling in his chest that made it hard to breathe.

Complaints about the barracks are nothing new at Fort Bragg. But a new tenant satisfaction survey highlights persisting problems: More than half of the 192 Fort Bragg soldiers who responded to the survey said they were dissatisfied with their barracks. Read more in our lead story.

Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: Students at Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and Fayetteville Technical Community College headed back to school this month. As the start of another academic year kicks off, we put together an overview of Cumberland County’s higher education institutions, technical trainings and programs. Also, some distilleries have released limited-edition bottles to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary. But very few veteran-owned spirits are sold at liquor stores on Fort Bragg.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Editor for CityView

Credit: U.S. Army Spc. Alexcia Rupert / 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Fort Bragg’s barracks are in crisis, Army survey says

In a new survey, some Fort Bragg soldiers reported mold, pests and broken facilities in the barracks.

Continue reading.

More from CityView

Credit: Tony Wooten / CityView

A look at Cumberland County’s higher education landscape

From HBCU pride to technical training, local colleges offer an array of continued education pathways.

Credit: Susannah Skiver Barton / The Assembly

Vets put their stamp on startup whiskeys

While military liquor stores have been slow to warm to the trend, veteran-owned distilleries offer something unique for the armed forces.

Events

LECTURE: OUT OF THE SHADOWS

  • Where: Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines
  • When: 5:30-7 p.m. today
  • What: Enjoy a lecture on pulp crime novels, film noir, & the paintings of Edward Hopper.

TAI CHI IN THE GARDEN

  • Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
  • When: 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26
  • What: A Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics with very slow controlled movements taught by Rich Martin.

FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS VS MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS

  • Where: Segra Stadium, 460 Hay St., Fayetteville
  • When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26
  • What: Watch as the Fayetteville Woodpeckers face off against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans!

Find more events here.

Obituaries

Tracie Laraine Miller

Tracie Miller, 61, passed away Saturday, August 16.

Barbara Jean Cogdell

Barbara Jean Cogdell, 75, of Fayetteville, passed away on Sunday, August 17.

Sandra Gale Hester

Sandra Gale Hester, 69, of Lumberton, passed away on Sunday, August 17.

Find complete listings here.

Until tomorrow!

🕯️ This Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, a Fort Bragg soldier killed by a suicide bomber during the final days of America’s war in Afghanistan. Knauss was among 13 military personnel and several Afghan civilians who died.

To honor Knauss, people are invited to do a TPT 9000 Memorial Workout from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Ruiz Field on Fort Bragg. The workout involves nine rounds of exercise, with eight burpees, 26 kettlebell swings, 21 wall balls, and a 100 meter run using a weighted vest. Those who cannot visit Ruiz Field are encouraged to do the workout wherever is convenient to them.

~ Paul Woolverton