FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Fort Bragg Research Institute (FBRI), a program of The Geneva Foundation which delivers human performance solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD), has changed its name to the Fort Liberty Research Institute (FLRI) to reflect the change of Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC to Fort Liberty. Fort Liberty is North Carolina’s largest military installation.
The name Fort Bragg, which referenced a Confederate general from Warrenton, NC, was retired in favor of Fort Liberty on 1 June 2023. The change came as part of an initiative by the DoD to rename nine military installations bearing the names of Confederate soldiers. While the other bases will be renamed for Black soldiers, U.S. presidents, and pioneering women, Fort Liberty is the only base not named after a person. The new name was suggested by a Gold Star mother whose son was killed in 2011 during his second deployment in Iraq. She told decision-makers that her son “died for liberty” and the name change “extends a legacy built over decades by thousands who have served.”
Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue, XVIII Airborne Corps commanding general, told attendees at the historic redesignation ceremony on 2 June 2023 that liberty is in the fabric and identity of all units. “You’ll find liberty etched in the hearts of everyone who’s proudly given their lives from this installation,” continued Lt. Gen Donahue.
FLRI was formed in 2018 as a collaborative effort between Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, and The Geneva Foundation. FLRI supports innovative medical research toward optimizing military human performance based on the needs of warfighting Commands, providing project management and continuity ensuring that tangible, functional solutions are delivered to the Warfighter.
“FLRI’s mission has not changed. It is only enhanced by this name evolution,” says Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Stephen DeLellis, Executive Director of FLRI. “We are here to optimize military human performance through scientific innovation and enduring partnerships with military commands, research investigators, and their collaborators. FLRI exists to help create a safer, healthier future for our service members; and to ensure the liberty of U.S. citizens everywhere.”
About The Geneva Foundation
The Geneva Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that advances military medicine through research, development, and education. Geneva is proud to have 30 years of experience in delivering full-spectrum scientific, technical, and program management expertise as we pursue our purpose to ensure optimal health for service members and the communities they serve. www.genevaUSA.org
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