Fort Benning Honors Olympic Boxer and Decorated Soldier with Building Dedication

The Sand Hill Soldier Performance Readiness Center is named after Command Sergeant Major Edward 'Eddie' Crook Jr., a Columbus native who won gold at the 1960 Olympics and served 30 years in the U.S. Army.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Fort Benning has dedicated a new Soldier Performance Readiness Center to Command Sergeant Major Edward 'Eddie' Crook Jr., a Columbus native who won an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 1960 and later had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

Why it matters

Crook's story highlights the intersection of athletic excellence and military service, as he was able to achieve the highest honors in both realms. The dedication of this new facility in his name serves to inspire current and future soldiers by honoring his legacy as a proud soldier and accomplished athlete.

The details

The Sand Hill Soldier Performance Readiness Center is home to the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program, which helps prevent injuries and maximize performance for soldiers. The building is filled with new workout equipment and will support physical therapists, dietitians, strength & conditioning coaches and athletic trainers. Crook was part of the 1960 U.S. Olympic boxing team with Muhammad Ali and Wilbert 'Skeeter' McClure, winning gold in the middleweight division at age 31, making him the oldest U.S. Army boxer to win Olympic gold.

  • Crook won the Olympic gold medal in 1960.
  • Crook served two tours in Vietnam during his 30-year Army career.
  • The Sand Hill Soldier Performance Readiness Center was dedicated on February 27, 2026.

The players

Edward 'Eddie' Crook Jr.

A Columbus native who won an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 1960 and later had a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam where he earned a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

Col. Christopher Hallows

The 197th Infantry Brigade commander who spoke at the ceremony dedicating the building to Crook.

Terri Crook

The daughter of Edward 'Eddie' Crook Jr. who spoke at the ceremony and said Fort Benning has done a 'remarkable job' capturing her father's legacy as a proud soldier and accomplished athlete.

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What they’re saying

“This was not a leader that led from the rear. This was a leader who led at the sharp end of the spear.”

— Col. Christopher Hallows, 197th Infantry Brigade commander (ledger-enquirer.com)

“Dad touched countless lives through his positive messages and, more importantly, through the way he lived.”

— Terri Crook (ledger-enquirer.com)

“You must believe you can do it; you've got to believe it first, and then you can do it.”

— Terri Crook (ledger-enquirer.com)

What’s next

The dedication ceremony marks the official opening of the Sand Hill Soldier Performance Readiness Center, which will now serve as a hub for the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program to support the physical, mental, and overall readiness of soldiers at Fort Benning.

The takeaway

Crook's story is a powerful example of how excellence in both athletics and military service can go hand-in-hand. The dedication of this new facility in his name underscores Fort Benning's commitment to honoring the legacies of distinguished soldiers who have made invaluable contributions to their country.