Marking Time: Most familiar image on Fort Jackson      Joe Monchecourt    Command Information Officer

Fort Jackson’s Andrew Jackson insignia — affectionately known to permanent party as “Standing Andy” — is practically synonymous with Fort Jackson itself. For more than three decades, the logo has been seen almost anywhere and everywhere a Soldier, employee or visitor on Fort Jackson might look. “Standing Andy’s” nostalgic, ‘70s-look might not do much to impress today’s graphics guru — who with a computer program and a couple of clicks — could generate a sleeker Andrew Jackson image. But “Standing Andy” isn’t about faces or fancy imagery. It’s about familiarity.  “Standing Andy” can be found on the visitor’s center, the water tower, the Web site, Hilton Field and the list goes on. In fact, Morale, Welfare and Recreation uses a takeoff on the logo — Andrew Jackson with an oar — for its outdoor recreation rental facility. Brig. Gen. James H. Schwitters, Fort Jackson commanding general, explained why the logo’s prominence is so important. “Although Fort Jackson has recently had a new shoulder patch approved designating the BCT (Basic Combat Training) Center of Excellence, the familiar symbol of Fort Jackson that we have come to fondly refer to as ‘Standing Andy,’ will remain an important part of our heraldry,” he said. “Standing Andy” is laden with symbolism. The insignia is a gold-colored and enamel device, consisting of a blue shield bearing a replica of the statue of Gate One’s Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson in gold, and all encircled by a continuous red scroll. The upper area is inscribed with “VICTORY,” and the base with “STARTS HERE,” in gold capital letters.    The insignia’s symbolism is simple to understand. Jackson had set a standard of professionalism worthy of emulation by the personnel of a training center. Red stands for courage, blue for loyalty and gold for achievement. The shield, which is traditionally associated with warriors, is symbolic of defense and exemplifies those qualities which must be instilled in Basic Combat Training Soldiers. The phrase, “VICTORY STARTS HERE,” is a reminder to training personnel of the overall mission. The “Standing Andy” design can be traced back to 1976. That’s when Wendell (Jim) Hathaway won a post-wide contest to design a crest for Fort Jackson. Hathaway, now deceased, had been employed as an illustrator in the Training Aids Service Office on post. His entry was selected from about 50 other submissions. In judging the contest, panel members were looking for “ease of reproduction, symbolism and applicability to Fort Jackson.” Hathaway’s winning entry was subsequently approved after some slight modifications by the Department of the Army, an authorization that, in turn, allowed permanent party Soldiers to wear the insignia on the epaulet of their Class A Uniforms. “Fort Jackson is the first training installation to get its own insignia and ours is very distinguished,” said Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell, Fort Jackson commanding general in 1976, during a celebration to mark the DA authorization. “What is really significant about the insignia is the motto, ‘Victory Starts Here.’ It all begins here.” Those words were golden then, and, more important, go a long way in extending “Standing Andy’s” longevity.