FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Feb. 9, 2024) – The following Fort Leonard Wood announcements are for the week of Feb. 12 through Feb. 16.

Feb. 13

Fort Leonard Wood leaders will host the National Prayer Breakfast event from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13 in Nutter Field House. The guest speaker is Chaplain William Green, deputy chief of Army Chaplains. Call Chaplain McNair at 573-528-6028 for details.

A pre-retirement briefing is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 13 in Lincoln Hall Auditorium. The briefing includes information on rights, benefits and privileges for retired service members and their dependents, and all Soldiers are required to attend a pre-retirement briefing at least 12 months before their retirement date or at the start of the medical retirement process. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Call 573.596.6637 for details.

Feb. 14

Bring your special someone to Lover’s Lane at Daughtry Bowling Center from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14. For $25 you will enjoy a large 1-topping pizza, two small sodas and one hour of bowling with shoe rental included. This event is open to the public, ages 18 and up. Call 573.596.1498 for more details.

Feb. 16

Learn the basics of oil changes and tire rotations from our experienced staff at Auto Skills Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Don’t delay, class is limited to the first six authorized patrons. No open-toed shoes can be worn in the facility. Cost is $11 per person and includes staff instruction and a card for a free hour of lift bay use with impact tools for a future visit. Register at the Auto Skills Center by calling 573.596.0243 or online at leonardwood.armymwr.com.

Feb. 17

Join us at Davidson Fitness Center for a Pickleball Tournament at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17 This will be a round-robin, single elimination format tournament. Cost is $30 per 2-person team. Register though Feb. 15 at Davidson Fitness Center or by calling 573.596.4359.

Feb. 21

Parents with inquiring minds want to know. Join us at Childhood Development Center 614 for parenting discussions at 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Feb. 21. This month’s discussion will be healthy sibling and parent relationships. Feel free to bring your own lunch and children are welcome to attend. For more information, please call 573.596.0238.

Feb. 22

The Thursday Noontime League at Daugherty Bowling Center begins at 11:40 a.m. Feb. 22. Shadow bowl at 11:30 a.m. and bowl for score at 11:40 a.m. Two-person teams will bowl two games each for 16 weeks. Open to ages 18 and up. Cost is $3 per game with shoe rental at regular rate. Register your team by Feb. 22 at Daugherty Bowling Center or by calling 573.596.1498.

Ongoing

The Fort Leonard Wood Tax Center is open through April 15 to provide free tax return preparation services. Due to limited resources, this year’s complete filing services will be limited to Gold Star family members and retirees. The Tax Center is located at 316 Missouri Ave., Bldg. 315, and the hours of operation are 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Staff will operate under a drop-off and pick-up process, and like in 2023, in-person appointments will not be available. Active-duty service members will receive guided self-support as they file their own taxes, 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. February 23 and March 29 in Thurman Hall, Room 3316. Please call the Tax Center during business hours at 573.596.1040 for more information.

Let the good times roll at Daugherty Bowling Center during the month of February. Roll a strike on a color headpin and enter for a change to win a family bowling package that includes 2 hours of bowling, one single-topping pizza, six fountain drinks, and shoes. Drawing held on Feb. 29. For more information, call 573.596.1498.

Youth Sports and Fitness Spring Sports will include Soccer and Track. The Spring Season will run from March 25 through May 11. Sports are open to ages 3 to 18. Practices are held Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays and games are held Saturday mornings. Current year’s sports physicals are required for all participants. Cost is $30 for ages 3 and 4 and $50 for ages 5 to 18. Register through March 1 at Parent Central Services or by calling 573.596.0238.

Beginning in mid-February, contractors will be performing a required inspection of all Fort Leonard Wood on-post family housing, to include a visual survey of the exterior, along with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, plumbing and electrical systems. The inspectors – who will wear a mask and shoe covers, if requested – will need access to the interior of each home for approximately one hour per house, and at least one resident 18 years or older must be present during the inspection. An online self-scheduling option is available by clicking here or by scanning the QR code on the door hangars that will be placed on each home. Call the Fort Leonard Wood Housing Division at 573.596.0984 for details.

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.

By Capt. Cesar Vargas, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Feb. 8, 2024) — Tax season is in full swing, and it is time to organize important documents, such as last year’s tax return, mortgage interest information (IRS Form 1098), and all W2s, including travel tax statements for those who changed duty stations and completed what’s called a personally procured move, or a do-it-yourself move.

Although Fort Leonard Wood’s Tax Center is only able to serve Gold Star families and retirees this year due to limited capacity, there is still a wide range of free tax preparation resources available. The Legal Assistance Office has compiled a list of free online and in-person tax preparation resources available to service members, military families and Department of Defense civilians.

 IRS Free File

The IRS partners with industry tax-filing services to assist taxpayers in filing federal income tax returns online using free guided tax preparation software. The service is available to service members with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less. Some state returns are filed for free; others may charge a fee.

For those with an AGI greater than $79,000, the IRS provides electronic federal tax forms with instructions and other available IRS publications.

Visit the IRS website for more information.

MilTax

Through Military OneSource, the MilTax e-filing software is a free service available to service members, their dependents and retirees within one year of retirement. MilTax offers self-service tax preparation with no income limits, unlimited state returns and tax consultants available 24/7 to answer questions.

VITA Free File

The Department of Defense’s annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, is a free program available to active-duty and retired service members and their dependents, as well as deployed Department of Defense civilians. VITA’s online filing option is available to active-duty service members with an AGI of $79,000 or less. Click here for more information.

Interactive Tax Assistant

The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant is available online to answer tax questions. Taxpayers can ask questions about topics, such as claiming dependents, what income is taxable, if certain credits or deductions are eligible and more.

In-person VITA tax preparation

In-person IRS VITA tax preparation locations are set up in community libraries, schools and neighborhood centers throughout the country. Click here to find area providers.

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Feb. 6, 2024) — Service members wanting to compete for the title of Best Sapper have a couple more weeks to register and organizers of this year’s competition announced a new strategy to separate the best from the rest.

Registration for the U.S. Army Engineer School’s 17th Lt. Gen. Robert B. Flowers Best Sapper Competition closes on Feb. 16.

Capt. Ryan Reid, Sapper Training Company commander, said the theme of this year’s competition is “transparency.”

“We have started publishing lists of tasks the competitors will be conducting each day. Units can streamline their training programs as they prepare their competitors for the Best Sapper Competition,” Reid said. “We are giving them the answers. Now, it is a question of if they studied and who is really the best. If everybody already has the answers, it comes down to who executes it in the best manner.”

Sapper skills competitors will be tested on are being listed on the Best Sapper Competition Facebook page – with more and more being added as the event nears, Reid said.

“In years past, it has been a secret,” said Sapper Training Company 1st Sgt. Stephen Olson. “This year, there is no excuse for not knowing what technical skills to train for.”

A few of the events already posted online are special steel cutting, mountaineering, a wire obstacle breach, marksmanship, timber cutting techniques, bridge reconnaissance, utilizing handheld mine detectors and a Bangalore breach.

Competitors are set to arrive April 15 to prepare for the competition that kicks off April 19 at Roubidoux Park in Waynesville.

According to Reid, two-person teams wanting to register must be submitted in what’s called an Order of Merit list by their battalion and fill out an application. The application can be downloaded from the Best Sapper Competition website.

“New this year, we created an OML tab on the registration form. If a unit is sending more than one team, we are asking them to rank them at the unit level. Units need to pay close attention to that because if we have more than 50 teams register, we are going to select teams with two Sapper tabs, then look at the OMLs and drop teams from units registering. We want to be able to showcase as many different units as possible,” Reid said.

To obtain a Sapper tab, service members must graduate from the Sapper Leader Course, run by the Sapper Training Company, part of Fort Leonard Wood’s 169th Engineer Battalion.

According to Olson, Best Sapper competitors can be active duty, Reserve or National Guard from any U.S. military branch or approved international military – they can be any rank and any military occupational specialty.

“The competition is a showcase for the school, and we train everybody, not just engineers,” Olson said.

According to Reid, applicants must be in good standing with no pending civilian or military legal or administrative actions.

“We only want the best people competing for the title of Best Sapper,” Reid said.

Competitors must have a Sapper Physical, an equivalent or a more stringent physical dated within the past 12 months, stating adequate physical condition.

“They have to be medically qualified to participate in this event,” Reid said. “It is an extremely strenuous and physically demanding competition. We have to make sure the men and women who show up are fit to compete.”

Last year, competitors covered 60 miles in 58 hours with little to no sleep.

Olson, a former Best Sapper competitor himself, had some advice for competitors headed to Fort Leonard Wood this spring.

“Know your partner. Know their strengths and weaknesses — split the events by what you know you are good at. Know how to motivate one another when they need it most,” Olson said.

One of the biggest things he has seen set back competitors is, “underestimating the time they will spend on their feet. By the end of day two, we can tell the difference between the people who actually trained and the ones that thought they worked out enough.”

“This is one of the hardest things these competitors are going to do in a three-day span. Competitors have to be all in,” Olson added.

Visit the Best Sapper Competition website for more information and the complete application process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.

 

 

By Brian Hill, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2024) — Fort Leonard Wood senior leaders, along with Army transition and continuing education experts, came together with service members and military spouses Jan. 30 in Bldg. 470 to celebrate the opening of the Spouse Resource Center.

The center, located in Room 2222, assists in making Fort Leonard Wood, “an installation of choice,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, who provided remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a great place to live and serve,” Beck said. “This is a great installation surrounded by great communities. And a resource center like this will only help that.”

Beck thanked everyone who volunteered time and donated items to help make the SRC possible, and he highlighted the idea that the center will, “do great things for the already great resources we have on this installation.”

“The challenge is, many of (the spouses) don’t know what (the resources) are,” he said. “So, using this resource center as a leapfrog, they’re going to understand what’s available to them as a family.”

According to Vanessa Arzabala, a military spouse and Truman Army Education and Personnel Testing Center guidance counselor, who will help operate the SRC, it’s been a dream of hers to be able to help military spouses get acquainted with the area and everything it offers.

“We’re excited to be able to offer all the resources that the spouses can take advantage of and just making them aware of what is out there, on post or in the community,” she said. “We’re happy to welcome everybody.”

At the ceremony, Arzabala and fellow military spouse and volunteer, Sally Beck — who was also instrumental in the development of the SRC — pointed out to the 100 or so attendees the gathering areas and individual office cubicles available, noting the center will have computers for spouses to conduct research on the area and host weekly workshops on topics from which military spouses can benefit.

February’s events include:

• a college application and scholarship essay review at 10 a.m. Feb. 6;
• a healthy eating habits class taught by the Armed Forces Wellness Center at 10 a.m. Feb. 14;
• a class on becoming a substitute teacher at 10 a.m. Feb. 20; and
• a federal resume review at 9 a.m. Feb. 28. Attendees are asked to bring their resume.

Walt Harris, Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Services manager and part of the team of experts operating the SRC, said he looks forward to seeing military spouses “create opportunities for themselves.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s for your career field, educational opportunities or just to come to connect with those unique individuals that have some of the same experiences as being a military spouse — we can make a difference as a team,” he said.

One of the spouses in attendance at the ceremony was Isabel Becerril, who arrived at Fort Leonard Wood from Fort Cavasos, Texas, just two weeks ago.

She said she was impressed with the welcome she and her family received after arriving at the mid-Missouri installation.

“Most of the spouses are lost when they get to a new military base; they don’t even know where to start,” Becerril said. “Sometimes, we’re scared to ask where things are, and for them to offer this and help us out in whatever we’re needing, that’s great.”

Those interested in learning more about the Fort Leonard Wood SRC can call 573.596.3196, or email SRC-FLW@outlook.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post 80 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains nearly 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.

More information about Fort Leonard Wood is at: https://home.army.mil/wood/index.php/about/mission

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2024) – The following Fort Leonard Wood announcements are for the week of Feb. 5 through Feb. 9.

Feb. 6

Join the Bruce C. Clarke library for story time at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Bruce C. Clarke Library. We’ll read two books and do a small craft afterwards. There will also be STEM kits out for you to enjoy. The event is free. For more information, call 573-563-4113.

Feb. 8

Get the basics of scuba with MWR and Odyssey Scuba while exploring a new world underwater. Just bring your swimsuit and a towel. Sweetheart Scuba will be held 6 and 7 pm. February 8 in the Davidson Fitness Center Indoor Pool. Open to ages 10 and up. Cost is $29.99 per person. Register by noon, Feb. 7 at Davidson Fitness Center or Leisure Travel Services. For more information, call 573-596-3529.

Feb. 9

The dueling pianos show will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Pershing Community Center. The show will feature country, rock & roll, and top pop hits from the 50s to today, with your requests taken throughout. Doors open with food service and full bar at 6:30 p.m. This event is open to ages 18 and up. Advanced cost is $15 for entry only or $25 for entry and appetizer buffet. Day of cost is $20 for entry only or $30 for entry plus appetizer buffet. Purchase tickets in advance from Leisure Travel Services or online at loenardwood.armymwr.com. For more details, call 573-596-6913.

Join us at Davidson Fitness Center Indoor Pool for Red Cross Lifeguard Classes. The pre-course test will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 9. You must pass the pre-course test to attend additional class dates. Requirements are to swim 300 meters without stopping using the front crawl and breast stroke techniques, a timed brick dive and 2 minutes of treading water without using hands. This is a nationally recognized 2-year lifeguard certification and is open to ages 15 and up. Cost is $225 per person. Register with a deposit by 6 p.m. on Feb. 8. Call 573-596-3529 for more details.

Feb. 13

Fort Leonard Wood leaders will host the National Prayer Breakfast event from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13 in Nutter Field House. The guest speaker is Chaplain William Green, deputy chief of Army Chaplains. Call Chaplain McNair at 573-528-6028 for details.

A pre-retirement briefing is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 13 in Lincoln Hall Auditorium. The briefing includes information on rights, benefits and privileges for retired service members and their dependents, and all Soldiers are required to attend a pre-retirement briefing at least 12 months before their retirement date or at the start of the medical retirement process. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Call 573.596.6637 for details.

Ongoing

Let the good times roll at Daugherty Bowling Center during the month of February. Roll a strike on a color headpin and enter for a change to win a family bowling package that includes 2 hours of bowling, one single-topping pizza, six fountain drinks, and shoes. Drawing held on Feb. 29. For more information, call 573-596-1498.

Youth Sports and Fitness Spring Sports will include Soccer and Track. The Spring Season will run from March 25 through May 11. Sports are open to ages 3 to 18. Practices are held Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays and games are held Saturday mornings. Current year’s sports physicals are required for all participants. Cost is $30 for ages 3 and 4 and $50 for ages 5 to 18. Register through March 1 at Parent Central Services or by calling 573-596-0238.

Beginning in mid-February, contractors will be performing a required inspection of all Fort Leonard Wood on-post family housing, to include a visual survey of the exterior, along with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, plumbing and electrical systems. The inspectors – who will wear a mask and shoe covers, if requested – will need access to the interior of each home for approximately one hour per house, and at least one resident 18 years or older must be present during the inspection. An online self-scheduling option is available by clicking here or by scanning the QR code on the door hangars that will be placed on each home. Call the Fort Leonard Wood Housing Division at 573.596.0984 for details.