FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., (Feb. 22, 2018) — The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood will hold its annual African-American Black History Month Luncheon and celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pershing Community Center Feb. 23.

Hosted by the 14th Military Police Brigade, the theme for this year’s event is “African Americans in Times of War.”

Lt. Col. Alfred Boone, 43rd Adjutant General Battalion commander, who oversees the battalion’s mission for reception, processing, discharge and rehabilitation operations for Initial Entry Training, One Station Unit Training and prior service Soldiers, is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

In his speech, which is entitled, “I Am Here, Because You Were There,” Boone said he will provide three key points for the audience to consider:

*        We must never forget and not overlook the contributions, service and sacrifice of African Americans in the military;

*         We have stood and stand on the shoulders of African Americans who have come before us; and

*         Our military is great because if its diversity of different faiths, cultures, genders, and races.

The Waynesville High School Choir is also slated to perform.

Cost for the luncheon is $12 per person. For more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Schoener at 573.596.0359.

The Pershing Community Center is located in Building 4109 at 16593 Piney Hills Drive, Fort Leonard Wood.