FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2018) — Fort Leonard Wood is in the final stages of sending Soldiers home for Holiday Block Leave from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3, 2019.

During this time, trainees and drill sergeants alike will take a break from training to enjoy the holiday season before the new year kicks off.

According to post officials, preparations for Holiday Block Leave begin months in advance and involve agencies across the installation – all to provide service members the chance to enjoy time with family and friends.

Soldiers will travel to: Pago Pago, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Japan and throughout the United States.

Several Soldiers will remain on post as part of a holdover unit with the 14th Military Police Brigade.

Due to the efforts of the USO, Family, Morale, Recreation and Welfare, and many other community supporters, Soldiers staying at Fort Leonard Wood over the holidays will have many opportunities to enjoy the season’s festivities and potentially, their first holiday away from their families.

Activities for Soldiers staying on post include shopping, paintball, bowling, sports, movies, a visit to the local Veterans home and holiday meals and events through Family, Morale, Recreation and Welfare and Fort Leonard Wood USO. The Religious Support Office will also hold worship services over Holiday Block Leave.

On Dec. 21, Soldiers staying at Fort Leonard Wood will visit with Veterans at the St. James Veterans Home.

The next day includes a paintball tournament at the Outdoor Adventure Center.

The Fort Leonard Wood USO will host Christmas Eve Dinner Dec. 24 and a New Year’s Eve Party and New Year’s Day brunch.

A visit with the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri along with residents of the St. James Veterans Home is scheduled for Dec. 27.

The John B. Mahaffey Museum will be closed Dec. 22 and 29, and will be open regular weekday hours except for Christmas and New Year’s Day. The museum will be open Dec. 24 and 31.

For more information, follow Fort Leonard Wood on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fortleonardwoodmissouri.