By Dawn Arden
Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 25, 2018) — Soldiers and civilians with 1st Engineer Brigade welcomed Col. Kip Korth as their new commander in a ceremony held July 11 on Gammon Field.

During the change-of-command ceremony, Korth accepted the unit’s colors as he assumed command from Col. Dale Snider.

In Snider’s farewell message, he said he could not take credit for all of the brigade’s successes during his tenure.

“Sapper Brigade, you are one-of-a-kind,” he said. “I am so very proud of your accomplishments. I am so very proud to be part of this historic unit. I am so very proud to be associated with all of you. I am proud of you.”

He added, “The 1st Engineer Brigade has a diverse and working mission. They’re the best civilians, Soldiers and training partners anyone could ask for; the best drill sergeants, commanders and command sergeants major.”

Brig. Gen. Robert Whittle, U.S. Army Engineer School commandant, said Snider has unlimited potential in the Army.

“He sets the example for others, and he holds his Soldiers to the same standard,” Whittle said. “But most importantly, he knows his Soldiers; he cares about them, he takes initiative, and he’s an expert in his craft.”

Whittle said he is excited to see where Korth takes the brigade with the experience he brings to the job.

“Kip, you’re coming to us with some really great experience,” Whittle said. “You bring with you a lot of great combat experience, and even training foreign nations in combat, that you’re going to be able to apply here at 1st Brigade.”

Korth addressed the brigade.

“To the Soldiers, government civilians and officers of the 1st Engineer Brigade, for many years now you have provided the solid foundation that the Engineer Regiment, our Army and nation relies upon,” he said. “The mission to transform individuals and build strong engineers continues on today with the same desire for excellence and no fear of the challenges ahead.”

By Dawn Arden
Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 25, 2018) — Fort Leonard Wood, home to the largest Marine Corps Detachment outside a Marine base, welcomed Marine Col. Ralph Rizzo Jr. in a change-of-command ceremony held Friday on Gammon Field.

Rizzo took command from Marine Col. George Markert, who has been in command since 2016.

In his farewell remarks, Markert talked about what Fort Leonard Wood meant to him.

“This is the strongest community I think I’ve ever seen in the DoD, and I say that with no reservation,” he said. “During my first change of command, I mentioned three things: Army, Marines and community. Little did I know that that literally would characterize our entire time here.”

Markert said he believes the detachment has made a massive impact on the Marine Corps’ ability to succeed in combat during his time in command.

Marine Brig. Gen. Calvert Worth, commanding general of the Marine Corps Training Command, praised Markert’s dedication to the detachment and the Corps.

“George’s example, his efforts here aboard Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood, are renowned,” Worth said. “You set the standard of how to dedicate and commit technically, tactically and professionally to what it is you’ve been tasked to teach and train in these military occupational specialties.”

He then addressed Rizzo.

“Col. Ralph Rizzo, as you come aboard, understand the complexity of the mission,” Worth said. “It’s a complex mission, and it’s also one that not only requires your technical expertise but it requires all the nuance of an officer with your time and experience, because you must manage the relationships that exist here, you must carry them forward on behalf of the Marine Corps and on behalf of the nation.”

Rizzo expressed his gratitude to Markert for a smooth transition and assured Worth he is up to the job.

“For the next two years, every decision I make, every move I institute, will be with those colors, this unit and these Marines at heart,” he said.

Worth commended the installation and the detachment on its partnership.

“Here we are, a Marine Corps Detachment aboard an Army installation, with an Army band playing a Marine Corps change of command,” he said. “I think it’s fantastic and is representative of today’s joint force. It’s representative of the challenges that face us internationally and the threats that are real on a day-to-day basis. The reality is, as much as we have pride in our uniform as Marines, we simply cannot do it alone.”

He added, “The installation here, our partnership with our U.S. Army brothers and sisters, is real, and it’s something that not only exists here in a training environment, but is real in combat in the execution of the defense of the nation. The young Marines who come here and fall in the charge of the Marine Corps Detachment are blessed with those who are truly invested in their best interest and truly available in their development as Marines.”

By Ryan Thompson
Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 25, 2018) — The Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Navy Detachment Fort Leonard Wood held a change-of-charge ceremony July 10 in Shields Hall, where Navy Lt. Brian Wood relinquished command to Navy Lt. Nicholas Gegg.

Wood, who took command of the detachment in October 2015, said serving at Fort Leonard Wood has been the highlight of his career.

“With absolute certainty, in over 24 years of service, this has been hands-down the best tour that I’ve had,” Wood said. “The people, the community, the professionalism, the respect and the support has been tremendous.”

Navy Capt. Glenn Hubbard, Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering and Civil Engineer Corps Officers School commanding officer, who presided over the ceremony, had nothing but praise for Wood’s accomplishments.

“Over the last three years, Lt. Wood’s leadership of this detachment has played a valid role in the team effort of training over 9,000 interservice students,” Hubbard said. “The command has been successful in carrying out its mission, taking care of its people, taking care of its crucial programs and maintaining the accreditations and certifications of instructors and the classes that they teach.”

Hubbard said he was grateful for Wood’s contribution to the detachment.

“Brian, thank you for your leadership and steady hand on the wheel in taking care of your team. To you and your team, well done,” Hubbard said.

Gegg joins Fort Leonard Wood from Under Water Construction Team ONE in Little Creek, Virginia, where he served as the operations officer. He said he is excited to come to Fort Leonard Wood.

“The opportunity to get to work at Fort Leonard Wood and to serve is amazing,” Gegg said. “Bringing new Seabees into the force is like no other job you will ever get in the military.”

Gegg said the return on investment is remarkable and that he was ready to continue the work of his predecessor.

“I am ready to pick up where Lt. Wood left off and continue making some of the finest Seabees this country has ever seen,” he said.

Wood, whose next assignment will be with Naval Construction Group TWO in Gulfport, Mississippi, said his success at Fort Leonard Wood has been possible through the partnerships he has been able to form with the sister services.

“Maj. Gen. Savre and the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence team have been an outstanding host,” Wood said. “To me, this truly is a first-class organization.”

Wood said the post has treated him and the Seabees as equal partners.

“Regardless of what service we are in, we are all part of America and we all are on the same team,” he said. “We recognize that our tribal loyalties to each of our services must come after our commitment to the team. We recognize that it is better to do it together.”

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 24, 2018) — The Fort Leonard Wood Religious Support Office is scheduled to host a Chaplain Corps Anniversary Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. July 27 at the Main Post Chapel.

“This will serve as an open celebration across Fort Leonard Wood celebrating 243 years of active religious support for the Soldiers, families and civilians of the United States Army,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Keith Ferrell, 14th Military Police Brigade chaplain and event organizer.

The event is scheduled to include a free lunch, a fire department display and inflatables. A cake cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet and greet with the religious leaders of Fort Leonard Wood and share in a great event designed for the whole family,” Ferrell said.

The celebration is free and the public is welcome to attend.

By Derek Gean

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (July 24, 2018) — A Soldier for Life — Transition Assistance Program Hiring Fair is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, in Building 470.

The Hiring Event is designed to connect transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses to employers who are hiring or plan to hire soon.

“The hiring fair process is an excellent method of connecting the right employer with the right candidate,” said Alfredia Williams, Transitions Services specialist.

During this event, job seekers will have an opportunity to potentially interview for multiple jobs at one location.

“Our goal is for job seekers to leave the hiring fair with a tentative job offers or follow-on interview,” said Steven Beem, Transitions Services manager.

Williams said transitioning from the military can be an uncertain time for service members and their families, so this event can create opportunities for job seekers to market their skills and network with numerous employers.

“The hiring fair can help prepare them for the next phase of their lives by having jobs waiting for them before their transition date, Williams said.

More than 40 employers are expected to participate in the event. Available jobs encompass a variety of career paths and opportunities in the government, trucking, healthcare, law enforcement, insurance and defense industries.

“This list is not all-inclusive, but is a broad representation of industries being represented at this hiring event,” Williams said.

Participants are encouraged to dress professionally for the event.

“Remember a face-to-face meeting with any potential employer is a job seeker’s opportunity to provide a lasting positive first impression,” Williams said.

Jobseekers should bring copies of their resume to the event.

“It is very imperative that job seekers make sure their resume is correct, updated, and in a professional format,” Williams said.

For more information, call 573.596.0175.