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Official Government Press Center for Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

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MPs gain realistic training at Stem Village

By Ryan Thompson, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 5, 2025) — Soldiers wanting to become members of the Military Police Corps will spend much of their advanced individual training at a mock city called the Brig. Gen. David H. Stem Training Village, commonly referred to as Stem Village.

Consisting of a housing area, police station, gym, theater, and barracks, Stem Village, located at Fort Leonard Wood, offers Soldiers a unique training experience as they journey down the path to becoming an MP.

According to Sgt. 1st Class Johnathan Parish, Basic MP Training Division team leader, Stem Village is set up as a “mini garrison” to provide Soldiers with a sense of realism while training in a controlled environment.

“Having that sense of realism allows Soldiers to fully immerse themselves into their training, providing them the ability to understand the whole concept of this is what we are going to be doing, and this is how we are going to be doing it,” Parish said.

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Kahl, 31B Military Police course manager, said Stem Village is extremely important because Soldiers can train in the classroom environment all day, but it’s the hands-on training that creates the “muscle memory” required to effectively complete the mission.

“Stem Village allows me to come up with multiple different scenarios that simulate the real-world situations that an MP may encounter once they get to their unit,” Kahl said.

Parish agreed.

“When it comes to the number of scenarios we can recreate here, the sky’s the limit,” Parish said. “We can create scenarios ranging from a loud noise complaint, traffic stop, armed robbery or attempted murder.”

To reinforce the quality of training Stem Village provides, Soldiers must complete a culminating event called the Sword.

“Sword is an eight-hour shift where MP AIT Soldiers carry out various law enforcement duties, such as responding to a domestic violence call or pulling over a drunk driver,” Parish said. “It’s where we simulate the day in the life of an actual MP.”

Parish and Kahl both said that Stem Village is a vital part of becoming an MP.

“Everything we do as MP Soldiers all starts here,” Parish said. “Since 1999, every MP Soldier who has completed AIT at Fort Leonard Wood has been through Stem Village, it’s a rite of passage.”

Soldiers training to become members of the Military Police Corps, hone their skills in making traffic stops at a mock city called the Brig. Gen. David H. Stem Training Village, commonly referred to as Stem Village. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Ryan Thompson)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Media interested in attending the event should contact the Public Affairs Office at 573.563.4145, no later than 1 p.m. Dec. 11.

About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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.

Trees for Troops to spread holiday cheer at Fort Leonard Wood

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 4, 2025) — Fort Leonard Wood service members will get the opportunity to pick out a free, live holiday tree again this year, as the Trees for Troops program returns to the Auto Skills Center Dec. 12 and 13.

According to Nia Dickinson, Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation marketing director, service members and their spouses may pick up their tree between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at Bldg. 1383.

“There is no registration this year,” Dickinson said. “It is first come, first served, so make sure to join us at the allotted time.”

A military ID is required at time of pick up.

“We will have helpers to assist with loading trees in your vehicle,” Dickinson added.

All other FMWR authorized patrons are welcome to pickup a free tree on a first come, first served basis while supplies last between the same times the next day, Dec. 13, Dickinson noted, adding there is a limit of one tree per family.

“Trees for Troops is an important program for service members to ensure everyone gets to experience holiday magic at no cost,” Dickinson said.

According to the Trees for Troops organization, a total of 326,273 fresh, farm-grown trees have been donated to troops and military families in the United States and overseas since the program started 20 years ago.

In 2024, Trees for Troops picked up 16,629 trees from 51 different locations and delivered them to 93 bases in the U.S.

“Trees for Troops is more than just delivering Christmas trees,” said Megan O’Donoghue, FMWR director. “It delivers comfort, tradition and a message of appreciation from the people across the nation.’”

She said her favorite part of the Trees for Troops program, “is watching people – young and old – choose their live tree, often their first. The joy and excitement of finding that perfect tree never fades.”

O’Donoghue said she also enjoys reading the handwritten messages from those who donate trees to the families receiving them.

“The trees often carry a handwritten tag with words of thanks and holiday wishes. For service members and families who are often far from home at the holidays. These messages remind them that people from across the country are thinking of them and appreciate their sacrifices,” O’Donoghue said.

Learn more about the program by visiting the Trees for Troops website.

Soldiers and family choose their live holiday trees at the Auto Skills Center, during the 2024 Trees for Troops event. This year, the program returns to Fort Leonard Wood Dec. 12 and 13.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Media interested in attending the event should contact the Public Affairs Office at 573.563.4145, no later than 1 p.m. Dec. 11.

About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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.

Soldiers across Fort Leonard Wood enjoy Thanksgiving Day meal

Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 27, 2025) — Fort Leonard Wood held its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration Thursday in several of its Army Warrior Restaurants on post, with meals for service members and guests.

Beverly Leggett, Installation Food Program manager, said more than 12,000 meals were severed during the lunch celebration, and 28,000-plus meals will be served throughout the day — using 4,700 pounds of turkey, 4,200 pounds of shrimp cocktail, 6,300 pounds of prime rib and 15 different kinds of assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.

“Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with family and friends, and for every service member training here on Fort Leonard Wood, their table will look different — the faces will be different — but the warmth felt will remain the same.,” Leggett said. “It is with great honor that for every slice of turkey, candied sweet potato, assorted salads and delicious festive desserts, we serve those who serve.”

To read more about the Thanksgiving Day feast Fort Leonard Wood prepared for its service members, visit https://www.army.mil/article/289105/fort_leonard_wood_warrior_restaurants_prepare_to_serve_more_than_12000_thanksgiving_meals.

For b-roll of the holiday meal visit, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/988098/thanksgiving-2025-fort-leonard-wood.

For photos of Fort Leonard Wood’s Thanksgiving Day meal, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortleonardwood/albums/72177720330561542/.

Soldiers celebrate Thanksgiving at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s Army Warrior Restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soldiers were given a wide variety of cakes, pies, and other desserts to choose from, to accompany their traditional Thanksgiving meals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior leaders serve the Soldiers their traditional Thanksgiving Day meals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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 more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening date set for Fort Leonard Wood’s new hospital

FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO – General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital is pleased to announce the opening of General Leonard Wood Community Hospital on April 7, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in providing exceptional healthcare to the service members, veterans, and families of Fort Leonard Wood and the surrounding communities.

The state-of-the-art medical facility is designed to provide world-class care to service members, retirees, and their families. Equipped with the latest medical technology, sustainable design features and enhanced patient-centered spaces, GLWCH strengthens readiness while improving the patient experience.

“This hospital is more than a building—it is a symbol of our enduring commitment to those who serve and their families,” sa  id Col. Angela Diebal-Lee, GLWACH director. “GLWCH ensures we can deliver safe, modern and accessible healthcare for years to come.”

The facility features:

  • Modern inpatient and outpatient care services
  • Advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical suites
  • A healing environment designed with patient comfort in mind
  • Energy-efficient systems supporting the Army’s sustainability goals

“The new hospital, which will replace one of the oldest operating military hospitals in CONUS, reflects the Army’s, Defense Health Agency’s and our community’s commitment to our people and their investment in the health and readiness of our force,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general. “April 7 will be a historic moment for our community, and I am looking forward to the GLWCH team providing the same excellent medical care in a new, modern, and accessible healthcare facility.”

 

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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 more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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.

Fort Leonard Wood warrior restaurants prepare to serve more than 12,000 Thanksgiving meals

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Fort Leonard Wood plans to host its traditional Thanksgiving Day celebration Nov. 27 in Army Warrior Restaurants across the installation, with meals for thousands of service members, as well as a specific time and location for Department of War ID cardholders, Gold Star families, veterans and their families.

“The Army’s 250-year history is one built upon both the sacrifices and traditions of those who came before us. Thanksgiving on Fort Leonard Wood would not be complete without the opportunity to give thanks and serve our next generation of Soldiers,” said Col. Steven Bartley, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander.

According to Beverly Leggett, Installation Food Program manager, plans are set to serve more than 12,000 Thanksgiving meals during the lunchtime celebrations, and 28,000-plus meals throughout the day — using 4,700 pounds of turkey, 4,200 pounds of shrimp cocktail, 6,300 pounds of prime rib and 15 different kinds of assorted cakes and pies with all the accompaniments.

“This year’s Thanksgiving feast is shaping up to be truly delicious,” Leggett said. “In addition to the traditional turkey, guests can look forward to baked ham and herb-crusted salmon, alongside comforting classics like creamy mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing and savory bread dressing. Rounding out the spread will be buttered corn, southern-style collard greens and a fresh salad bar.”

“And of course, no holiday meal would be complete without festive beverages, including rich, creamy eggnog and sparkling cider to toast the season,” she added.

According to Leggett, about 780 food-service employees are scheduled to prepare the feast and serve it alongside senior leadership.

Last year, Bartley spent Thanksgiving Day at one of Fort Leonard Wood’s Army Warrior Restaurants serving meals to some of Fort Leonard Wood’s newest Soldiers. A tradition he said he plans to continue this year.

“Leaders serving Soldiers their Thanksgiving meal is a great tradition, and one that reminds us all that it is an honor and privilege to serve,” he said. “Few traditions provide such a direct opportunity to not only exemplify servant leadership but also personally connect with the men and women across our greater Army family.”

Leggett agreed and said, “basic combat training can be an intense and sometimes overwhelming experience, especially for those who are away from home for the first time.”

“When Soldiers see their chain of command step forward to serve them, it sends a powerful message, that service is at the heart of what we all do,” Leggett said.

Adding to the Thanksgiving experience, food-service employees from each warrior restaurant will be decorating their dining areas.

“They put in their time, creativity and talent to make every dining facility feel welcoming and enjoyable,” Leggett said. “When a service member walks in, they will be immediately surrounded by the holiday spirit.”

According to Leggett, the Thanksgiving Day meal for DOW ID cardholders, retirees, Gold Star families and veterans with access to the installation will be served from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Celiz Hall Army Warrior Restaurant, Bldg. 6111, located on Indiana Avenue.

“This tradition is about more than food; it is about celebrating together and serving those who have gone before us, whose sacrifices and service continue to inspire our military community today,” Leggett said.

The Thanksgiving holiday meal rate is $11.55 for all visitors, except spouses and other dependents of service members E-4 and below, who pay the discounted holiday meal rate of $8.55.

“As a retired Soldier, Thanksgiving has always been one of the most awesome traditions during my time in the Army. I am grateful that I still get to be a part of it today, “Leggett said. “For me, serving this meal is not just about food, it’s about honoring the spirit of service and community that defines the military.”

The Bldg. 3223 Army Warrior Restaurant near the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, commonly referred to as Tony’s, and Bldg. 1784 serving the Air Force, Navy and Marines plan to serve their Thanksgiving meals Nov. 26.

Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers prepare to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal Nov. 28, 2024, at Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz Hall Army Warrior Restaurant. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Melissa Buckley)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Media wishing to attend a Thanksgiving lunch meal should respond to the Public Affairs Office at 573.563.5038 no later than 10 a.m. Nov. 25, 2025.

About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBRN Soldiers detect success at Fort Leonard Wood

Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Sept. 29, 2025) — Soldiers with the military occupational specialty of 74D Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist begin their Army careers at Fort Leonard Wood during advanced individual training with the 3rd Chemical Brigade.

According to goarmy.com, CBRN specialists protect the country against the threat of CBRN weapons of mass destruction and decontaminate hazardous material spills or accidents. They also coordinate defense systems against these weapons of mass destruction in support of joint and combined arms operations.

Staff Sgt. Zackery Thompson, a U.S. Army CBRN School instructor, said when Soldiers graduate from the nine-week AIT they will, “be experts in all Level 10 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear tasks and be ready to advise commanders on CBRN threats on the battlefield.”

According to the U.S. Army CBRN School’s website, the 74D AIT covers detection, monitoring, identification, sampling, decontamination equipment operations and reconnaissance fundamentals. It also covers tactics, techniques and procedures for performing traditional CBRN defense operations at the company level and hazardous materials response operations at the HAZMAT awareness and operation levels with a mission specific competency covering personal protective equipment and mass decontamination operations.

Thompson said decontamination operations are his favorite skills to teach, “due to how important it is for us as CBRN Soldiers.”

“We teach the Soldiers how to decon themselves and their units in the event they are ever exposed to a CBRN threat,” he said.

And he “takes pride” in knowing the new generations of CBRN specialists will go on to play an important role in the Army’s future.

“Not only does CBRN directly support survivability, which is key in multi-domain operations, you also significantly decrease the vulnerability of any unit when properly advised,” Thompson said.

Pfc. Christia Abel, with Company C, 84th Chemical Battalion, said she joined the Army to assist in furthering her education and was excited to be at Fort Leonard Wood training to become a CBRN specialist because she has “always been fascinated by science.”

“The curriculum here is well put together. It’s been a good experience,” Abel said. “It helps that my drill sergeants and instructors are so knowledgeable.”

Thompson said he, “wouldn’t want to be in any other MOS.”

“The CBRN regiment has equipped me with knowledge I can use beyond my military career, that I wouldn’t have received anywhere else,” he said.

For more information about the 74 CBRN Specialist MOS, visit go.army.com.

Soldiers with Company C, 84th Chemical Battalion, learning to be Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear specialists, go over their plan to conduct sensitive site exploitation of the hazardous materials training area behind Fort Leonard Wood’s Nord Hall, Sept. 5. (Melissa Buckley)

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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 more than 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