By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 8, 2023) — Fort Leonard Wood’s 399th Army Band is rehearsing and preparing for next week’s live holiday performance.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jared DeLaney, the band’s commander and bandmaster, said doors will open at 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Nutter Field House. The holiday concert is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and last about an hour.

“This year, the 399th Army Band will feature its many music teams, such as our Rough Riders Rock Band, the Route 66 Brass Band, the Double Time Jazz Combo, and our quintets, the Missouri Brass and Ozark Winds,” he said.

Sgt. Nicholas Johnson, a percussionist and operations NCO with the 399th, said the diverse genres make a different, but equally memorable and recognizable holiday music event.

“Music, in all its genres, presents opportunities for connection. With styles ranging from jazz to rock, to classic holiday music, we hope to provide something for everyone in this performance,” Johnson said.

As for DeLaney, he thinks the best part about the holiday performances are, “the people.”

“Music is a powerful medium that tells a story, touches the soul, and supports our resiliency. Watching the audience having this realization is exhilarating and a testament to the value and contribution of the 399th and all Army bands,” DeLaney said.

The band performed at the tree-lighting ceremony on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Plaza and hosted a holiday concert at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon, Missouri, earlier this week.

“The holiday season presents many opportunities for the 399th Army Band to care for and inspire Fort Leonard Wood’s service members, civilians and families. The surrounding communities are our partners, and this concert is one of the many ways the U.S. Army and Fort Leonard Wood contributes to the community, quality of life, well-being and resilience of the people,” DeLaney said. “We hope to inspire all to enjoy the season.”

The concert is open to the public and will be live streamed on Fort Leonard Wood’s Facebook page. For installation access information, visit the Fort Leonard Wood website.

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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.

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. Dec. 5, 2023) — Three Fort Leonard Wood streets will have their names changed in the new year, following Department of Defense Naming Commission guidance.

The streets to be renamed — Wheeler Street, Forrest Street and Forrest Place — are all located in family housing areas. Wheeler Street will become Pecan Street, Forrest Street will be Ozark Street and Forrest Place will be Hickory Place.

Charlie Neel, Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division chief, said the Fort Leonard Wood Historical Board was given the responsibility of identifying and renaming the streets. He said the names chosen honor the area.

“We went with names that reflect the beautiful area we get to live and work in every day. The Ozark region is a fitting tribute because it is known for its charming springs, waterfalls, lakes, caves and caverns. And Pecan and Hickory trees are delightful, nut-bearing plants that can be found throughout the area,” Neel said.

According to a Nov. 21 memorandum signed by Col. Anthony Pollio, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, the name changes are a result of a Department of the Army executive order directing installations to rename property that honors or commemorates the Confederacy.

Sarah Richard, a planning engineer for the DPW Master Planning Division, said the division has been working with Balfour Beatty Communities, Fort Leonard Wood’s housing partner, to ensure the changes are as seamless as possible for everyone.

House numbers will stay the same, Richard said. The only change will be to the street names, and residents will not need to fill out a change-of-address form with the U.S. Postal Service, as mail will be deliverable to both addresses for one calendar year.

After Jan. 1, however, Richard noted residents living in the renamed locations should update their address with their financial institutions, insurance agencies, TSA PreCheck, creditors, non-installation service providers, subscriptions, online shopping sites, Social Security Administration, Missouri voter registration and complete IRS change of address Form 8822.

“It is recommended that you change your addresses with military systems, such as the ID Card Office Online, Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, MyPay, Defense Travel System and Citi Bank government travel card,” Richard said.

Other documents, such as vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses and passports can be updated later when renewals become due, Richard added.

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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. (December 1, 2023) — The 58th Transportation Battalion’s Motor Transport Operator Course is now displaying a new Army Supply Excellence Award, proving superior performance when it comes to keeping track of thousands of pieces of equipment.

The award is for winning the fiscal year 2022-2023 active-duty Army Unit Supply Tables of Distribution and Allowances category, part of the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Logistics Excellence Award Program.

The wooden plaque was presented to the unit in a ceremony at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, earlier this month.

Former MTOC supply technician, Sharisse Montgomery, said she was glad she got to see the award before she moved out of state a few days ago.

“This award is the highest honor that can be given to a supply unit. The award measures every aspect of unit supply,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery said the award packet they submitted was more than 2,000 pages long and included a physical evaluation on a 20-page inspection.

“The award is extensive and shows the strengths and weaknesses of an organization. This award demonstrates that 58th Transportation MTOC supply sets the standard,” Montgomery added.

She said there is only one way you reach this level of excellence in the Army — teamwork.

“Every individual in our office has brought their own expertise to the organization. It started with Staff Sgt. Otero. As the MTOC supply sergeant, he brought his determination and skill,” Montgomery said.

Staff Sgt. Emilio Otero currently serves as the battalion’s supply NCO. He said the team’s work is vital to the Army’s mission.

“We have $96 million worth of equipment to keep track of,” Otero said. “A big chunk of that is all the vehicles the Soldiers use to graduate as 88M Motor Transport Operators. We are the only installation that has this military occupational school. We are critical because we supply the U.S. Army Forces Command with all their motor transport operators.”

Otero said in the last year they have had a lot of people come in and out of the organization, but each one left a lasting imprint that led to achieving this award.

“This is one of the best teams I have ever worked with,” Otero said.

One of those team members, Nicholas Roth, MTOC’s lead supply and equipment technician, has been with the unit for about seven years. He said when the inspectors came to Fort Leonard Wood, they were, “looking at our ability to follow regulations and the management of our files.”

Roth said the team’s attention to detail is what put them above the other 29 units in the running for the award.

“They checked all our records. We executed our inventory inspection with not one mistake. We also have a bar-code scanner system here that inspectors notated as impressive,” Roth said. “Property accountability is taught at all levels; it is very important to maintain that accountability. We are the stewards of the government’s money.”

Montgomery said every member of the team, from the person who handled the hazardous material portion of the inspection to the one who took the lead on physical security, “played a part in our success.”

Even though she isn’t officially part of the MTOC supply team anymore, she said this is an experience and achievement she will never forget.

“The honor of this award is something that everyone will carry forward. It comes down to teamwork, organization and knowledge. A unit must be organized in every aspect. Knowledge of Army regulations and standards is imperative,” Montgomery said. “I am extremely proud. Our team was phenomenal. It took all of us to win this award.”

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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 Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 17, 2023) — Fort Leonard Wood garrison leaders have announced Thanksgiving holiday hours of operation for offices and installation services, including Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Army and Air Force Exchange Service and Defense Commissary Agency facilities.

The following will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and/or Friday, Nov. 24:

Garrison headquarters:

• Equal Employment Office
• Garrison Resource Management Office
• Garrison Safety Office
• Internal Review Office
• Plans, Analysis and Integration Office

Directorate of Human Resources:

• Administrative Services Division
• Casualty Services (on call)
• Retirement Services
• Truman Education Center
• Military Personnel Division
• ID Card Section

All Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities are closed Nov. 23 except for Davidson Fitness Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The following DFMWR facilities are closed Friday, Nov. 24:

• Installation Wide Events Office
• Leisure Travel Services
• Pershing Community Center
• Middle School Teen Center
• Morelli Heights Bar & Grill (also closed Saturday)
• MWR Maintenance and Warehouse
• MWR Marketing

Directorate of Emergency Services

• Police Administration Office

Logistics Readiness Center:

• Central Issue Facility Permanent Party and Clothing Recovery Facility
• Food Program Management Office
• Freight Office
• Maintenance Division
• Property Book Office

Additional Thursday and/or Friday closures include:

• Main Exchange will be closed Thursday and open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
• Mission and Installation Contracting Command
• Religious Support Office
• Staff Judge Advocate

All other offices will have minimal staffing to support mission requirements. To reach a member of the garrison leadership team over the holidays, call the Fort Leonard Wood Watch Office at 573.563.6126.

The following will have open hours of operation on Friday, Nov. 24:

• Army Community Service is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday
• Army Substance Abuse Program is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday
• Automotive Skills Center is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
• Bruce C. Clarke Library is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday
• Burger King is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
• Charley’s is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
• Child Development Centers 615 and 408 will have regular operations Friday
• CYS Parent Outreach Services will have regular operations Friday
• Class Six is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
• Commissary will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
• Davidson Fitness Center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday
• Daugherty Bowling Center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday
• Dunkin’ Donuts Express Location is open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday
• Dunkin’ Donuts mall location will be open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday
• Furniture Store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
• In and Out Processing will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday
• Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
• Main Exchange is closed Thursday and open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday
• North Express is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday
• Outdoor Adventure Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
• Piney Valley Golf Course is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday (weather dependent)
• Popeye’s is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
• Qdoba is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
• School Age Center 616 will have regular operations Friday
• Slim Chickens is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
• South Express is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
• Specker Gym is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
• Starbucks is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday

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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.