By Maj. Gen. Kent Savre and Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Stanley
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (May 3, 2018) — Each year during the month of May, we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month — a time when we pay tribute to members of the U.S. armed forces and their families past and present.
This month, there are multiple observances and ways to honor our military members for their contributions to our great nation. On Tuesday, we remember Victory in Europe Day — a day in 1945 that marked the end of World War II in the European theatre due to the heroic efforts of Allied Forces.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the Friday before Mother’s Day, is a time set aside to specifically recognize the crucial role our military spouses play in keeping our armed forces strong.
The third Saturday in May is Armed Forces Day and is a time for American citizens to thank and honor all members serving in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
Finally, Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat.
On these occasions, Americans across the country will come together to recognize and remember those who served and those who continue to serve in our armed forces — including family members. Not only is this a time for remembrance but also a time for celebration as we honor the vital service which military members have provided to keep our nation safe.
Even though we always appreciate our members of the armed forces, we ask that you specifically take the time this month to show them your gratitude. We would like to thank our military members here at Fort Leonard Wood for their honorable service, and we also ask they show their appreciation to their families for helping to keep our team of teams strong. We are proud to serve with you.
Victory starts here — victory through skill.
(Editor’s note: Savre is the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general. Stanley is the MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major.)
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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 about 80,000 military and civilians each year.
Home to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, Fort Leonard Wood now trains and educates service members and develops doctrine and capabilities for the Training and Doctrine Command’s U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School, U.S. Army Engineer School, and U.S. Army Military Police School, three gender integrated Initial Military Training brigades, and the Army’s largest Noncommissioned Officers Academy.
Over the past several years, Fort Leonard Wood has received numerous additional responsibilities to include supporting a colonel-commanded Marine Corps Detachment and an Air Force Detachment, which are both the largest on any Army installation, a large Navy Seabee Detachment and elements of the Coast Guard train here as well.