By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (April 10, 2024) — Fort Leonard Wood community members were in Jefferson City, Missouri, April 2 to attend a Month of the Military Child ceremony in the Missouri State Capitol building.
About 35 Waynesville School District children took their place on the first floor of the rotunda to watch Missouri government leaders and service members from Missouri’s military installations launch the celebration of military children during the month of April.
Robyn Justice, Thayer Elementary School principal, said her students felt “honored and special” to be part of the celebration. Thayer Elementary School is part of the Waynesville School District and is located on Fort Leonard Wood.
“Military children experience new cultures and differences in every school. They are brave and strong as they encounter so many challenges growing up,” Justice said.
Keynote speakers at the event included Joe Driskill, a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army; Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general; Col. Keith Butler, 509th Bomb Wing commander at Whiteman Air Force Base; State Rep. Bill Hardwick; and Margie Vandeven, Missouri’s Commissioner of Education.
Beck took his opportunity at the podium to speak directly to the military children in attendance.
“Thank you for sharing your parents with us; our country can rely on your moms and dads because of the support you provide,” Beck said. “You will have experiences that a lot of your peers will never have. I challenge you to tell your story. Tell your story to your classmates that aren’t military kids. Tell them about the great opportunities that you have had and the great things you have got to experience.”
Beck said he is the proud father of two sons. When his Army career would take him to a different job, he was committed to serving and they were, too.
“My oldest son moved nine times before he left the house. My youngest moved 11 times before he left the house. They didn’t get a choice when it was time to move and, frankly, moving was easier for me. When I would get to a new location, I went right to work. They would have to adjust to a new school, make new friends and learn a new environment,” Beck said. “They didn’t get a choice, but they were just as committed every single day as I was. I know they are better young men because of it.”
Justice said her favorite part of the ceremony was watching students present their MOMC-themed artwork to the guest speakers.
“They were all given an opportunity in art class to draw a picture conveying a positive message about their life as a military child. I enjoyed watching our students present the framed artwork to the guest speakers as they thanked them for getting to be part of the celebration,” Justice said. “I am so proud of our students and their willingness to be so kind to others. Military children are resilient.”
Missouri’s 2024 Purple Star Award winners were also presented during the event. The Missouri Purple Star school designation is awarded to military-friendly education agencies that have demonstrated a commitment to students and families connected to the military — Waynesville School District was awarded a Purple Star in 2022.
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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.