A Route 66 holiday: Community gathers to kick season off

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)December 4, 2014

A Route 66 holiday: Community gathers to kick season off
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

This year, Fort Leonard Wood residents got into the holiday spirit by celebrating "Mother Road" style during a Route 66-themed Christmas Tree Lighting event Tuesday at Joint Services Park.

With the theme, "Get Your Holiday Kicks on Route 66," the celebration, presented by Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, featured music, activities, arts and crafts and pictures with Santa.

"With the music and lights, it makes me want to go home and put up my Christmas decorations tonight," said Theresa Rutledge, Family member.

To get the cheer started, the 399th Army Band provided music, and a choir from School Age Services performed a couple of Christmas songs.

Santa Claus decided to let the reindeers rest for Christmas Eve as he let the Fort Leonard Wood Fire Department help him with his grand entrance to the celebration.

The excitement could be felt wafting through the air as fire truck sirens neared the park, and he Maj. Gen. Leslie Smith, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, gave a holiday message, and, with the help of some volunteers, flipped the switch to officially illuminate Fort Leonard Wood's Christmas tree.

"Thank you for your service. Thank you for your Families' service. Thank you all for being here tonight," Smith said.

Inside the warm tents, some of the activities included the Bruce C. Clarke Library holding a 'music store,' while the FMWR Auto Skills Center had a 'filling station,' and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers created a classic diner.

Rutledge came to the celebration with her husband and 3-year-old son.

"We came a couple of years ago when he was smaller. We figured he would enjoy the activities this year. And of course, Santa is here. We had to make sure to stop by and see Santa," Rutledge said.

"There are a so many kids activities. It feels like a carnival. It's a wonderful Family event," she added.

Rutledge said free events like this one is making her stay at Fort Leonard Wood more special.

"It's a small community, and there are not a lot of things to do close by. It makes it nice to have fun Family things to do right in our neighborhood," she said.

Military units, local businesses and organizations displayed their large, plywood holiday decorations as part of the Cards to the Community contest.

The FMWR Operation Christmas Card contest winners were: best in show, Electric Krayon; 1st place, Installation Chaplains Office; 2nd place, Department of Public Works; and 3rd place, Department of Emergency Services Military Police Station.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood on Flickr

Fort Leonard Wood Guidon Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonad Wood