CBRN regimental anniversary looks at 'Dragons' evolution

By Mr. Mike Bowers (Leonard Wood)June 16, 2016

CBRN regimental anniversary looks at 'Dragons' evolution
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CBRN regimental anniversary looks at 'Dragons' evolution
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Dragon Soldiers, present and past, will be in the spotlight as the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School hosts the 98th Chemical Regimental anniversary from June 23 to 24.

This year's theme is "The Evolution of the Dragon Soldier," which focuses on "where we've been and where we are going in support of the nation's defense as the CBRN counterforce against the threat of weapons of mass destruction," according to Russell Gehrlein, CBRN school operations officer.

A pre-regimental anniversary 5k fun run begins the slate of activities. The run's start time is 8 a.m. Saturday at the Chemical Memorial Grove. The cost to participate is $20.

The run and all regimental anniversary activities are open to the public. Contact Sgt. Maj. Phillip Pennington at 563.4026 to register for the 5k or do so online at www.ozarkccra.org/events.html.

Runners will again take to the streets for the regimental run that begins 5:30 a.m. June 23 at Gammon Field. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Shane Wolfe at 563.2831 for more information.

Brig. Gen. James Bonner, CBRN School commandant and chief of chemical, will lead Dragon Soldiers in the run that will also include the Air Force, Navy, Marines, international liaison officers, Family members, civilians and retirees.

The regiment pays honor to fallen Dragon Soldiers during the Fallen Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. June 24 at the Chemical Memorial Grove. "We will honor our fallen Dragon Soldiers from every conflict who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation," Gehrlein said.

The guest speaker for the event will be retired Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Moten, former 48th CBRN Brigade command sergeant major. For more information about the sunrise service, contact 1st Sgt. Tony Leonvega at 563.7469.

A multitude of events are slated from 9 to 11:30 a.m. June 24 in Baker Theater, beginning with Bonner presenting the state of the regiment address.

The cake cutting ceremony, Sibert Award and Hall of Fame/Distinguished Member of the Corps Induction Ceremony, will follow that event. The Sibert Award recognizes the best CBRN companies in the regiment, active, Reserve and National Guard through a screening process.

Being selected to receive this award is a reflection of the unit's exceptional performance, outstanding leadership, and dedication to mission accomplishment, according to Gehrlein.

This year's winners are: active duty, 172nd CBRN Company, Fort Riley, Kansas; Army National Guard, 690th CBRN Company, Mobile, Alabama; and Reserve, 366th CBRN Company, Savannah, Georgia.

The Green Dragon Ball is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. June 24 in Nutter Field House. Lt. Gen. Thomas Spoehr, Army Office of Business Transformation director and 24th Chief of Chemical and former CBRN school commandant, is the scheduled guest speaker.

The cost to attend is $40, with a dress code of formal military or civilian equivalent. The registration deadline is Sunday. Call Felicia Higgins at 563.6145 to register.

A golf scramble is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25 at the Piney Valley Golf Course. The cost is $55 to play. Contact Pennington at 563.4026 or register online at http://www.ozarkccra.org/events.html.

Visitors to the celebration should be aware of the post's access-control procedures. All persons age 18 years and older must present a state or federally issued picture identification.

Individuals with a driver's license from Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Washington and American Samoa, or those not having a Department-of-Defense-issued-ID card, will need a supplemental form of identification, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate or passport to gain entry onto the installation.

All persons requesting unescorted access will be vetted through the National Crime Information Center prior to being issued an installation pass and should plan for a few extra minutes at the Visitor's Center, according to Fort Leonard Wood's Directorate of Emergency Services.

Contact the Visitor's Center for questions about entry documentation at 573.596.0131, ext. 60590. The center is open 24/7.

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