MSCoE CG and CSM Send: Be safe this holiday weekend as you serve your communities

By Maj. Gen. James Bonner, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph DelapenaJanuary 12, 2022

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FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — On Monday, we will commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership during the Civil Rights movement reshaped our nation and laid the foundation for America to grow into a more perfect union. From the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, to the 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom in Washington, D.C., King was a driving force in bringing equality to all Americans. King’s call to attain a better tomorrow shaped American history.

In 1994, Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a National Day of Service. The theme, “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off,” encourages individuals to dedicate their time to community service in remembrance of King’s remarkable legacy. Every day, we strive to instill the principles of unity and equity into our lives in order to honor his legacy.

In observing this holiday, be safe over the long weekend. Whether you serve locally or if you plan to travel, take care of yourselves, and your teammates. Leaders, ensure that you engage with your team about travel plans, and help assess associated risk. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, wear seatbelts, follow speed limits and do not drive while holding a phone, under the influence, drowsy or otherwise distracted. Ensure your vehicles are fueled and packed with basic winter-driving essentials. Plan for and adjust driving speed and all activities based on weather and environmental conditions.

January is often the coldest month of the year at Fort Leonard Wood. Prepare for weather-related emergencies like power outages, frozen water lines and hazardous road conditions. Leaders should adjust training as needed, take precautions when outdoors and know the symptoms and treatment for cold weather injuries. Take advantage of the Safety and the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation teams in planning safe recreational activities in the area.

We appreciate everything you do in support of mission success here at Fort Leonard Wood. We look forward to seeing you back safe after the weekend, and we are proud to serve with you.

Victory Starts Here — Victory Through Skill!