Community Salute to Service set for Wednesday

By Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs OfficeMay 4, 2023

Fort Leonard Wood senior leaders and Missouri dignitaries applaud future service members from high schools across South-Central Missouri at the 2022 Community Salute to Service. This year’s event is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Waynesville High School.
Fort Leonard Wood senior leaders and Missouri dignitaries applaud future service members from high schools across South-Central Missouri at the 2022 Community Salute to Service. This year’s event is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Waynesville High School. (Photo Credit: Photo by Dawn Arden, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Future service members from high schools across South-Central Missouri will be honored for their commitment to serve their country at the Community Salute to Service event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Waynesville High School.

In attendance will be Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Rolla, Missouri-native, Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe; Maj. Gen. James Bonner, commanding general of the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood; Maj. Gen. Levon Cumpton, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard; and Dr. Margie Vandeven, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education commissioner.

Additionally, Fort Leonard Wood’s 399th Army Band will provide live music, and Waynesville High School’s Junior ROTC color guard will post the colors.

According to Waynesville R-VI School District Superintendent Hilary Bales — who will also serve as master of ceremonies for the event — students from area high schools will be individually recognized by the branch of the military they are joining.

“I invite everyone in South-Central Missouri to come and help us honor these students who are raising their hand to serve,” Bales said. “With our close proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, we are honored to host this event and celebrate students, whose college and career readiness plans include selfless service. Less than 1 percent of Americans join the military, and it is an honor to recognize these students."

Capt. Taumaloto To’o, Mid-Missouri Recruiting Company commander, said he looks forward to seeing these future service members honored in front of their families, teachers and coaches, along with some of the important decision makers from across the state. To’o, who oversees 38,000 square miles of recruiting territory across much of central Missouri, said these high school students have demonstrated their willingness to assume a level of responsibility most young people do not experience.

“We proudly support our future service members as they take an oath to serve this great nation,” To’o said. “It is a privilege to see their progression as they embark on this journey towards excellence. I am very proud of them.”

Visit the Fort Leonard Wood Facebook page or the Waynesville R-VI School District Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on the event. Additionally, the Salute to Service will be livestreamed on Tiger TV Channel 12 and on the district’s Facebook page.