FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Fort Leonard Wood garrison leaders hosted a town hall for civilian employees Wednesday at Nutter Field House.
Col. Anthony Pollio, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, kicked off the event by thanking everyone for attending and explaining his intent in hosting a town hall each quarter.
“We appreciate you all coming out for our quarterly town hall,” Pollio said. “Our goal at the garrison headquarters is to be as transparent as possible, making sure that we’re putting out relevant information.”
Pollio and U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Castleberry then recognized some of the garrison’s exceptional employees.
Receiving length-of-service awards were Carolyn Shamburger and Konnye Porter, from the Directorate of Human Resources, for 45 years and 40 years, respectively.
The following individuals received two-star notes from Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, for various acts of excellence:
Jackie Murray, from the Directorate of Resource Management; Angela Merritt, Rachelle Harvey and Rick Roloson, from DHR; Jeff Barrett, from the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Juan Rodriguez, from the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security; Peter Cruz, from the Directorate of Public Works; and Angela McDowell, from Headquarters, Department of the Army.
Pollio also presented a garrison command coin to Beth Shamhart, from the Religious Support Office, for being recognized as a best performer during the Command Inspection Program; he presented certificates to Matthew Wilson, from DHR, for being the second quarter employee of the quarter, and Bryan Rush, from the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, for being the third quarter employee of the quarter; and Pollio recognized the USO’s Kelly Brownfield and her dog, Maverick, who this month was awarded the American Humane Hero Dog Awards Therapy Dog of the Year and the first USO Canine Volunteer of the Year.
Providing a fall safety briefing were Bradley Hilton, with the garrison safety office, and Ron Gregorio, with the fire department.
Hilton discussed wildlife on the roads and the rules of roadkill in Missouri.
“If you’re driving to work and a deer runs out in front of you, stay as calm as you can, stay in your lane, brake firmly and remain vigilant at the task at hand, which is controlling your vehicle,” Hilton said.
Gregorio noted Fire Prevention Week is coming up in October, and the kick-off event, Fire Fest, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Exchange parking lot. The family-friendly event provides attendees of all ages opportunities to meet firefighters, see fire trucks, tour the fire safety trailer, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and learn about fire prevention and response. Call 573.596.0886 for more information.
He also spoke about leaf removal, noting three common methods: raking and bagging, mulching and burning. While burning leaves is not authorized on the installation, Gregorio said employees living off post should contact their local fire department to ask if a burn permit is required.
Gregorio discussed space heaters in the office, noting they must be plugged directly into an outlet, not a surge protector. They also must have tip-over protection — meaning if the space heater falls over, it shuts off — and there must be at least three feet of clearance around the space heater.
Smoke detectors save lives, Gregorio said, and he recommended changing the batteries in all smoke detectors in a home twice a year and testing them at least once a month.
He also advised having a home fire escape plan, and to involve the whole family — including children — in the design and practice of the plan.
Tamara Smith, with DFMWR, provided a briefing on some of the amenities available to civilian employees, including the Auto Skills Center, the Daugherty Bowling Center, two fitness centers, the Rec Plex, Leisure Travel Services and more. She also highlighted many events coming up, which can be found here.
“Take advantage of some of these great activities,” Smith said.
Pollio said the next garrison employee town hall is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 7.
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