FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Fort Leonard Wood garrison leaders hosted a town hall for civilian employees Jan. 17 at Nutter Field House.
Col. Anthony Pollio, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, kicked off the event by thanking everyone for attending, then invited Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Castleberry to the stage to help him recognize some of the garrison’s exceptional employees.
Joe Johnson Jr. was recognized for 35 years of service, then Douglas Singleton II and Guy Caley were recognized for 25 years of service.
Several employees were also recognized for various acts of excellence. They included Angela Merritt, Bryan Enicar, Shannon Suarez, Marc Machado, Patrick Riggins and Samantha Marler.
“Senior leadership appreciates everything that you do,” Pollio said. “Thank you all for supporting the mission.”
The next item on the agenda was the upcoming changes to the times of operation for the West and South gates.
“We have four access control points. Unfortunately, we are only resourced (by U.S. Army Installation Management Command) to man two gates,” Pollio said. “What we have done to make up for the civilian gate guard shortages is borrow military manpower by tasking our units to provide Soldiers to work at the gates. The taskings were impacting the training brigades’ ability to execute their primary mission of training Soldiers. This is why the commanding general decided to reduce the gate hours.”
Starting Feb. 1, the operating hours for the West Gate will be from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The South Gate will be open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
“The Department of Emergency Services team is working with emergency responders who drive through Fort Leonard Wood while responding to emergencies to allow them access outside of normal operating hours,” Pollio said. “The process will be tested to make sure it is going to work.”
Pollio added two off-post town halls are also scheduled for individuals to discuss the gate changes with area civic leaders. The first is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Citizens Center in Roby, south of the installation. The second is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Parker Educational Center in Waynesville.
Pollio said Fort Leonard Wood senior leaders will continue to consolidate feedback about gate access, with a reassessment to occur 60 days after the changes.
He also discussed job vacancies on post.
“The majority of our vacancies are in the Child Development Centers. We have met with the Child and Youth Services team and are working aggressively to hire more people and reduce turnover,” Pollio said.
Workforce Development
Farrah Overman, a Fort Leonard Wood Workforce Development specialist, gave an update on upcoming training opportunities for garrison employees.
A Supervisor Development Course is scheduled for Feb. 13 to 15 in Countee Hall. Click here to register for this course via common access card.
Two more annual training requirement classes will be held March 11 for the Threat Awareness and Reporting Program. The trainings will be offered at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in Thurman Hall.
New employees are invited to attend the New Employee Orientation from March 12 to 15 in Countee Hall. Click here to register for this course via common access card.
Another mandatory annual training, Civilian Personal Readiness, is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 18 in Bldg. 470.
Commander’s Cup
Castleberry introduced the new garrison sports coordinator, Symone Smith.
“I am really excited to get the season started,” Smith said. “Even if you can’t play, you are welcome to come support and cheer on your team.”
Smith said there are several opportunities to get involved with the Commander’s Cup sports calendar this year.
She said bowling registration is due Feb. 6; swimming registration is due Feb. 20; soccer registration is due April 2; 10K registration is due May 14; softball registration is due June 11; and golf registration must be completed by Aug. 5.
For more Commander’s Cup information, call Smith at 573.596.7377 or 4359.
FMWR upcoming events
From the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Jeff Barrett, Business and Recreation chief, highlighted some upcoming events.
He pointed out the Happy Fit Years fitness classes and Winter Bounce House events being held Jan. 20 in Davidson Fitness Center, and the Book Brigade, set for Jan. 25 at the Bruce C. Clarke Library.
“We are kicking off a lot of amazing things for this year,” Barrett said.
Events being planned by FMWR in 2024, include a world wrestling league, dueling pianos, kids fishing derby, pickleball tournament, candy grams, a murder mystery and more. Visit the FMWR website for a complete calendar of events.
The next garrison employee town hall is scheduled for April 17.
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