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MSCoE CG and CSM Send: Veterans Day connects the value of Army service to our community and to our Soldiers for Life

By Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge ArzabalaNovember 6, 2024

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

On November 11, 1918, World War I came to an end, marking the anniversary of the armistice and the end of fighting along the Western Front. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day an official national holiday, eventually renaming it Veterans Day to remember all those who have served – past and present. We encourage you to take the opportunity to thank and honor those who have selflessly served before us; to engage with veterans and families throughout our communities; and to teach others about the significance of our veterans’ service and Veterans Day.

The long weekend provides additional opportunity to spend time with friends and family while enjoying Missouri’s outdoors. To mitigate risk, leaders will emphasize safety and risk management practices and stay engaged with their formations. Every person in the formation will have contact information for the chain of command and for available resources.

Discuss the importance of travel preparations and driver safety including topics such as vehicle inspection; packing emergency supplies; following all laws, including safety belt usage and adhering to the speed limit; and driving prepared and focused. Decreasing daylight and increased deer movement raise the risk of collisions. Adjust speed for limited visibility to increase reaction time. Alcohol increases risk in every activity – do not drive impaired or distracted.

Continue to emphasize hunting safety, including weapon safety and on-post hunting requirements such as mandatory weapons registration with DES prior to on-post entry; required use of iSportsman; and being aware of authorized and unauthorized hunting areas. Whether hunting on or off-post, discuss weapons and firearm safety; safe storage of weapons; and the importance of communicating hunting plans with a battle buddy or loved one. If teammates will be using utility or all-terrain vehicles, discuss required safety equipment and practices. Additional hunting safety tips and laws can be found online from the Missouri Department of Conservation or at the Outdoor Adventure Center on Fort Leonard Wood.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday weekend with family and friends and above all else, celebrating the veterans in your life. We are very proud to serve with you!

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