FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — Whether moving to Fort Leonard Wood, retiring or thinking about going back to college, the word of the day was “transitions” as Fort Leonard Wood officials talked about community resources at February’s Community Information Forum, held Feb. 5 in Lincoln Hall Auditorium.
“All of you see the installation in a different way. This is your installation. I ask that you all look at this forum as an opportunity to exchange concerns, best practices and ideas,” said Col. Steven Bartley, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander. “Please take the information you learn here today and share it.”
Fort Leonard Wood’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Director, Megan O’Donoghue, kicked off the year’s first forum by speaking about the theme — transition services.
“If you are making a transition in your life, we have that information for you,” O’Donoghue said. “Since we are talking about transition, our first speaker today will be Mr. Harris from the transition office.”
Transition Assistance Program
Walter Harris, transition services manager with Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program, said the TAP Center is open for walk-ins and appointments from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday in Bldg. 470, room 2219.
“Our mission is to provide a successful, stress free, transition for you,” Harris said. “The program is available to every service member that has served more than 180 days on active duty.”
A career and education fair is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 27 in Nutter Field House.
FMWR Business and Recreation
Pershing Community Center can host Warrior Banquets for initial entry training units, offering a place for graduates and families to share a buffet-style meal, and a place for leaders to present awards and promotions, and give family day briefings. Call 573.329.2455 for details.
“We will work with the units to theme their event and showcase all the great things their Soldiers have been doing in training. It is followed up with a meal for the families, which allows them to spend some quality time with their Soldier,” said Jeffrey Barrett, FMWR’s Business and Recreation chief. “Another benefit for this is the funds generated — 10% of the funds will go back into the unit for you to use.”
A Super Bowl Watch Party will be held at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 9 at Morelli Heights Bar and Grill.
“The game is free to watch, and we will have the full menu available for purchase,” Barrett said.
Cookies for Cupid orders are being taken online until Feb. 11. Two dozen Valentine’s cookies will cost $13 and can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Feb. 13 or 14.
A Salute to Service Wrestling event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 22 at the Davidson Fitness Center gym. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for golden circle and can be purchased online.
For more information, visit Fort Leonard Wood’s MWR website.
Child and Youth Services
Global Data Transfer is designed to streamline the relocation process for students.
“When you are preparing to move to a new duty station, CYS can upload basic family information into a secure database through GDT,” said Bridget Plummer, CYS School Liaison officer. “If they have shot records, special needs, assessments, or other information in their file we can make sure that is uploaded and able to be retrieved at your new location.”
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families.
“We want to make sure our military students have the same opportunities as students that are not moving,” Plummer said.
The Youth Sponsorship Program is designed to help incoming students make a smooth transition from their previous community and school.
“This is probably one of our most underutilized programs. Just like Soldiers are required to have a sponsor to help them move from one garrison to another, the Youth Sponsorship Program connects youth to make sure they have a friendly face they can ask questions to before, during and after their move,” Plummer said.
The Civilian Employment Assignment Tool program is available for non-appropriated fund employees level NF-3 and below.
“Our direct childcare providers can transfer their position from one CYS location to another within any Army garrison,” Plummer explained.
For more information, call CYS at 573.596.0238 or visit their website.
Better Opportunities for Single Service members
Staff Sgt. Cameron Gansert-Copeland, the vice-president for Fort Leonard Wood’s BOSS program, said the program is open to single service members of any rank and any branch.
“Please encourage your single service members to get out of the barracks and come participate,” Gansert-Copeland said. “In the middle of February, we have a ski and snowboarding trip that I am really excited about.”
For more information about the BOSS program, call 573.563.5967. For a list of upcoming events, visit their website.
Home Based Businesses
HBB owners need to obtain approval from the garrison commander through MWR to operate on Fort Leonard Wood. HBB owners can find the application online.
“There is no cost to register, and it is a very simple process,” O’Donoghue said.
HBBs include businesses such as hairstylists, meal preparation, baked goods, pet grooming, massage therapy, pet sitting, multi-level sales and retail sales from home.
Armed Forces Wellness Center
The AFWC offers help with aerobic fitness, strength and endurance training, flexibility, body composition, weight management, nutrition, stress management, sleeping habits, tobacco cessation and goal setting.
Services are free and open to service members, their families, retirees and Department of Defense civilians.
To schedule an appointment, call 573.596.9677.
Harry S. Truman Army Education and Personnel Testing Center
The next Basic Skills Education Program class is scheduled for March 11 to 25. BSEP helps students study for the General Technical portion of the Armed Forces Classification Test.
For more information visit their website.
Religious Support Office
The RSO is looking for Vacation Bible School volunteers to help from July 21 to 25 at the Main Post Chapel. To volunteer, email Martha Strong at martha.a.strong.civ@army.mil.
Marriage wellness events are scheduled for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Feb. 21 and another on Feb. 22. Registration closes Feb. 14. To register, email Martha Strong at martha.a.strong.civ@army.mil.
For more information, visit the RSO’s website.
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