More than 300 service members from the Army, Marines, and Air Force stationed at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood spent December 23, 2019, in Springfield, Missouri, as part of a community-supported “Home for the Holidays” event. The visit was largely coordinated by the City of Springfield and supported by around a dozen local businesses.
Mayor Ken McClure released a video message to thank the community for its support. “I would like to thank our community for proudly stepping up to support the service members from U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood. It was our pleasure to host men and women from the Army, Marines and Air Force to Springfield as a home for the holidays. We greatly appreciate the support from partners and sponsors,” said Mayor McClure.
The service members, most of whom are trainees with an average age of 19, took part in several activities throughout Springfield. Their day began with a welcome rally at Bass Pro Shops, which included tours of Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium and lunch at White River Conference Center. Activities continued with excursions to entertainment venues such as Andy B’s Entertainment for games and laser tag, Historic Gillioz Theater for a movie screening, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park for physical challenges, and concluded with dinner and a holiday concert at Jordan Valley Ice Park.
Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO Johnny Morris expressed his appreciation: “It’s a time for us all to stop and think, be grateful for our many blessings that we have here in America and especially this morning, I’m thankful to my dad, but all of us are all grateful to all of you…and the service you all are doing, all of you and your comrades all around the world. We wouldn’t even be here – stop and think about it – somebody wants to have a bait shop, America is the land of opportunity. You defend the land of opportunity. You defend the greatest nation on earth and we are all so grateful to you. Our home is always your home here, and we’re happy you’re here today and we’re grateful for all you do.”
Several city officials attended events throughout the day including Mayor Pro Tem Phyllis Ferguson—an Army veteran—Councilwoman Jan Fisk (who volunteered alongside her daughter), Councilmen Matt Simpson and Richard Ollis; Missouri House Representative Craig Fishel; as well as representatives from U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley’s offices.
Councilwoman Fisk commented on her involvement: “This has to be my favorite project I have ever been a part of… I hope they will have fond memories of Springfield for a lifetime!” Mayor Pro Tem Ferguson shared on social media: “Out of a simple conversation in July, we welcome these young heroes to our town today. They had a good time they’ll long remember and are grateful for our city’s warm welcome. I’m proud of our citizens and our city. #SpringfieldPride.”
The evening ended with dinner featuring local favorites such as Lucy’s cashew chicken, Mexican Villa dishes, Arris’ Pizza, Harty T’s BBQ, Andy’s Frozen Custard—and live music performed by MSU’s Jazz Ensemble The Other Guys; DaCoMo; and Fire for Effect from the 135th Army National Guard Band.
Major General Donna Martin noted: “For some of them, this could be their first holiday away from home and family… And so events like these where the community opens its arms really mean a lot to them.”
Ozarks Technical Community College also contributed as an event sponsor after expanding its educational programs at Fort Leonard Wood’s Truman Education Center.
Donations continue through United Way of the Ozarks to help cover expenses associated with hosting the event.
