FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Nov. 15, 2019) — The following Fort Leonard Wood announcements are for the week of Nov. 25-Nov. 29.

Dec. 3

Fort Leonard Wood’s Tree Lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Joint Services Park. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the lighting of the Installation Christmas Tree and a special visit from Santa. There will be musical entertainment, photos with Santa and hot drinks and snacks provided by the USO of Missouri. For more information, call 573.596.6913.

Dec. 9

A new, non-exclusive agreement will soon open Fort Leonard Wood’s taxi service to competition from anyone possessing a valid chauffeur driver’s license from the state of Missouri. Applications for the new permit will be accepted starting Dec. 9, and permits will be in effect starting Jan. 1. Taxi companies can pay for their permit at the MWR warehouse (2347 Louisiana Ave.). Applicants will be charged an annual fee of $25 per vehicle for the permit. Payments can be made by check, payable to IMWRF, or credit card at the time of acceptance of their application. Just as before, the new permit is solely for the vehicle. All drivers must be vetted through regular post entrance security procedures, with FMWR as the sponsor. For more information on the new permits, call 573.596.0118.

Dec. 10

Trees for Troops pick up for Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard and spouses is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Auto Skills Center. For your safety, the tree lot will not open until the Fed Ex trucks are unloaded and clear of the area. Must have a military ID and sign in at the Auto Skills Center before receiving a tree. Pick up for all authorized personnel will be Dec. 11 while supplies last.

Dec. 14

Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for 8 a.m. Dec. 14 at Pershing Community Center. Enjoy a visit with Santa with activities and crafts. $11 for ages 11 and up, $6 for ages 4-10, and free for children 3 and under. Breakfast includes bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, tater tots, waffles, toppings, fruit, juice and coffee. Advanced registration is required by Dec. 11. For more information, call 573.596.6913.

Dec. 16

The 399th Army Band presents their holiday concert 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon, Mo.

Dec. 17

The 399th Army Band presents their holiday concert 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Main Post Chapel, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Dec. 20

The Defense Military Pay Office in Bldg. 470 will be closed from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 20, and will re-open at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 23. Any service member with an emergency should call 317.361.0198 or 317.363.7133 during closure times.

Ongoing

On-post housing residents should have received an email-based survey Nov. 12 from armyhousingsurvey@celassociates.com to validate whether or not housing concerns are being addressed on Fort Leonard Wood. Anyone who didn’t receive the email link to the survey, or who may have deleted the email, may request it be re-sent by emailing back to the same address above. All responses to the survey are confidential and anonymous. However, residents have the option of providing contact information if they wish.

A new, non-exclusive agreement will soon open Fort Leonard Wood’s taxi service to competition from anyone possessing a valid chauffeur driver’s license from the state of Missouri. Applications for the new permit will be accepted starting Dec. 9, and permits will be in effect starting Jan. 1. Taxi companies can pay for their permit at the MWR warehouse (2347 Louisiana Ave.). Applicants will be charged an annual fee of $25 per vehicle for the permit. Payments can be made by check, payable to IMWRF, or credit card at the time of acceptance of their application. Just as before, the new permit is solely for the vehicle. All drivers must be vetted through regular post entrance security procedures, with FMWR as the sponsor. For more information on the new permits, call 573.596.0118.

As part of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s (CID) continued effort to recruit the best of the best to become special agents, CID is currently seeking Military Police Investigators (MPI) from Career Management Field (CMF) 31 to become CID Special Agent Warrant Officers. The application timeframe begins in December and runs through May 2021.   Approved applications will be considered by warrant officer accession boards convening in FY 20 and FY 21.  Qualified MPI applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the USACIDC Recruiting Operations Cell (ROC) at 571.305.4348 to speak with the USACIDC recruiting team regarding questions about the process and to start the application process.

The Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment and Military Services Coordinator are now located in Bldg. 470, Room 1108. For more information, call 573.563.5853.

The Fort Leonard Wood Blood Donor Center will be closed Dec. 24-25, 31 and Jan. 1. The center is normally open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays through Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.

The weather may be colder outside, but for Fort Leonard Wood golfers who want to keep their skills honed, it’s a good time to take advantage of the honor system at Piney Valley Golf Course. PVGC began its winter hours last week, reducing its operating hours and started its annual honor system for those who play outside those hours. Honor system rates are $5 for nine holes or $10 for 18 holes. Fees can be placed in the collection boxes at the course. PVGC is currently open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., when regular rates apply. The off-season is also a good time to learn the game of golf. As such, PVGC is extending its series of free lessons for service members on Saturdays with indoor sessions starting Dec. 7. Lessons will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at Specker Gym. For more information about the winter season at Piney Valley Golf Course, call 573.329.4770.

Help the community celebrate the holiday season by entering the Cards to the Community competition. Design your larger-than-life holiday card to be displayed throughout the season. Bragging rights for the top three cards and best overall. This event is open to the public. Register by Nov. 29. Contact the Installation Wide Events Office at 573.596.6913 for more information.

Santa Suit Rentals will be available from November through December at the Middle School/Teen Center. Rentals are first come, first served. Cost for Santa suit is $65. You can be Mrs. Claus for $55 or dress up as an elf for $45. Payment is required for reservations. Price includes a 24-hour rental. All money supports the Fort Leonard Wood youth program. For more information call, 573.596.0209.