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The effects of the United States Department of Defense’s recent budget proposal on Fort Leonard Wood are still uncertain to lawmakers, but one thing is definite — what happens at the fort doesn’t always stay at the fort.
The DoD’s proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year is $37 billion less than the 2011 budget and coincides with a new plan for the military to “increase efficiencies” — including the closure of some military installations.
A list of possible closure locations has not been released.
This could mean a number of things for Fort Leonard Wood.
The most drastic possibility would be for the post to find itself on a closure list, and become a shadow of the past.
On a more optimistic look, it could mean continued expansion if it remains open and absorbs programs now housed elsewhere.
Regardless of what happens, local leaders and business people say Rolla’s economy is likely to feel the effects.
“They (military service members and families) definitely shop here, and I do hear from our retail businesses that they do come in and spend money in our shops,” Rolla Chamber of Commerce Director Stevie Kearse said.
According to Kearse, the Chamber of Commerce and Phelps for the Fort Committee work hard to spark interest in Rolla businesses and events among military personnel and their families.
In addition to leisure trips to Rolla, Kearse says many families choose to live in Rolla or move here at retirement, and many military spouses work here.
Missouri’s Fourth District U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler represents Fort Leonard Wood in congress.
"I will be opposing any attempts to form a BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) but believe. If it should transpire, both Missouri installations (Whiteman AFB and Fort Leonard Wood) would be in good stead due to their vital national security missions, excellent leadership, and strong community support,” Hartzler said.
Other leaders have made equally optimistic public statements, including Fort Leonard Wood Maj. Gen. Mark W. Yenter.
It has been reported by other media outlets that Yenter recently visited the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, reassuring that community’s businesss people that the base is not a good target for downsizing.
Missouri’s Eighth District U.S. Rep. JoAnn Emerson seems to agree with him.
“Fort Leonard Wood has a strong reputation throughout the military for being a vital part of military readiness and our commitment to service,” Emerson said. “I think the prospects for growth at Fort Leonard Wood are bright.”
Regardless of how the plan takes shape in Pulaski County, Hartzler has taken a firm stand against the plan characterizing it as “dangerous.”
“I am concerned that today's proposals will weaken our defenses by slashing the Army and Marines as well as mothballing our ships and aircraft,” she said in the press release.
The effects of the United States Department of Defense’s recent budget proposal on Fort Leonard Wood are still uncertain to lawmakers, but one thing is definite — what happens at the fort doesn’t always stay at the fort.
The DoD’s proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year is $37 billion less than the 2011 budget and coincides with a new plan for the military to “increase efficiencies” — including the closure of some military installations.
A list of possible closure locations has not been released.
This could mean a number of things for Fort Leonard Wood.
The most drastic possibility would be for the post to find itself on a closure list, and become a shadow of the past.
On a more optimistic look, it could mean continued expansion if it remains open and absorbs programs now housed elsewhere.
Regardless of what happens, local leaders and business people say Rolla’s economy is likely to feel the effects.
“They (military service members and families) definitely shop here, and I do hear from our retail businesses that they do come in and spend money in our shops,” Rolla Chamber of Commerce Director Stevie Kearse said.
According to Kearse, the Chamber of Commerce and Phelps for the Fort Committee work hard to spark interest in Rolla businesses and events among military personnel and their families.
In addition to leisure trips to Rolla, Kearse says many families choose to live in Rolla or move here at retirement, and many military spouses work here.
Missouri’s Fourth District U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler represents Fort Leonard Wood in congress.
"I will be opposing any attempts to form a BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) but believe. If it should transpire, both Missouri installations (Whiteman AFB and Fort Leonard Wood) would be in good stead due to their vital national security missions, excellent leadership, and strong community support,” Hartzler said.
Other leaders have made equally optimistic public statements, including Fort Leonard Wood Maj. Gen. Mark W. Yenter.
It has been reported by other media outlets that Yenter recently visited the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, reassuring that community’s businesss people that the base is not a good target for downsizing.
Missouri’s Eighth District U.S. Rep. JoAnn Emerson seems to agree with him.
“Fort Leonard Wood has a strong reputation throughout the military for being a vital part of military readiness and our commitment to service,” Emerson said. “I think the prospects for growth at Fort Leonard Wood are bright.”
Regardless of how the plan takes shape in Pulaski County, Hartzler has taken a firm stand against the plan characterizing it as “dangerous.”
“I am concerned that today's proposals will weaken our defenses by slashing the Army and Marines as well as mothballing our ships and aircraft,” she said in the press release.
