The Army is asking for public comment on its plan to
reduce its end strength and realign its forces over the coming years prior to
2020. The reduction for Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) would be up to 3,900 soldiers
and Army civilians. This would be a loss of 41% of permanent staff at FLW. The
model the Army uses also projects a loss of 450 direct and 504 indirect jobs in
the region.
This call for public comment is our opportunity as
citizens, business owners, community leaders, support organizations and policy
advocates to let our voices be heard by the Army before their suspense of March
21, 2013. We encourage everyone to participate in this unique opportunity
to provide the Army with our feedback. We ask that everyone serve as an
Ambassador in supporting this initiative and spreading the word to all of our
fellow community members. We encourage the submission of individual,
organizational and collective feedback from the different perspectives that you
are willing to share. Strong responses from the region and our state supporters
are needed so that the Army understands the impact that the proposed cuts will
cause locally, regionally and within the state. We encourage everyone to share
their thoughts on the idea that the Army should consider Fort Leonard Wood for
growth and new missions instead of cuts to its military population.
Below is a link to a Sustainable Ozarks Partnership
webpage that provides background information; and a sample memorandum that
provides a format that can be individualized and sent to the Army directly from
the webpage. You can also add to the memo any additional comments you
wish to make discussing either the adverse impact of the proposed cuts or the
benefits of a growing FLW.
There is also an editable letter provided in a Word
format for a more in depth response to the Army if desired. You may want
to use your letterhead for this letter. Also on this webpage are copies
of the Army’s comprehensive plan, an executive summary, and the portion of the
plan that addresses Fort Leonard Wood specifically.
Please also consider passing this link on to other
groups that share our interest in maintaining and growing Fort Leonard
Wood. We need strong responses from the region and our state supporters
so that the Army understands how painful the proposed cuts would be and that
the Army should consider Fort Leonard Wood for growth, not cuts.
If you have questions, please call 573-855-8312, or
email info@SustainableOzarks.org.
The webpage link is www.SustainableOzarks.org/CallToAction.
The suspense is
March 21.
March 21.
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