On Wednesday, August 13, the Sustainable Ozark Partnership (SOP) held its Annual Meeting at The ARK Community & Sports Center in Waynesville, MO. SOP was established in 2012 to formalize support for the Fort Leonard Wood region which includes Laclede, Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties. SOP Chairman and State Representative Bill Hardwick (R-Dixon) opened the meeting stating, “Our goal is to enable the warfighters who defend our nation. If we are successful in supporting the defense missions in Missouri that, in turn, will help our area prosper and help our local families and businesses to be successful.”
SOP’s priorities involve protecting the mission at Fort Leonard Wood along with seeking new opportunities for growth and force structure. The team is actively engaged with all of Missouri’s congressional delegation as well as state political leaders.
Both United States Senator Josh Hawley and Senator Eric Schmitt provided video messages affirming their support for protecting and growing Fort Leonard Wood as well as protecting the new hospital on the installation. Congressman Mark Alford was also present and spoke about specific projects and improvements for Fort Leonard Wood. Congressman Alford emphasized that he is strongly invested in supporting our military and the Fort Leonard Wood community. He noted that America must stay ahead militarily of its pacing threat which is China. He also announced that he is bringing the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to Fort Leonard Wood. Fort Leonard Wood Deputy Commanding General Bradley Leonard pointed out that change is a constant in the military, but new changes also bring new opportunities.
Governor Mike Kehoe met with community leaders in attendance and spoke to the crowd. He talked about his commitment to Fort Leonard Wood and our veterans and their families. The Governor highlighted Missouri’s involvement in defending our country including the Missouri National Guard operational missions from Whiteman Air Force Base. The Missouri Adjutant General, Major General Charlies Hausman, spoke about partnership with the Guard and the active component on Fort Leonard Wood. The National Guard has a three-fold mission: overseas combat deployments, emergency response in its home state, and international partnership programs around the world (the Missouri National Guard’s international partner is Panama).
Representative Bill Hardwick stated: “I feel positive about the unified effort we have and the wins for our area that we have achieved. Still, I definitely think we need to stay focused because, as was mentioned, the national climate and international environment are in a constant state of change.” Hardwick went on to say, “In the long run, we want parallel lines of effort, one being growing the federal mission on post and another being diversifying our economic drivers by leveraging technology invention at Missouri S&T and expanding the manufacturing base in Laclede County. Success leads to more success.”
