What To Do On A Family Day In Leonardwood?

Explore the best family adventures in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, including thrilling parks, educational museums, and fun activities for kids. For the first time, more than 300 Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers will participate in a combined graduation ceremony on July 25 at 10 a. m. on Gammon Field. For those looking for outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, Fort Leonard Wood has plenty of options for family fun and entertainment.

Fort Leonard Wood Recreation Complex offers a variety of activities for families, including go karts, 18-hole golf, and more. The Bow and Barrel Sportsmen Center provides hours of fun for the whole family, while the MWR Rec Plex offers a variety of activities for a full day of family fun.

For family day, trainees are expected to attend a small awards ceremony in the morning and be dismissed to see their families for the day. The region welcomes visitors from throughout the United States and is excited about planning time in the area. There are many programs available, such as the Independence Day Celebration, Oktoberfest, Tree Lighting Celebration, Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, and concerts.

The Fort Leonard Wood Region welcomes visitors from throughout the United States and is excited to welcome them. For family day, there will likely be a small awards ceremony in the morning, followed by a deadline to be back. Other community events include tree lighting, breakfast with Santa trees for troops, the FLW Poker Series, Taco Tuesdays, exploring Miller’s Cave, visiting the U. S. Army Engineer Museum Tour, Bluff Dwellers Cave, eating at Blackjack Bar and Grill or Ozark Tavern, and bowling at Here Comes the Sun.

For those traveling on I-44, they must use exit 161 towards Fort Leonard Wood and enter the main gate using the far-left lanes 1 or 2.

What Happens On Family Day At Fort Leonard Wood?

Family Day varies by company and unit, typically showcasing trainees' 10-week accomplishments, alongside base access for families. While an off-base pass is rare and at the command's discretion, most Family Days include a morning awards ceremony, after which trainees are released to their families, usually returning by 5 PM. At Fort Leonard Wood, a notable event includes a combined graduation ceremony for over 300 soldiers on July 25 at 10 AM. Information regarding Family Day activities will be provided by each unit.

Generally, graduates are restricted to the post on Family Day, with off-post privileges granted on graduation day itself. The duration of family visits depends on graduation times. For instance, if the ceremony is at 9 AM, families can expect to have most of the day with their soldiers. Family Day is intended to last until 7 PM, allowing ample time for families and soldiers to enjoy various activities together. After a year of virtual ceremonies due to COVID-19, large gatherings resumed, enabling families to participate in in-person events.

There are also local attractions for families during their visit to Fort Leonard Wood, including dining, hotels, and recreational activities. Overall, Family Day is designed for families to reconnect and celebrate their soldiers' achievements.

What Time Is The Fort Leonard Wood Retreat?

At 5 P. M. daily, the "Retreat" ceremony signals the end of the workday at Fort Leonard Wood, a U. S. Army Training Center in Missouri. This tradition involves securing the U. S. flag and honoring its significance. During both "Reveille" and "Retreat," individuals outdoors are expected to pause their activities and face the flag, which is located at the corner of J Avenue. "Reveille," meaning "wake up" in French, occurs each morning at 6:30 a.

m., marking the beginning of the duty day and the raising of the flag. During the holidays, minimal staffing is maintained in offices to support mission requirements, and communications with the garrison leadership team can be initiated via phone.

The retreat ceremony serves a dual purpose: it indicates the conclusion of the official duty day and respects the flag's symbolism. Moreover, events, such as the 248th Army Birthday Celebration and the Military Police Regimental Retreat, showcase unit pride and camaraderie. Fort Leonard Wood adheres strictly to military protocols. The Visual Information Center is also available for official photographs for the Department of the Army. Overall, retreat ceremonies emphasize the service members' dedication to serving with dignity and respect while fostering community connections and morale within the installation.

What Do You Wear To Fort Leonard Wood Graduation?

Graduation at Fort Leonard Wood does not have a set dress code, allowing attendees to choose their attire. Given that ceremonies can take place both indoors and outdoors, it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather, especially for outdoor events. During the graduation, soldiers will wear their Class "A" uniform, which is the formal Army attire. Guests are encouraged to wear anything from casual clothing to more formal outfits, ensuring comfort, especially with footwear, as the ceremonies may require standing for extended periods.

The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood allow in-person attendance at graduations, and visitors typically do not require passes unless specified by the unit. It's advisable for attendees to check the schedule for their soldier's specific graduation date and time, as well as unit regulations concerning on-base passes. The first class of trainees to graduate in the new Army Green Service Uniform did so recently, and many military-related items and apparel can be found at local shops.

For the best experience, families should check their soldier's unit Facebook page for real-time updates and livestream options. Overall, Graduations at Fort Leonard Wood celebrate the successful completion of rigorous training programs and provide families with a chance to support their soldiers.

Do You See Your Marine On Family Day?

Families can see their recruit during Marine recruit training on Family Day, which is the day before Graduation. Visits are not allowed until Family Day. Breakfast items can be purchased at Marine Mart in MCX Mall or Common Grounds Cafe. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony, witnessing their recruit earn the title of United States Marine. Arrive early, as there are activities to enjoy on base, such as bowling, dining, shopping, and exploring MCRD Parris Island.

Family Day begins with a Commander’s Motivational Run, providing the first glimpse of new Marines. Clear signs will guide attendees to different battalions. Family Day occurs on Thursday, prior to graduation, offering family members the chance to embrace their Marines for the first time. Information about graduation schedules and events will be provided that day. After AIT, Marines typically take ten days of leave, while the day before graduation includes planned activities for families.

The Family Day Ceremony starts at 9:30 AM on Thursday. Tours during Family Day can help families learn about their Marine's training experiences over 12 weeks of boot camp. Every attendee, including the new Marine, must be registered for the Meet and Greet/DI Dinner to access MCRD San Diego. Overall, Family Day is a pivotal moment for families and their recruits, marking a significant milestone in the Marine training journey.

What City Is Closest To Fort Leonard Wood?

Fort Leonard Wood, situated in South Central Missouri, is adjacent to St. Robert and Waynesville in Pulaski County. It is approximately 130 miles east of St. Louis and 80 miles west of Springfield via I-44. The surrounding area features notable towns and cities, including Rolla and Lebanon, both ideal for day trips. Within a 25-mile radius of Fort Leonard Wood, there are many small towns and suburbs to explore.

Key nearby locations include Rolla (44 km / 27 miles), Lebanon (45 km / 28 miles), and Houston (46 km / 28 miles). The Missouri University of Science and Technology is located in Rolla alongside the Mark Twain National Forest, the state's only national forest.

Fort Leonard Wood's proximity to a regional airport, Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport (3 miles away), facilitates access for travelers. Major cities like St. Louis (122 miles) and Kansas City (164 miles) are also accessible. The area includes other small communities such as Plato, Edgar Springs, and Crocker, providing further exploration opportunities. Whether embarking on a short weekend trip or a day trip, the surrounding towns offer various activities and scenic spots, making Fort Leonard Wood a strategic location for both military personnel and visitors alike.

Can Families Visit Fort Leonard Wood?

Access to Fort Leonard Wood requires compliance with specific regulations for visitors without a DOD-issued ID card. Such visitors must have a valid reason for entry, undergo a criminal history background check, and receive a FLW pass. The installation, located in Pulaski County, MO, serves around 13, 000 residents and offers 40 family-friendly activities, including military museums, bowling, movies, and boat rentals. Individuals aged 18 and older must submit a pre-registration request for visits.

On FAMILY DAY and GRADUATION DAY, U. S. citizens can gain entry without a pass or background check by presenting a state-issued ID at the gate. Fort Leonard Wood spans approximately 62, 000 acres and sees around 28, 600 vehicle movements daily through its four access points. For those planning to attend Family Day or Graduation, an installation visit request should be submitted no earlier than 30 days before the event. Visitors frequenting the base at least once a week also need a pass.

The installation supports families with various activities catering to children and youth, ensuring a fulfilling visit for all. For further information about visitor access and requirements, individuals can consult the official Fort Leonard Wood Visitors Access page.

Can You Drive Through Fort Leonard Wood?

Embark on a self-guided driving tour of Fort Leonard Wood, enhancing your visit to the Mahaffey Museum Complex, situated in the largest military training installation in the United States. This tour highlights key sites such as the Main Post Headquarters Memorial, Garlington House, and Soldiers Memorial Park. Visitors aged 18 and over must show government-issued photo ID; those without a DoD ID need a valid reason for access and must pass a criminal background check to receive a FLW pass. Starting June 1, 2023, only state-issued IDs compliant with the Real ID Act of 2005 will be accepted.

To access Fort Leonard Wood via Interstate 44, take exit 161 and enter the main gate using lanes 1 or 2. The installation lies in the Ozarks, approximately 130 miles west of St. Louis and 90 miles east of Springfield. Visitors must have current vehicle insurance and registration when driving on post; renters should also have proof of insurance. Additionally, Missouri residents aged 16 or older are required to possess a Missouri driver’s license.

Recently, a trusted traveler program was introduced to ease gate congestion, allowing certain DoD ID cardholders to escort guests onto the installation without individual ID checks.

Can Friends Go To Military Graduation?

Currently, there is no limit on the number of friends and family members who can attend graduation ceremonies for basic training across various military branches, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. However, large groups may need to sit separately as stands fill up. No formal invitation is necessary, and children are welcome to attend these ceremonies. Dress should be appropriate for the occasion.

Family members can obtain a permissive TDY (temporary duty) for graduations from basic training or tech school, or for house hunting or medical appointments requiring overnight stays. At Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, the graduation ceremony, also known as Pass-In-Review, is a formal event celebrating the recruits' dedication and hard work. Families can witness graduates' accomplishments starting July 22, 2021.

Those with valid military/DoD IDs can access the base and the ceremony under normal rules. For BMT graduation, a background check is mandatory for all attending family and friends. It's important to discuss attendance with the trainee beforehand. Note that while there are generally limits on the number of guests for some military training centers, family and friends with military IDs can sponsor additional guests. Overall, planning is essential to ensure a smooth and celebratory experience for the graduates and their loved ones.

What Happens At Family Day In The Army?

Family Day takes place the day before Basic Combat Training graduation, allowing new U. S. Army Soldiers to reunite with their loved ones after their training journey began. Typically, soldiers receive a one-day, on-post pass during the afternoon, permitting visitors to leave and re-enter the installation; however, the soldiers themselves are under restrictions. Family Day is commonly celebrated across various Basic Training camps, but at Fort Benning, GA, for OSUT (infantry or armor training), it occurs over a separate weekend.

This event precedes a momentous Graduation Day, which features formal ceremonies and parades. The "Family Day Pass" is granted after the Turning Blue Ceremony, allowing soldiers limited time with their families before graduation. Scheduled for August 4, 2025, at Waybur Theater, with graduation on August 5 at 8 AM on Brooks Field, Family Day includes family engagement, briefings, and a chance to bond after 10 weeks of separation.

Each unit provides information about its specific Family Day activities and available benefits for families. Overall, Family Day offers an opportunity for soldiers to showcase their achievements and reconnect with family in a meaningful setting.