Fort Leonard Wood announced the reestablishment of 24/7 access to its South Gate Monday, April 22. It will begin Monday, May 6.
“I am proud of the tremendous work our Garrison team conducted during the 60-day assessment on the changes to the South and West gates,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck. “The team and I understood the concerns that were raised, we listened and we worked diligently to analyze new technology and personnel procedures, which has led to adjustments at the South and West gates based on the efficiencies gained, additional resources that are now available, and our ability to make these adjustments while still reducing military manpower at the gates. We will continue to assess and analyze the effectiveness of our gate operations while ensuring the safety and security of all those who live, work and visit Fort Leonard Wood.”
In December 2023, the Fort announced its decision to close the gate between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. Upon hearing the announcement, south gate communities of Evening Shade, Plato, Roby, Success and Licking began to express concerns.
Residents contacted community leaders, organizations and elected officials. They made ICE comments to Fort Leonard Wood and alerted news channels.
State Reps. Bennie Cook and Bill Hardwick got involved and many residents received responses from U.S. Sens. Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley.
On January 25, a town hall with Beck, and other senior leaders, was held. At the town hall, active-duty and retired military, families, medical personnel, contractors, first responders, business owners, contractors, DA civilian retirees and even teenagers lined up for hours to voice their concerns. The town hall was scheduled to last from 6:30 to 8 p.m. but went well past 9 p.m. Leadership from Fort Leonard Wood promised a 60-day assessment of gate operations, but residents hoped the town hall would prevent the gate from closing at all. When Feb. 1 arrived, the gate was closed and locked at 9 p.m. for the first time since the establishment of Fort Leonard Wood
On Feb. 23, a letter from U.S. Rep. Jason Smith demanded answers from Beck regarding his decision to change the hours at the gates.
“It’s unacceptable that Fort Leonard Wood leadership, despite significant concern within the community, reduced the operating hours for the South and West gate entrances for people who visit and travel through the installation,” said a press release from Smith’s office. Smith’s letter reiterated many concerns including the economic harm to the community that supports the daily operations of Fort Leonard Wood and the dangers in delaying access to emergency care. Smith concluded the letter with four questions regarding the decision and requested responses in writing by March 1, encouraging Beck to reverse his decision.