Smith Fights to Restore Access to Fort Leonard Wood’s South and West Gates for Families, Workers, and Patients

February 23, 2024

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) sent a letter urging U.S. Army Major General Christopher G. Beck, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Commanding General, to reverse the decision to limit access to Fort Leonard Wood’s South and West gates to prevent any further harm to communities surrounding the installation. As Smith noted in the letter, the gate closures are disrupting commerce and negatively impacting the livelihoods of local families, workers... READ MORE

Honoring Our Heroes

November 8, 2019

The United States is the greatest country on the face of the earth because we join the brilliance of liberty with the incentive of opportunity. However, this combination of prosperity is not a guarantee. It was President Reagan who reminded us that, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” We have remained the envy of the world because ever since... READ MORE

Here to Help

October 4, 2019

When I was a freshman in high school, I was summoned before my local city council over their objections to my FFA project. Their inflexible position forced my family to make a tough decision: if I wanted to keep my project operating—which is ultimately how I paid my way through college—my family and I would be forced to leave town. After multiple attempts to change the city’s mind, we moved outside the city limits. After my experience, I wanted to make sure the government did not intrude on othe... READ MORE

Above and Beyond

March 22, 2019

In the deadliest battles of war, American troops have rushed toward danger and risked their lives to fight for our country and protect their fellow service men and women. This week on March 25th we celebrate National Medal of Honor Day and the brave servicemembers who earned the United States military’s top honor. Medal of Honor recipients have served our country with dignity and valor, and a number of these heroes have called southern Missouri home. Awarded by Congress and presented by the Pres... READ MORE

Thank You, Veterans

November 9, 2018

This Sunday, November 11th is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, which marks the official end of World War I. Today we call the anniversary celebration Veterans’ Day, but the meaning is the same – a day where our country expresses its sincere gratitude for everything our nation’s veterans have done to defend us at home and protect our way of life. Every veteran has sacrificed for you and me in one way or another. It’s not just the physical sacrifice they endure in a grueling bootcamp, a tou... READ MORE

Victory and Valor

August 31, 2018

Seventy-three years ago this week, Americans were eagerly waiting for the end of World War Two. It was a painful war for Missourians, especially those who fought on all fronts and at all levels of the military to secure an Allied victory. Our greatest generation answered the call to serve our country when she needed them most – and unfortunately some of our heroes are still waiting today for their proper recognition. In the darkest hours of the 1940s, Missourians banded together to win the war. ... READ MORE