Thursday, 7 September
Journey to Fort Leonard Wood
The drive to Fort Leonard Wood from Kansas City took us on Interstate 49 South toward Harrisonville and then turned onto Hwy 7 South and then Hwy 13 South as we headed toward Springfield. Along the way, we crossed Stockton Lake, where we could see the tops of the stumps sticking out of the reservoir water.
In Springfield, we headed east on Interstate 44 and took Exit 161 to continue toward Fort Leonard Wood. Once we entered the post through the Front Gate, it took only about five minutes to reach the RV Park. The journey took about 3.5 hours.
Fort Leonard Wood RV Park
The Fort Leonard Wood RV Park is a small campground that features 12 sites, each equipped with large, level cement pads. We were assigned Slot #1, with a nightly rate of $30. While there were no picnic tables, grills, wi-fi, or other campground-specific amenities, we had access to Post facilities like the Commissary, PX, and Class VI store.
The electrical pedestal at our site had a maximum load of 60 amps, allowing us to use either the 30-amp or 50-amp outlet—but not both simultaneously. The 120V outlets on the pedestal were designated for RV Park maintenance use only. The water spigot required a pull-down motion on the collar to redirect it properly to our hose connection.
Most of the slots were occupied by long-term campers with junk stuffed around their camper. The camper beside us had an unusually high amount of junk, including several grills, broken-down vehicles, and toys. There were also numerous gas cans and propane bottles stuffed under the trailer. I was surprised that the post officials would allow them to live this way as they are usually very particular about how base housing and the barracks are maintained.
Fort Leonard Wood
After we set up the camper, we headed over to a static military equipment park we saw on our way into the post. Here we enjoyed walking around various tactical engineering vehicles.
Uranus
We then drove over to the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. This is a quirky roadside attraction located along Historic Route 66 near St. Robert, Missouri, just a short drive from Fort Leonard Wood. It is known for its offbeat humor, playful branding, and a variety of fun attractions that make it a popular stop for travelers.
We first paid admission to see the Uranus Sideshow Museum. This museum had a small collection of oddities and circus-style attractions featuring vintage sideshow memorabilia, shrunken heads, and other bizarre curiosities. Some of it looked fake, but we were fascinated by the conjoined turtles and other fascinating oddities that made it worth a short stop.
We then walked around the Uranus Fudge Factory and General Store. The main draw of the store is its homemade fudge, which is proudly advertised with the slogan: “The best fudge comes from Uranus!” The gift shop was filled with Route 66 memorabilia, novelty items, souvenirs, and humorous Uranus-branded merchandise. We enjoyed the puns and cheeky humor throughout the store.
We then walked around “The Funkyard,” where they had various fun signs and other static displays, such as the world’s Largest Belt Buckle, dinosaurs, buses, police, and fire trucks. The store and its attractions embrace a lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek style of humor, making it a fun stop for those who appreciate roadside kitsch.
Route 66
We then followed Historic Route 66, which often served as a business route or outer roads along US-44. Historic motels, diners, and attractions still lined the route. Pulaski County has ongoing preservation efforts to maintain historical markers and points of interest that highlight the evolution of Route 66 and its significance in American travel history.
A stretch going through a beautiful forested area near St. Robert and Waynesville had been converted into a divided highway during the 1950s. We reached Devil’s Elbow just east of St. Robert, a scenic and historic area named for a sharp bend in the Big Piney River that once caused frequent logjams during early lumber operations. The highlight of this stretch was the Devil’s Elbow Bridge, a steel truss bridge built in 1923 as part of the original U.S. Route 66 alignment. As we crossed the bridge, we took in the breathtaking scenery of the Big Piney River, with its clear waters winding through towering limestone bluffs and dense forests. The area’s natural beauty and rich history made it a truly memorable drive along our Route 66 adventure.
Friday, 8 September
44th Annual Retiree Appreciation Days – Bus Tour
At 12:30, we began a guided bus tour of Fort Leonard Wood, a major United States Army installation established in 1940. Covering approximately 61,000 acres, much of the fort remains undeveloped. It serves as a training hub for military personnel, particularly in engineering, military police, chemical operations, and military intelligence.
The bus we boarded had been reconfigured with seats facing inward, which provided extra legroom but made it more challenging to see outside. Despite this, the tour took us past several interesting and historically significant areas of the fort.
One of the highlights was the Million Dollar Sandbox, a large training area used by the U.S. Army Engineer School to teach earthmoving and construction techniques. The name reflects the high cost of the machinery involved, including bulldozers and excavators. Here, soldiers gain hands-on experience building roads, airstrips, and fortifications, skills crucial for both combat and disaster relief operations.
We stopped in the parking lot outside the secure fence of the U.S. Army Chemical School, where soldiers train in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) defense. The training incorporates various chemicals to simulate toxic attacks, including chlorine gas, phosgene, and tear gas. Soldiers also learn hazardous materials handling, decontamination procedures, and the use of protective gear such as gas masks, preparing them for real-world CBRN situations.
As we continued, we passed the Prime Power School, which trains soldiers in high-voltage electrical power generation, distribution, and repair for military and disaster relief operations.
We also saw the U.S. Army Military Police School (USAMPS), where military police officers receive training in law enforcement, investigations, prisoner-of-war operations, and battlefield policing.
A particularly meaningful stop on our tour was Building 2101, one of the last remaining World War II-era buildings from the segregated section of Fort Leonard Wood. Constructed in 1941, it initially served as office space before becoming the Black Officers’ Club in 1942. During this era of segregation, the club provided “separate but equal” facilities for African American officers. In 1945, Staff Sergeant Samuel Countee, an artist before his military service, painted a 10-foot mural above the fireplace to enhance the space. The mural remained in the building for 70 years before being removed for conservation and reinstalled in 2018. Though originally built as a temporary structure, its intricate stonework has given it an enduring presence. Between 1943 and 1946, more than 3,000 German POWs were housed at Fort Leonard Wood, contributing to the post’s upkeep, including the stone masonry still visible today. Building 2101 now stands as a symbol of African American, military, and artistic history, and visitors can view Countee’s mural by stepping inside the historic Black Officers’ Club.
Throughout the tour, the guide engaged us with trivia questions, and winners received a P-38 can opener along with a certificate explaining its significance. The P-38 is a small, military-issued tool designed to open canned rations. First introduced during World War II as part of the U.S. military’s C-ration field meals, it remained in use for decades. The name “P-38” is thought to reference the 38 punctures typically required to open a standard military can, though some suggest it refers to its 1.5-inch length.
Driving around the Post
After the tour, we had no scheduled activities until 5 p.m. so we visited the Post Exchange. We ate lunch in the food court where we enjoyed watching the young soldiers and then walked around the exchange to browse. Afterward, we drove to the Military Clothing Store, the only authorized source for government-certified uniforms on post. In addition to carrying all required bagged and issued items, the store offered a wide selection of optional and commercial products, including tactical gear and military-themed gifts. I always enjoy looking through the tactical items. We purchased a stuffed bear dressed in an Army uniform as a gift for a friend whose son was in Basic Training, a “Retired Army” car magnet, and a pair of shower shoes for me.
Retiree Appreciation Dinner
From 6-9 pm, we attended a Retiree Appreciation Dinner at the Engineer Regimental Room Museum. Before the dinner was a social hour where we could purchase drinks and enjoy snacks. The guest speaker for the event was Mr. Keith Pritchard, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), Missouri (West). It was a nice event and very well attended by the post leadership and even a visiting general.
Saturday, 9 September
44th Annual Retiree Appreciation Days
Breakfast
From 6-8:15 we enjoyed a free breakfast cooked and served by the local Masons in the USO building. The food was great and we felt very honored by the generosity of the Masons.
Outside, the local Military Police School set up and manned static displays of tactical vehicles, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV)—used for convoy security, reconnaissance, and law enforcement in combat zones—and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, designed to withstand IEDs and ambushes in high-threat areas.
Retiree Town Hall
At 8:30 a.m., we attended the Retiree Town Hall at the Abrams Theater, where Mr. Mark Overberg from Civilian Retirement Services gave a presentation. The session included a slideshow detailing where to find the most up-to-date information on our benefits. The discussion also highlighted the important role retirees play in supporting military recruitment efforts.
One particularly interesting fact I learned was that the highest percentage of the U.S. population composed of military veterans occurred in 1980 when veterans made up about 10% of the total population. This peak was due to the large number of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans still living at the time. Today, that percentage has declined to just 5-6% of the U.S. population..
Health and Benefits Fair
Then, we headed next door to the Health and Benefits Fair, where various on- and off-base organizations had tables showcasing their services. The fair was scheduled to run until 3 p.m., but by 1:30 or 2 p.m., most of the tables were already empty. It was interesting to speak with the representatives, who were eager to share information about their programs. Many also handed out small giveaways—such as keychains, pens, and other promotional trinkets—as souvenirs.
Around noon, we were bused to the dining facility for lunch, where young soldiers undergoing Basic Combat Training (BCT) were eating. For those who had never witnessed the interaction between recruits and their drill sergeants, it was a bit of a shock.
The event concluded with a raffle, where we won bags filled with prizes, including Branson show tickets, Army-themed memorabilia, and apparel. We walked away with several hundred dollars’ worth of Branson tickets!
Regimental Museums
Afterwards we returned to the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex, where we had dined the night before. This time, our goal was to explore the three Army museums housed within it though we did not have very much time before the closed.
First, we visited the U.S. Army Engineer Museum, which showcases the history and evolution of military engineering, including bridge-building, fortifications, and demolitions. The museum features artifacts, dioramas, and interactive exhibits highlighting the work of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Next, we explored the U.S. Army Military Police Corps Museum, which focuses on the role of Military Police (MPs) in the U.S. Army. We learned about the history of military law enforcement, examined historical uniforms and equipment, and explored exhibits covering investigations, prisoner-of-war operations, and battlefield policing.
Finally, we toured the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Museum, dedicated to the history of chemical warfare and defense. This museum details the evolution of protective gear, decontamination techniques, and the Chemical Corps’ role in modern warfare.
All three museums were impressive and provided a fascinating look into these specialized branches of the military.
Sunday, 10 September
The next morning we headed back to Kansas City.