A U.S. Army recruit crosses a series of roped bridges during a training session at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Manchester has seemingly been invaded by tourists and city folk; I can’t walk down the sidewalk without passing someone in designer clothes and heels clutching gaggles of shopping bags. It’s the first holiday of the summer, and tourists are in full swing.
Since when, though, did Memorial Day become an excuse to bar-be-que, shop, and play tourist? Since 1861 or 1862 (various records are conflicting—suffice to say it was during the Civil War) folks have observed the first Monday in May as a day to honor the men and women who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces.
U.S. Army night infiltration course. Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
I was fortunate enough to spend some time last fall working with the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Leonard Wood. While many of my best friends are either active duty or retired military, it was an eye-opening experience to see both sides of the military spectrum. At Leonard Wood, I watched recruits take their first steps off the bus into their new lives. We did PT at 0430h, ran through a confidence obstacle course, went through weapons simulation training, and observed night infiltration training under the murky Missouri sky. At Leavenworth, I was able to talk with some of our country’s military leaders, explore the higher levels of training within our military, and talk with foreign officers currently posted at the base for advanced training. And be evacuated from a building due to a bomb scare during the visit of a Chinese delegation, and in that process talk with some pretty awesome guys.
So put down the beer and the hot dog today and take a moment to give thanks to those who have served, those who are serving, and those who are just beginning their military journey.
First steps into a new life. Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Weapons simulation training, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Tags: Military
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Classic photos—good job photographing things most people only speculate about. Will look for more from you.
Thanks much! It was a hell of an experience, and I look forward to working more with the men and women in our military.