Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has reached out to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin concerning reports that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) might downgrade the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital to a clinic. The hospital, located at Fort Leonard Wood, is an essential facility for service members and their families.
In his letter, Senator Hawley expressed strong opposition to the potential downgrade. "The planned downgrade of the newly built hospital at Fort Leonard Wood is an insult to service members, their families, and rural Missourians in the area. Eliminating a hospital at a major Army training center is frankly shocking," he stated. He questioned how the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to manage training operations if emergency medical services are over 40 miles away.
Hawley also highlighted concerns about safety, economic impact, logistical challenges, and taxpayer burdens that could arise from downgrading the hospital. He urged the DoD to reconsider its decision immediately.
The letter further emphasized that shifting expenses onto Fort Leonard Wood officials and service members would compromise military readiness due to increased travel time for medical services. The Senator pointed out that Fort Leonard Wood's hospital has been serving both military personnel and local residents for decades.
Hawley criticized DHA's decision-making process as well, noting that taxpayers have invested $400 million into upgrading Fort Leonard Wood’s medical facilities with plans for a new hospital opening in early 2025. He demanded an explanation from Secretary Austin regarding why such a significant decision was not communicated earlier to Fort Leonard Wood and Congressional officials.
Alerts Sign-up