Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to the acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Dr. Stephen Ferrara, and Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Dr. David J. Smith, voicing concerns about potential changes to the resourcing of Fort Leonard Wood’s General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH).

"In recent weeks, members of my staff have received credible reports that DHA continues to consider major changes to the resourcing of GLWACH. I am particularly worried about the implications of DHA’s shift to the Capitated Accountability Readiness Evaluation (CARE) model, which I understand could considerably shrink the amount of funding provided to GLWACH," Hawley wrote.

He continued, "As I wrote to Dr. Smith last month, significant reductions to GLWACH funding, personnel, or services would degrade the healthcare of thousands of servicemembers and their families, as well as imperil the ability of Ft. Leonard Wood to support its critical military functions."

The senator's letter follows up on correspondence he sent in May 2025 outlining concerns over possible reductions in funding, personnel, and services at GLWACH.

Hawley requested written answers by August 1, 2025 regarding whether DHA intends to reduce resources at GLWACH or change its care and services. He also asked if DHA can commit to maintaining the hospital's current scope of departments and what effects any shift in resourcing models might have on both GLWACH and Fort Leonard Wood. Additionally, he sought clarification on whether input from local stakeholders will be considered before any changes are made.