Summary
Mark Alford wants a spotlight at the Ozarks sustainability summit—but he’s done nothing to support Fort Leonard Wood or rural strategy until now.
Fort Leonard Wood Deserves More Than a Campaign Pit Stop
By Ricky Dana, Candidate for U.S. House – Missouri’s 4th District
The Sustainable Ozarks Partnership’s annual regional meeting is one of the most important public-facing events in our part of the state. It’s where leaders from Pulaski, Phelps, Laclede, and Texas counties come together with military advocates, business leaders, and local officials to chart a course for the future of Fort Leonard Wood and the surrounding region.
This isn’t just another meeting. It’s strategic. It’s essential. And it’s all about long-term success—not short-term political gain.
Mark “Awful” Alford Is Suddenly Interested
KRMS Radio reports that Congressman Mark “Awful” Alford is now planning to attend this year’s SOP meeting on August 13. But where has he been up to now? Silent. Absent. Unengaged.
For nearly four years, Alford has done nothing meaningful to advance regional coordination, support Fort Leonard Wood’s mission, or show up for the communities that make the base successful. He hasn’t led. He hasn’t listened. And he hasn’t helped move us forward.
Now that it’s campaign season, he wants a seat at the table.
Supporting Fort Leonard Wood Is Year-Round Work
The communities that support Fort Leonard Wood don’t just care about it during election years—we depend on it every single day. Local infrastructure, workforce training, and economic development plans all revolve around the base’s mission and stability. The SOP meeting is designed to bring those voices together to build regional strength—not to host campaign speeches.
Alford showing up now isn’t leadership. It’s optics. It’s an election-year stunt meant to grab headlines and pad his résumé. But he can’t undo years of neglect with one appearance.
Real Representation Means Showing Up All Year
Fort Leonard Wood deserves a representative who is present, engaged, and willing to do the behind-the-scenes work to secure long-term support for the base and the region around it. That means building relationships, fighting for funding, and making sure rural voices are heard in Washington—whether or not the cameras are rolling.
I’m not interested in last-minute appearances. I’m committed to year-round advocacy. I’ve worked in agriculture, I’ve worked with rural communities, and I understand the value of Fort Leonard Wood to our families and economy.
We don’t need another ribbon-cutter. We need a partner. I intend to be that partner for the people of Missouri’s 4th District and the service members who call Fort Leonard Wood home.
Sources:
Sustainable Ozarks Partnership Gears Up for Annual Regional Meeting – KRMS Radio
S.O.P. Annual Meeting Info – My Ozarks Online
About Sustainable Ozarks Partnership – SOP Official Site
Mark “Awful” Alford Voting Record – U.S. House of Representatives
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