FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI- Karen Hood, CTIS, Marketing Relations Manager of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau & Visitors Center has been recognized as Community Supporter of the Quarter by United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. In an Appreciation of Excellence Award Ceremony held at Baker Theater, April 22, 2014, Ms. Hood was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Commanding General Leslie C. Smith and Command Sergeant Major Terrence Murphy. Ms. Hood was selected for this honor due to “her tremendous support she has provided and continues to provide to our service members and their Families. As the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau and Visitors Center Marketing Relations manager, Karen has made Fort Leonard Wood a tourist destination and in the process, helped tell the Army story to countless visitors. From the countless reunion tours she coordinates, to the events and activities she helps facilitate, her work on behalf of the Fort Leonard Wood community and Pulaski County is truly exceptional.”
United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Commanding General Leslie C. Smith, and Command Sergeant Major Terrence Murphy present Karen Hood, Pulaski County Tourism Bureau with Certificate of Appreciation for Community Supporter of the Quarter. Photo by M. Curtis.
Ms. Hood has been working with group travel planners and military reunion coordinators on behalf of Pulaski County Tourism Bureau since 2008. In 2011 Hood completed the American Bus Association’s Certified Travel Industry Specialist Program through Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Upon receiving the Community Supporter of the Quarter she commented “I am very proud, and honored to receive this recognition. I work with United States Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence on a regular basis, and together, we ensure that motor coach tours and military reunions visiting Pulaski County, Missouri have an excellent experience at Fort Leonard Wood. Many tour operators and coordinators have remarked their experiences here have exceeded their expectations and they were blown away by our county’s hospitality and friendliness. I love being the ‘boots on the ground’ for these folks and looking forward to facilitating many, many more military reunions for our country’s greatest asset- our veterans.”
The quarterly event is intended to reward those who support the principles of the Army Values through outstanding achievements, volunteerism, acts of selfless service, initiative and creativity. It also recognizes the surrounding communities that support the post.
Pulaski County USA 
Congratulations goes out to Karen Hood! She is the best at working with tour buses, military reunions, and anything in between! She is an asset to this county!