Manhattan Military Relations Luncheon

At the Military Relations Luncheon in Manhattan, Senator Jerry Moran and Brigadier General Kevin Williams highlighted Fort Riley's strategic role, regional infrastructure projects, and defense appropriations. Additional speakers recognized the Army Ten Miler teams, announced university and veteran initiatives, and shared details on upcoming community fundraising and Veterans Day events.

Fort Riley Strategy and Appropriations

1. Senator Moran reported visiting Fort Greely, Alaska, to observe missile defense operations against potential threats from North Korea or China, noting potential future applications or roles for Fort Riley.
2. Recent engagements included visiting the Combat Aviation Brigade in Illesheim, Germany, meeting USAREUR-AF leadership, and hosting the Acting Secretary of the Army.
3. Core infrastructure spending priorities for Fort Riley remain Irwin Army Hospital, barracks, housing, and schools, with an ongoing effort to bring additional units and personnel even if a full third brigade cannot return.

Division Command and Regional Integration

1. Brigadier General Kevin Williams addressed the luncheon, emphasizing Fort Riley's role as a primary power projection platform and underscoring the strong relationship with regional communities.
2. Approximately 5,500 children of military families attend schools off-installation, and 4,700 families own homes throughout the region.
3. Fort Riley has received four Army Community Partnership Awards in the past eight years, with its intergovernmental support agreements cited as leading the nation.

University and Veteran Programs

1. Kansas State University currently has 2,650 military-affiliated students, representing 12% of the student body.
2. A participant introduced retired Command Sergeant Major Adam Wolf as the incoming director of K-State's Military Affairs Resource Center, where he will co-lead operations with Logan.
3. K-State approved an initiative allowing active-duty soldiers at Fort Riley to take university courses at $250 per credit hour..

Community Initiatives and Upcoming Events

1. The Army Ten Miler team from Fort Riley finished fifth overall at the national race in Washington, D.C., hosted alongside teams from K-State and Wichita State University.
2. Operation Santa Claus served 1,860 children last year with approximately $36,000 in toy donations and will return next month to collect toys.
3. Stand 2 Match Day, organized through the community foundation, will run November 11–13, supporting 30 military organizations with in-person donation drop-offs at the Junction City Chamber and GMCS office in Manhattan.
4. Veterans Day (November 11) activities in Manhattan include a free breakfast at the American Legion Post (7:00–9:00 AM), a 1,700-participant parade from the mall to City Hall starting at 9:30 AM, a Ceremony of Honor at Peace Memorial Auditorium at 11:05 AM featuring Lieutenant General Leslie Smith, an afternoon event at the market, and Business After Hours at the Museum of Art and Light at 5:30 PM.
5. An SBA small business resource session for transitioning veterans will be held at the Chamber office on November 5 at 8:30 AM.
6. The Grove Falls Family Fest is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Fort Riley starting at 9:00 AM.
7. The final Military Relations Council luncheon of the year is scheduled for December 1 or 2, with no meeting in January.