The CGSC Foundation announces a ribbon cutting ceremony for its gift shop located in the Frontier Army Museum (100 Reynolds Ave., Fort Leavenworth) on Dec. 8, 2021, at 12:30 p.m.
Brandon Johannes, president/CEO of the Leavenworth/Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce, will lead the ribbon cutting ceremony along with the CGSC Foundation President/CEO Roderick M. Cox, Frontier Army Museum Curator Russell Ronspies and the Foundation’s Director of Operations Lora Morgan.
The ribbon cutting signifies the CGSC Foundation’s operation of the Frontier Army Museum Gift Shop in the museum. The Foundation began operations with the gift shop on Sept. 1, 2021. The Fort Leavenworth Historical Society managed the gift shop for several decades, but in 2021 made the business decision to cease operations.
“The Fort Leavenworth Historical Society and the museum leadership approached the Foundation to see if we might have interest in operating the museum’s gift shop,” said Cox. “After looking into the issues involved we felt it would be a great way to serve the community. We already operate a gift shop in the Lewis and Clark Center, so we have experience with the business.”
Cox said after the historical society closed their operations the Foundation purchased their remaining merchandise and has since been hard at work establishing processes, installing new computers and software, hiring staff and volunteers, and adding new items to the inventory.
“I believe one of the most important parts of a great museum is a great gift shop,” Cox said. “We want to be able to provide this service to our community. There are lease agreements and other government requirements we’re still working through, but we believe it’s worth the effort for the museum’s visitors to have a gift shop worthy of the museum it supports.”
Cox added that a portion of all sales is donated back to the Frontier Army Museum for their operations. Any remaining funds after operational expenses will be used for the Foundation’s many programs that support the Command and General Staff College. He said the museum gift shop has been the preferred place for local military and civilian organizations to purchase unique gifts for hails and farewells, retirements, and birthday and holiday gifts, and the Foundation intends to make it even better.
“I’ve known Frontier Army Museum Curator Russell Ronspies for several years,” Cox said. “We share the mutual goal of maintaining and improving the museum as a great place for Soldiers, families and the public to come and learn about Fort Leavenworth’s place in the nation’s history. Our operation of the gift shop will be focused on that idea.”
Persons interested in attending the ceremony who do not possess a DoD-issued ID card or other approved gate pass should allow extra time to check-in at the Fort Leavenworth visitor center. See https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/index.php/my-fort/all-services/gate-information.
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