Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Louisiana State Representative for District 57, Nickie Monica, congratulates Louisiana...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Beyonka D. Joseph
Louisiana Army and Air National Guard
RESERVE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard's 1084th Transportation Company,165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, unveiled its new $15.9 million readiness center with the help of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal during a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event in Reserve, La.,, Jan. 14.
"It is an amazing privilege and honor for me to be here today for these incredibly brave men and women who did extremely well in serving their state during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. I have never been more impressed and more grateful than I was with the response of this National Guard unit," Jindal said.
Also in attendance was Louisiana State Representative of District 57, Nickie Monica.
"What a wonderful day it is for me to be standing here to dedicate this new armory to the dedicated men and women of the1084th Transportation Company. It truly is an honor and my pleasure to give this dedication because the National Guard is essential to the strength and well-being of our community," said Monica.
The 32,500-square-foot center will house approximately 172 Guardsmen from the 1084th during annual training and drill weekends. The readiness center was specially designed to support the federal, state and local missions of the unit.
Prior to the move into the new facility, the 1084th operated out of a small building at Camp Villere in Slidell, La., and a separate detachment trailer in Reserve, La.
"Because the unit had to operate in such cramped conditions, morale began to suffer. Maintaining unit morale has been a constant struggle for the company leadership," explained Sgt. 1st Class Kurt J Schexnaildre of Covington, La., 1084th readiness non-commissioned officer.
"Once construction began on the new facilities, there was a noticeable change in the Soldiers' morale. Most were awestruck at the size and the amenities that were included," Schexnaildre continued.
Headed by Scairono Martinez Architects APAC from Metairie, La., and Aegis Construction from Laplace, La., the project has set the standard for all future LANG armories.
"We wanted to provide the best possible facility for the Soldiers to meet their mission requirements. I am overwhelmed with the great job the construction company did in creating this readiness center," said Lt. Col. William R. Aldridge, construction facility management officer for military construction in the LANG.
The building includes state-of-the-art equipment with offices and classrooms, spacious assembly hall, maintenance building, military vehicle motor pool and wash system, as well as a fully-equipped physical fitness room.
"This is a great day for the Louisiana Army National Guard and the community of Reserve," stressed LANG Adjutant Gen. Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau. "This building symbolizes what can happen when different organizations come together collectively."
| Date Taken: | 01.14.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2009 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 29186 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 357 |
| Downloads: | 217 |
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