Photo By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry | Congressman Steve Buyer speaks at the Lafayette Armory and Reserve Center rededication...... read more read more
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LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A newly remodeled Army training facility was the focal point for a rededication ceremony here Oct. 22.
The $28 million armory and reserve center project will house soldiers in units of the Indiana Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves. The building was completed with the help of local workers contracted from the Lafayette area.
There will be approximately 660 Indiana National Guard soldiers, assigned to elements of the 638th Aviation Support Battalion, the 738th Support Medical Company, the 38th Military Police Company and a recruit sustainment detachment, operating from the armory. There will also be approximately 160 U.S. Army Reserve soldiers, assigned to 209th Quartermaster Company, operating from the reserve center.
Many soldiers, civilians and dignitaries were present at the ceremony. Some of those who spoke at the occasion included Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, The Adjutant General of Indiana, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, U.S. Congressman Steve Buyer and Lafayette mayor Tony Roswarski.
Roswarski thanked those present for the chance to be at the ceremony and commented on the impact of the facility.
“We are simply thrilled here in Greater Lafayette,” said Roswarski. “This is another fine example of people working together to get something done good for our community, good for our Soldiers and good for our country, and we are honored and very happy to have that as part of our community.”
Skillman spoke of two Guardsmen on her staff, one is training and one is deployed, and thanked all soldiers and their families for sacrifices made for the benefit to the nation. She also emphasized the importance of why communities must increase training, troops and equipment.
“We are very proud of all our members of the military,” said Skillman. “We understand as well, for them to do their jobs right they need the right equipment, they need the right training facilities.”
Buyer, Indiana’s 4th District congressional representative, praised Senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh on their assistance in making the project happen. Buyer, a Gulf War Veteran who recently retired, boasted about the reserve component’s ability to be on line with any active-duty component.
“Readiness is what you do when training, and you’re preparing for things that are unforeseen,” said Buyer.
Umbarger spoke on why, in a time of war, it is important to have structures for training. He also commented on the sheer numbers of combat Veterans in the Indiana Army National Guard and their dedication to service.
“Our Soldiers who wear the uniform today know that deployments are not just something that are on the horizon, you’re either deployed, you’re back in your dwell status, or you’re preparing to go again,” said Umbarger.
| Date Taken: | 10.22.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.22.2010 19:12 |
| Story ID: | 58647 |
| Location: | LAFAYETTE, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 920 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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