Photo By Christopher Hanson | Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Peter Cooke, former commander of the 96th Regional Support Command,...... read more read more
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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, marked the end of an era for the United States Army Reserve in Salt Lake City, Utah, but also signaled a new beginning with an investment in current and future Reserve Soldiers. The Army Reserve, University of Utah, and Utah National Guard hosted two ceremonies signifying the culmination of a multi-year project that swapped Army Reserve land at Fort Douglas for a state-of-the-art Army Reserve Center at Camp Williams, just south of Salt Lake City.
The first event at Fort Douglas signified the official transfer of land from the Army Reserve to the University and the second at Camp Williams was the ribbon cutting ceremony and memorialization that officially opened the new reserve center.
In the historic agreement first announced in 2024, the Army Reserve transferred their last remaining 50 acres at Fort Douglas to the state, and the state built a 227,000 square foot, $127 million facility for the Army Reserve at Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Utah, using state-appropriated funds.
Leaders from all three organizations were on hand at both events to celebrate the historic moment.
Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, commanding general of the United States Army Reserve acknowledged that it may be bittersweet to move out of Fort Douglas, but the trade-off was well worth it for all parties.
“We are officially passing along the last 50 acres of Army Reserve territory here at Fort Douglas to the University of Utah and the State of Utah,” Harter said. “In turn, they built us an awesome new reserve center just up the road, a great trade for the United States Army Reserve, Win-Win,” he emphasized.
When asked what the addition of the new land means, University of Utah president Dr. Taylor Randall said the university and the Army share common values and the addition of the new land enables the university to continue that dedication to service.
“The two organizations, the university and the Army exist because of a common value, the belief that we are here to something bigger than ourselves,” Randall said, adding that the land will be used for student housing and medical spaces. “We hope to preserve a legacy of service, a legacy that we are here in life to do something bigger than ourselves.”
Maj. Gen. Kevin Meisler, commander of the Army Reserve’s 88th Readiness Division, spoke at both ceremonies and stressed the close partnership between the entities was more than just business.
“The Soldiers and civilians in our workforce live in your communities, attend your schools and play in your sports leagues,” he said. “They are your friends, family, and neighbors.”
The newly dedicated ARC, Meisler added, demonstrates the power of partnerships. “It is a reminder that when we invest in our people; when we build strong partnerships; and when we honor both heritage and innovation, we create something that will serve generations of Soldiers.”
Brig. Gen. Michael Kjar, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, spoke at the Camp Williams ribbon cutting ceremony, welcoming the Army Reserve to Camp Williams.
“On behalf of the Utah National Guard, we are honored to expand our camp with the nearly 2,000 reservists that will augment and train here,” Kjar said. “We are looking forward to the partnership. Our motto is one team, one fight and we are glad to welcome the Army Reserve.”
During the Camp Williams ceremony, the new facility was formally memorialized and designated as the 96th Infantry Division “Deadeye” Memorial Army Reserve Center. The naming reflects the sustained advocacy of 96th Division veterans—especially former commanding general Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Peter Cooke, whose efforts were central to securing the honor. Cooke joined Harter and Taylor for the ribbon‑cutting, officially opening the center and marking the beginning of its service to Army Reserve Soldiers.
“Today we dedicate the 96th Infantry Division Deadeye Memorial U.S. Army Reserve Center, a place where the past is honored. This center stands as a living memorial to the Deadeyes, a reminder that courage endures. That example inspires, and their story continues here a Camp Williams, a new generation of Soldiers will train, mobilize and lead.” Cooke said.
The new reserve center is home to the 76th Operational Response Command and 807th Theater Medical Command, both 2-Star Army Reserve commands. All personnel have moved in and the facility is fully operational.
Both ceremonies featured music by the Army Reserve’s 484th Army Band out of Milwaukee, Wis. and the Fort Douglas ceremony also included performances by the 23rd Army Band from the Utah National Guard and the University of Utah Marching Band.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2026 17:13 |
| Story ID: | 572413 |
| Location: | SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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