BUTTE, Mont. - Maj. Gen. Karen LeDoux, commander of the 88th Regional Support Command, Brig. Gen. I. Neal Black, commander of the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and other distinguished guests cut the ribbon and officially dedicated a new U.S. Army Reserve center here, Sept. 22, 2013.
The Butte Armed Forces Reserve Center uses economical, energy saving features, including a low emitting/high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; low water flow rate utilities with efficient heating; energy efficient motion sensor lighting that incorporates natural light into an ergonomic design of workspace; and no lawn sprinklers are necessary because of integrated roof rain-diversion and the use of low maintenance landscaping. The building was constructed using many recycled materials and locally produced materials.
Reserve centers like this one are the new standard for Army training facilities.
“The Army is working very hard to be environmentally responsible,” said LeDoux. “We’re building this into the design of most of our buildings right now within the Army and the Army Reserve: what can we do to make our buildings environmentally responsible so that they’re sustainable and have a minimum impact on the environment?”
The new center houses the 592nd Ordnance Company, who plan on using the facility and the surrounding land for training opportunities, such as land navigation and tactical exercises.
“It gives us land space so we can actually move in tactical formation and set-up tactical bases, things of that nature,” said Sgt. Katie Carlson, a squad leader with the 592nd Ordnance Company. “And it helps [the reservists] develop as leaders because now they can lead in a field environment.”
Carlson, along with six other soldiers with the 592nd Ordnance Company, raised the American flag for the first time after its commissioning in front of the new building during the ceremony. With the colors raised and the ribbon cut, the new center is officially ready for reservists to train to meet the needs of their nation.