Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, joined Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers, State Representative Larry Inman, and representatives from the offices of Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters in cutting the ribbon to open the newest Michigan National Guard armory on Friday, June 29.
“The purchase and remodeling of this facility is in line with Army National Guard Sustainability Policies and Army National Guard strategic imperatives that call upon us to sustain our strong and historic reputation of being good stewards of financial and natural resources, good neighbors to other states and ally countries, and trusted leaders within our communities,” said Vadnais. “The cost savings, community investment and other positive factors made the purchase of the Carlisle Road facility an easy decision.”
The 23,000 sq. ft. facility, built in 2003, was a church for five years then a Michigan charter school for another five. The building has been transformed into a traditional Michigan National Guard armory to include a corporate kitchen, locker room and open meeting area (drill hall). It has become the new home of the 1430th Engineer Company, previously of Gladstone, and will soon house a second unit.
Col. Stephen Ward, U.S. Property and Finance Officer for Michigan, says the armory is a testament to the resourcefulness of the Michigan National Guard.
“We have what’s called a construction fund that is built from the selling of property elsewhere,” said Ward. “It’s another way we try to remain fiscally responsible while maintaining readiness. Other routes of funding for armory construction would have taken about 10 years and around $20 million, but by repurposing this building we spent only $1.2 million plus renovation costs over only four years.”
Jim Carruthers, Traverse City Mayor, says the National Guard will be an invaluable resource for the Traverse City community.
“We very much appreciate having the National Guard in Traverse City for many reasons,” says Carruthers. “They add to the protection and sense of security of our area as it continues to grow. It’s an honor to be here today to celebrate as the Guard adds Traverse City to your family.”
The Michigan National Guard currently more than 40 armories across the state. In a show of National Guard pride and support, Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Legislature generously dedicated state resources toward improving Michigan armories thus promoting unit readiness. Having the proper space to train and maintain equipment goes a long way toward retaining the best and brightest Michigan Soldiers and Airmen. The National Guard Bureau also provides federal funding for a portion of armory improvement projects contributing further to mission success, resiliency, and sustainability.
An Operational Planning Team looked at all of the units in Michigan and carefully decided which units could benefit from the move. Many Soldiers from the 1430th Engineer Company were given the opportunity to transfer to other units in the Upper Peninsula before the relocation.
About the Michigan National Guard
The Michigan National Guard’s 10,000 Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to serve both state and nation. With operations at three airfields, two major training bases and more than 40 armories around the state, Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are ready to provide a wide-range of disaster response and other support to civil authorities, while maintaining a high degree of combat readiness. For more information about the Michigan National Guard check out the Michigan National Guard website, www.minationalguard.dodlive.mil or call the Michigan Army National Guard recruiting office at 1-888-906-1636. The Michigan Air National Guard Web address is www.goang.com or 1-800-864-6264.