GREENWOOD, S.C. – The South Carolina National Guard conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Greenwood armory in Greenwood, South Carolina, Aug. 4, 2019, to recognize the recent renovations completed on the armory.
The renovations included a new roof, windows, parking lot, kitchen, latrines, duct-work, motor pool fencing, new signs, and enhanced safety features in order to provide a safer, more efficient, and more accessible work-space for Soldiers. The Greenwood armory is the home of Alpha Company, 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 228th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade.
“This is a great day for the South Carolina National Guard, the community of Greenwood, and the Signal community,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina. “This rededication marks a culmination of a number of years of partnership.”
The re-dedication ceremony is also important because it marks a transition in how armory upgrades are being managed statewide.
McCarty explained, many South Carolina National Guard facilities are showing signs of age and are in need of repair. In the past, minor repairs would be completed to address immediate problems, but underlying issues would go unresolved. However, the state is currently placing an increased emphasis on maintaining and renovating South Carolina National Guard armories and completing full-scale updates. A part of this initiative focuses on repairing or replacing roofs that may be causing water and equipment damage.
“This past year, our [Construction and Facilities Management Office] team either repaired or replaced roofs at Conway, Chester, Hodges, Fountain Inn, Greenwood, Lancaster, Greenville, and Sumter. We are planning to repair or replace roofs at Florence, Columbia, Clemson, Abbeville, Newberry, and Orangeburg this coming year,” said U.S. Army Col. Corol Dobson, South Carolina National Guard Construction and Facilities Management officer. “All projects are contingent on funding, but the future looks promising.”
Another focus of improvements includes providing adequate facilities to meet the demand of the increase in female Soldiers currently serving in the South Carolina National Guard.
McCarty explained, when most of the armories were built, there were not many female Soldiers. With the increase of females serving in the military, to include combat roles, the armories need latrines and shower facilities to meet these demands.
Additionally, by having facilities that meet all the needs of Soldiers, it creates a more ready force that is prepared to rapidly respond in support of state and federal missions.
“The National Guard is a community-based organization,” said McCarty.
“We take pride in being in the community of Greenwood and supporting its citizens…We thank those responsible for what we are here for today.”
McCarty added, the relationship of state and federal funds allow for these armory renovations to be completed and support the ability for the South Carolina National Guard to be a force multiplier, and responsible community partner. He added, not only do the armories serve as work locations for Soldiers, but the facilities can also be rented for community and personal events.
“The city of Greenwood looks forward to continued partnership with the National Guard,” said Mayor Brandon Smith, Greenwood mayor.