CHARLES COUNTY, Md. – The U.S. Army Reserve hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 22 at its new training facility here.
Maj. Gen. Mark Palzer, commanding general of the Army Reserve’s 99th Readiness Division, hosted the event.
“This new facility enhances readiness,” Palzer said. “It’s a state-of-the-art facility that provides 80,000 square feet in which over 600 Soldiers can train and prepare to train.”
The $22 million project was designed by Frankfurt Short Bruza Associates and built by Sheffield Korte Joint Venture. It consists of the main training facility, as well as a 5,700-squre-foot maintenance shop and 5,200-squre-foot storage building.
“It’s all about taking care of our Soldiers so they can take care of our nation,” Palzer added. “Our greatest resource is our men and women in uniform.”
Also speaking during the event was U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer, who represents Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District.
“It is the people that make this investment worthwhile, because without you, building this building would be a waste – it would have no purpose,” Hoyer said. “It’s those of you who bring your talents, and your courage, and your commitment to this building that make it significant and worthwhile to the taxpayer.
“This building is part of the means to achieve the security that we need as a nation,” he continued. “This ribbon-cutting ceremony is a symbol of what happens when federal, state, local, and military stakeholders all work together for a common goal. I was proud to work closely with the county commissioners, with the Army Reserve center.”
Delegate Edith Patterson, chair of the Charles County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly, presented a citation to Palzer on behalf of State Senator Arthur Ellis and Delegate Debra Davis.
“We recognize and appreciate the crucial role this center plays in providing safety and risk-management policies to our defense agencies,” Patterson read from the citation.
Presenting a framed Charles County Seal to the new facility were Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins and Commissioner Thomasina Coates.
“We’re grateful that the Army Reserve chose our community as its new center’s home,” Collins said. “The Army Reserve center is an asset to our community.”
Palzer added that the energy-efficient, environmentally friendly center would serve Maryland’s Army Reserve Soldiers for decades to come.
“This facility will help ensure our Army Reserve remains the most capable, combat-ready and lethal federal reserve force in the nation’s history,” he said.