GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - A ribbon-cutting ceremony has marked the formal opening of the Nebraska National Guard Readiness Center in Grand Island.
Gov. Dave Heineman, Republican U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith and Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek were among those on hand Tuesday for the opening of the $18 million center, where soldiers have been stationed for a few weeks.
“It represents the investment in the soldiers of the Nebraska National Guard,” Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac said of the more than 92,000-square-foot building, which replaces the Nebraska National Guard’s armory in western Grand Island. The state is accepting bids to purchase the old armory.
The readiness center will be used to train new and experienced soldiers in aviation and has several classrooms and two recruiting offices, The Grand Island Independent reported (https://bit.ly/1nuF3f1 ). More than 225 full- and part-time soldiers will occupy the building.
It also has a drill hall to be used as an assembly space for heavy equipment training and a high-tech briefing room, where soldiers will begin each day.
Previously, soldiers traveled to different facilities in the country to learn specific skill sets, but now a large video display will allow them to learn through distance education. The wall comes equipped with a special finish that instructors can write on, similar to a whiteboard.
The center was built next door to the Nebraska Army Aviation Support Facility, which houses five Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters used to move troops, heavy artillery and even small vehicles. The facility also has four light utility helicopters, used for performing reconnaissance and providing quick medical aid.
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Information from: The Grand Island Independent, https://www.theindependent.com
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