Camp Minden breaks ground on Guard’s new center
By Sgt. Robin Perry
Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
MINDEN, La. – Louisiana National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and local community leaders gathered at a ground-breaking ceremony for Camp Minden’s new $19 million Armed Forces Reserve Center, Sept. 7, which is the first LANG AFRC in north Louisiana.
“Today is about partnership … partnership and a testament to the great things that can happen when people and organizations work together,” said Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, adjutant general for the LANG. “The success of the National Guard hinges on the strength of its relationship with the community and with other armed services as well.”
This 90,000-square-foot center will serve as consolidated headquarters for units already located at Camp Minden, totaling more than 430 Soldiers and Airmen, including the 1083rd Transportation Company, the 39th Military Policy Company and the 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron.
As Minden Mayor Bill Robertson pointed out, Camp Minden and its leadership have been recognized by the Minden-South Webster Parish Chamber of Commerce numerous times for their community involvement and economic impact on the surrounding towns.
“It’s great to get this new facility,” Robertson said. “It adds to the area’s economy by bringing more people in. The continued growth of Camp Minden promises even more economic expansion in the future for our community.”
“This facility will allow our two sister-services to work together in very much the same manner as we do during emergency operations and the overseas warfight,” Landreneau said, pointing out the importance of the close-working environment the new center will foster among the LANG’s two branches—Army Guard and Air Guard.
Lt. Col. William Cusick, taking command of the 122nd ASOS later this week, agreed with the importance of joint training.
“Our mission is unique in the Air Force in that we provide close air support for the Army. Our Airmen deploy with Army Soldiers and serve closely with them during wartime missions,” he said. “The opportunity to share training space in this new facility will help foster and strengthen that working relationship.”
Taking 18 months to complete, the facility is designed to comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Rating System, using energy management systems with automated HVAC controls and efficient on-demand water use systems.
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