La. Soldiers, Marines celebrate new Armed Forces Center
By Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou
Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Baton Rouge’s new $58.4 million Armed Forces Reserve Center, Oct. 14, which houses units of the Louisiana National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
“Today is really about celebrating partnerships as we complete and move into this new state of the art building,” said Brig. Gen. Glen H. Curtis, director of joint staff of the LANG. “Not only a partnership between the different military branches working together here, but the partnership between the Louisiana National Guard, the federal, state and local levels for making this opportunity possible.”
Curtis went on to thank Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Mary Landrieu, the city of Baton Rouge and LSU for their instrumental roles in the process.
This new facility, as well as the joint maintenance shop, represents more than 157,000 square feet of new space for the training, support, and administration of more than 735 Soldiers and Marines. Additionally, this is the first joint Armed Forces Reserve Center built in Louisiana, showcasing the Department Of Defense’s commitment to efficiencies through cost reduction and energy conservation.
“This is a fine example of how we will train as we fight … working in a joint environment,” said Col. Paul Deckert, Headquarters Battalion inspector-instructor of the Marine Corps Reserve.
“This is an opportunity for us to jointly do all kinds of things — but most importantly appreciate each other,” said Maj. Gen. Luis Visot, commanding general 377th Theater Sustainment Command of the USAR.
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. Further energy features include the utilization of natural materials, energy efficient lighting and reduced environmental impact methods during construction.
-30-
Please visit http://www.dvidshub.net/units/LAANG for the latest Louisiana National Guard releases, photos and videos.
