Kentucky National Guard Staff Report
FRANKFORT, Ky. — To begin the new fiscal year, the Kentucky National Guard opened two new facilities Oct. 14, in its continued effort to support the Commonwealth and the nation.
To see all photos from this event, please click HERE.
Gov. Steve Beshear joined Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky in cutting the ribbon on a new Army Aviation Support Facility in Frankfort, Ky. The new $26 million facility has nearly 126,000 square feet of combined space to house UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota helicopters.
The new hangars and office space provide the latest in cost-savings technology and energy efficiency. It will replace the aging AASF built in 1971.
“The courageous men and women who constitute the Kentucky National Guard embody the words ‘service’ and ‘sacrifice,’” said Governor Steve Beshear. “It has been with the utmost confidence that I have called upon them in Kentucky’s time of need during an impressive number of federally declared disasters. This new Army Aviation Support Facility we’re dedicating today will only increase the effectiveness of the Kentucky National Guard as its members perform an already wide array of capabilities. With the best equipment and the best people, there’s not much we in Kentucky won’t be able to handle.”
Tonini then cut the ribbon on the Bowman Readiness Center in Louisville later that afternoon.
The Butler Reserve Center was acquired by the Kentucky National Guard in the fall of 2013 as a result of the 2005 Defense Base and Realignment and Closure law. Kentucky invested $4 million to renovate the facility. This center will support operations of the Commonwealth’s National Guard units.
“Events like these show the relevance of what we do for our to serve our metro, our Commonwealth and our nation,” said Tonini of the Bowman Center. “Make no mistake about it, this is a Kentucky National Guard facility. Not only will we honor the military legacy of the Soldiers walking through this building, we will enhance it and continue the tradition with Kentucky Guardsmen.”
With the newest construction projects ongoing at the same time, Col. Steve King, director of facilities for the Kentucky Guard, said it was a demanding undertaking, but a beneficial move in the right direction for the Guard.
“The Kentucky National Guard and Department of Military Affairs routinely manage between 30 to 40 projects at any given time,” said King. “These projects range from minor renovations and maintenance of readiness centers or armories, to major military construction. When managing large scale projects simultaneously, it’s important to note the teamwork involved between all agency personnel. Most of these projects have federal funding, but all have to be worked through the Finance Cabinet for design and execution. This relationship is key to the successful execution of all these projects.”
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://www.calhounconstructs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/DSC_0564.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Butler Reserve
The Kentucky National Guard is comprised of nearly 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard, which are components of the United States Army and the United States Air Force, respectively.
The National Guard is unique because it is the only military force in the world with a dual mission: federal and state.
Kentucky National Guard Soldiers train to assist the federal government in combat and peace-time missions. Since Sept. 11, 2001 the Kentucky National Guard has mobilized and deployed more than 16,000 Soldiers and Airmen in support of the Global War on Terror.
The Kentucky National Guard remains ready to assist communities with disasters on the homefront. Whether it is a flood, tornado, snow or ice storm – or providing security for high-profile events such as the Kentucky Derby – the Kentucky National Guard is here for the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Butler Reserve is the home for the local units in the Kentucky Army National Guard. This is where they show up on the weekends, work Monday through Friday, then train as soldiers. This is how they keep our soldiers in a constant readiness status to support the commonwealth.
The Kentucky Army National Guard provides Unbridled Service to the citizens of Kentucky! They truly embody the state motto; United we stand, divided we fall.
Calhoun Construction Services served as the General Contractor for a complete interior and exterior renovation of the Kentucky National Guard building near Louisville’s historic Bowman Field. This project consisted of all new mechanical units, new facade, as well as upgrades to all interior finishes.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://www.calhounconstructs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/National-Guard-Logo.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_class=”frame” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]Square Footage: 64,000 sq ft
Year Completed: 2015
Project Location: Louisville, KY
Contract Type: General Contractor