Modernized Spencer armory rededicated

Iowa National Guard soldiers with the 168th Infantry Unit, based in Spencer, fall in line prior to a rededication ceremony held Sunday morning at the newly-renovated Spencer Armory. (Photo by Kris Todd) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"We've been remodeling armories around the state, and this is rededicating the Spencer Armory. But, I think more importantly, the commitment to the community and a commitment to our soldiers to have fine training facilities," said Brig. Gen. Janet Phipps, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of Installations Command of the Iowa Army National Guard, during the Sunday morning ceremony.

Originally constructed in 1957, the 16,675-square foot armory underwent a complete renovation, which included a new physical training area, an upgraded kitchen area, modernized bathroom facilities and an upgraded classroom. All of the original existing square footage was upgraded with new finishes and energy-efficient fixtures. In addition, new lighting and HVAC systems were added.

Maj. Brian Schmidt, who works for the Director of Installation Management, the office at Camp Dodge that maintains all the buildings that the Iowa Army Guard uses, told all those attending a rededication ceremony at the Spencer Armory how modern the community facility is now. (Photo by Kris Todd) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Besides a new 2,265-square foot addition, the armory's existing parking area was paved and additional paved parking was added.

"We want the finest facilities for our soldiers," said Maj. Brian Schmidt, who works for the Director of Installation Management at Camp Dodge. " ... Since this one has been renovated now, it scores the highest on our rating system. Before, it was considered too small for the Army's needs and probably quality-wise below standards. But now, this has been modernized and brought up to the Army standard of what an armory should be. It meets that and we think it's a wonderful facility."

The facility remodel was designed by FEH Associates of Sioux City. Construction was completed by M & D Construction of Sheldon. The project cost an estimated $1.8 million.

"We program armories many years prior to get them remodeled," Phipps said. "There is some state matching dollars for this, but the majority of it is federal dollars. So, this was able to go on because the dollars were committed previously for it."

As she thanked the families, employers and community residents in attendance for their support of the area's soldiers and airmen, the Iowa Army National Guard Brig. Gen. also issued a thank you to the soldiers for their time, commitment and service.

"Hats off," she said. "We have great soldiers and airmen of the Iowa National Guard. They set up to duty time and time again. A thank you isn't enough, but we wanted to say thank you to them."

Spencer Mayor Reynold Peterson, an avid Iowa National Guard supporter, discussed his past military career while also expressing his gratitude.

"For you soldiers in the community, 34 years ago to the day at approximately 10:30, I stood behind that wall and started my career in the Iowa Army National Guard. Twenty-eight years and five months later, I retired. But, (I) spent most of those years as a full-time readiness NCO (non-commissioned officer) for this battery in this building," Peterson reflected.

"(This is) a tremendous change. It's for the better," he said of the newly-renovated facility. "This project actually started with Gen. (Warren) Lawson, believe it or not, and progressed through Gen. (Ron) Dardis. But now it's finally completed with Adj. Gen. (Tim) Orr. It's a great addition to the community. The community will always provide excellent support for this facility. Commanders, if there's anything we can do to help you out, let us know. I speak for the community with that. Parents of the soldiers and soldiers, we appreciate what you do for us in the community and in the world situation. If we can help you out, let us know."

The Spencer Armory, one of 43 located throughout the state, is home to Detachment 2, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, Iowa Army National Guard. This unit deployed to Afghanistan from April 2004 until June 2005 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where it conducted close combat operations against enemy forces and provided security of key terrain, facilities and installations. Soldiers from this unit were recently alerted for a possible deployment to Afghanistan beginning in the fall of 2010.