Photo By Michael Williams | Mississippi Army National Guard Soldiers from the 168th Engineer Brigade,...... read more read more
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PETAL, Miss. - The Robert E. Russell Sports Complex in Forrest County receives improvements while more than 40 Mississippi Army National Guard Soldiers strengthen their engineering skills.
Members of the 168th Engineer Brigade of Vicksburg, 890th Engineer Battalion of Gulfport, 250th Engineer Detachment of Purvis and 251st Engineer Detachment of Lumberton spend part of their two-week annual training in Petal providing construction assistance to the city through the Engineer Readiness Training (ERT) program.
“Today we are adding on to an existing complex and allowing them additional parking,” said Lt. Col. Rick Weaver, 890th Engineer Battalion commander. “We are taking a hillside that has no value to the city and turning that into a parking area where they can utilize it to enjoy the ball fields and skate parks here in the complex.”
The new chip seal parking area will be approximately 54,000 square feet and provide 140 parking spots for motor vehicles. Chip seal is the application of a special protective wearing surface to an existing pavement. The process is more cost-effective than resurfacing an asphalt with concrete because it is more durable and longer lasting.
The ERT program provides real-world training opportunities for Service members and units to prepare them for wartime missions while supporting the needs of local communities.
“Engineer Readiness Training allows the National Guard, under the auspice of the adjutant general, to come in and train on their military occupational skills, but also helps civilians,” says Weaver. “So we are giving back to the community and as the National Guard, that’s who we are. We are very deeply rooted with the community and this gives us the opportunity to give back.”
Military units have the opportunity to refine their engineering, health care, diving and transportation skills by performing services and developing projects for communities that otherwise would not have the resources to conduct them on their own.
Tom Hardges, Petal’s recreation director, says this plan has been in the works for several years and the city is appreciative of the Mississippi National Guard’s assistance.
“This project will benefit the city of Petal because it allows the community to see the military at work; not just in a combat situation, and it will also save the city some funding,” said Hardges. “As a veteran, I feel that anytime we can get the Armed Forces involved some-way some-how, I think it’s a great thing for the community,” he added.
The parking lot should be completed within one week, weather permitting. It will host youth baseball fields, concession stands with press boxes, restrooms, a playground, batting cages, soccer fields, a skate park, gazebos with tables and benches, a recreation office and a playground.
“We are exercising our equipment out here and we are training our Soldiers,” says 1st Lt. Thomas Brewer, 890th Engineer Battalion project officer. “Anytime we can come out here and move some earth for a cause while at the same time train our Soldiers, it’s definitely something to feel good about.”
The Mississippi Army National Guard will provide labor and equipment to construct the new parking lot. All materials are provided by the city of Petal.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2015 17:33 |
| Story ID: | 167028 |
| Location: | PETAL, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 196 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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