New Army National Guard Barracks Opens at Yakima Training Center

Photo By Kimberly Lopes | Lt. Col. Jay De La Vega, Brig. Gen. Bret Daugherty and 1st Sgt. Brian Murphy of the Washington Army National Guard open new barracks on Yakima Training Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  

YAKIMA, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

04.03.2023

Story by Kimberly Lopes 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, WASHINGTON—A new barracks was officially opened March 31 at Yakima Training Center with a ribbon cutting by the Washington Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District. This 128-bed facility is dedicated for use by attendees of Total Army School System courses at the 205th Training Regiment’s Regional Training Institute.

Attendees included Major General Bret Daugherty, Adjutant General for the State of Washington, Colonel Adam Iwaszuk, Director of Construction and Facilities Maintenance Office, WAARNG, Sid Jones, Chief of Construction, USACE, Seattle District and Chris Madregan, CEO of TDX Quality, LLC

“Thousands of soldiers will live here over the lifespan of this new barracks as they receive training that our Army will need as we face a new era of great competition. Today, we cut a ribbon and celebrate the completion of a new facility, but what we are really opening today is another much-needed bastion in the defense of freedom,” said Maj. Gen. Daugherty.

Soldiers from 22 states converge here at YTC’s Regional Training Institute to attend courses for Non-Commissioned Officer Education Courses, Commissioned and Warrant Officer Candidate School or Military Occupation School.

“Prior to the barracks being constructed, troops were staying in commercial lodging which is far more expensive to the units and taxpayers. The training facility is adjacent to the new barracks, so it is much more convenient for the troops sleeping quarters to be right next to the training location,” said Rob Didenhover, Seattle District’s YTC Construction Supervisor.

This new facility is the only Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) accredited barracks at YTC. Previously, TASS students lodged in barracks dating back to the 1950s. The three-story barracks feature three laundry facilities, three student lounges and a front desk. A dining facility adjacent to the barracks will begin construction in 2024.

“These new barracks provide students with access to the internet for homework assignments and a high standard of comfort and functionality that allows a more productive student learning environment during their stay,” said John Wunsch, Facility and Designs Projects Manager, WAARNG Construction and Facilities Management Office.

The barracks were designed in 2012 by the Seattle District in coordination with Yakima Training Center and with input from TRADOC and the 205th Training Regiment to ensure living space and room setting requirements were met. The contract for the project was awarded to TDX Quality, LLC in June 2018 for $20,000,000.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2023
• Date Posted: 04.04.2023 14:00
• Story ID: 441889
• Location: YAKIMA, WASHINGTON, US