Click here to download

"Texans Defending Texas"

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RELEASE:

Local National Guard and Reserve Units Open Joint Training Center in Austin, Induct Aircraft to Fleet.

CAMP MABRY, Texas (Jan 9, 2014) -  This Sunday, Jan 12, at 9:00 a.m. the Texas Army National Guard will host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open the doors on its newest training facility, the Austin Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) and Joint Vehicle Maintenance Facility (JVMF). 

The 209,000 square foot Reserve Center will be home to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Headquarters, Texas Army National Guard, members of the U.S. Army Reserves, U.S. Navy and Marine Reserves. Approximately 1,400 service members will train at the Reserve Center, allowing for a long-term cost-savings as state and federal units combine resources and maximize their capabilities. The Reserve Center will provide service members with state-of-the-art configurable classrooms, service-specific libraries and medical support facilities, a fitness center and weapons simulation range.

Following the ceremony the Texas Army National Guard will officially induct the new AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter to its fleet. The Texas Army National Guard officially retired the AH-64A Apache helicopter from service last July to modernize and reconfigure the aircraft’s technology and engine.

Representing 32 percent of the total Army Force, the Army National Guard is able to maintain readiness and deliver accessible operational capabilities at approximately 10 percent of the Army’s budget and feel this facility will enable the National Guard to continue to train ready forces and maintain relevance to the community.

-30-