Kansas National Guard celebrate completion of $18 million new facility in Topeka
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas National Guard cut the ribbon Tuesday for its new $18 million facility at a Topeka airport, capping off years of construction work.
Local, state and federal officials gathered at Forbes Field on May 27 to cut the ribbon on the new facility and celebrate the start of a new chapter at the airport. The nearly 59,000-square-foot structure contains new assembly areas, classrooms, training centers, office space and more.
"With great pride, I now declare this Joint Force headquarters officially open," said Major General Michael T. Venerdi.
The Joint Force Headquarters will command and control operations for all National Guard forces in Kansas. It has many modern features that make it special for those who get to use it now on a daily basis.
"Certainly the most exciting part for me is the foyer and the entryway displays the pictures of our soldiers and airmen and our state and federal employees," said Ken Weishaar, director of the Kansas National Guard's Public Works. "And most importantly, it displays the pictures of those that have lost their lives in combat. And it just reminds us why we're here and what the mission that we serve."
The new headquarters houses both Army and Air commands, including many Kansas National Guard leaders. You can learn more about what roles the Kansas National Guard fulfills by heading to its website.
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