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News
Year of the NCO
Fort Eustis Soldier barracks construction in high gear
February 26, 2009
by Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs
Since 1775, the U.S. Army has set apart its noncommissioned officers from other enlisted Soldiers by distinctive insignia of grade.
With more than 200 years of service, the U.S. Army's NCO Corps has distinguished itself as one of the world's most accomplished group of military professionals. Historical and daily accounts of "life as an NCO" are exemplified by acts of courage, and a dedication and a willingness to do "whatever it takes" to complete the mission. NCOs have been celebrated for decorated service in military events ranging from Valley Forge to Gettysburg, to charges on Omaha Beach and battles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, to current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In recognition of the commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifice on behalf of our nation, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren established 2009 as the "Year of the NCO."
Officials at Fort Eustis, Va., recognized those contributions Feb. 24, as they spotlighted a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction project aimed at taking care of those who are the "backbone of the American Army." Post Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Johnson tore down the first slab of concrete and glass of an old, dilapidated Soldier facility to make way for a new 21st century Soldier barracks.
When completed in February 2010, the construction project will provide 336 rooms at Fort Eustis, said Jon Jones, the Norfolk District project manager responsible for the design-build project.
The Corps awarded the contract in August 2008 through a joint venture between W.M. Jordan/Versar of Newport News, Va.
The new barracks – officially known as unaccompanied enlisted personnel housing -- is part of the "Grow the Army" initiative designed to increase the Army's force by almost 75,000 Soldiers by 2013. The barracks project includes a company operations facility and battalion headquarters that will house portions of the 7th Sustainment Brigade.
The ceremonial groundbreaking for the Grow the Army project is set for March 25.
The Soldier barracks complex will feature one-plus-one standard design suites, which provide Soldiers an individual room with a shared kitchen and bath, along with a spacious common area. The entire complex will be built to Silver LEED environmental standards, and 75 percent of the four demolished structures will be recycled.
The total cost for the battalion complex is $27.5 million.