FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
"The new WTU complex is very timely as the expectation of care and needs for warriors increases," said Warrior Transition Unit Commander Capt. LaCederick Jackson in a brief speech during a ceremony marking the start of construction of a new WTU complex March 25 at Fort Eustis.
With wounded warriors, WTU cadre and leadership, and members of the Joint Base Langley-Eustis on site, Fort Eustis leadership broke ground for construction of the $9.7 million complex behind the McDonald Army Health Center at the corner of Sternberg and 25th Streets.
On the nearly 15-acre site, the new complex will consist of a 16,600-square foot, two-story Company Operations Facility to house the unit command team and WTU cadre offices and a new 7,000-square foot Soldier and Family Assistance Center. The complex will also include a 48,200-square foot, 80-room barracks facility to be awarded at the end of April. The project is set for completion July 2012.
The Fort Eustis WTU stood up in September 2007 and in October 2007, moved into Bldgs. 2128 and 2129 renovated to meet the needs of the unit that was initially expected to treat about 100 wounded warriors. Since that time, the unit has consolidated with the Fort Lee WTU and the unit has grown to about 250 Warriors in Transition. The current facility is only able to accommodate a minimal staff and about 44 wounded warriors. With an ever-expanding WTU population and a cadre and support staff large enough to meet those numbers, a larger, more centralized facility is required.
"Over the last three years, the Fort Eustis Warrior Transition Unit has treated, returned or medically retired over 350 warriors," said Captain Jackson.
As guests and warriors gathered around, 733d Mission Support Group Commander Col. Glenn K. Grothe, Soldier and Family Assistance Center Director Linda McClellan, McDonald Army Health Center Commander Col. Karen Gausmann, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. John Sterling, Warrior in Transition Sgt. Angelo Moreno, Captain Jackson and Lifecycle Construction Services President Sean Haynes, took their places behind seven shovels and broke ground to kick off construction.
"This groundbreaking ceremony signifies additional increase in our responsibility, commitment and the future outlook for our warriors," said Captain Jackson. "[And] symbolizes another chapter in a well-written history."