FORT RILEY, Kan. (May 27, 2010) - The first permanent Warrior Transition Battalion complex, a $54-million project consisting of barracks for 156 Soldiers, officially opened its doors here today.
The complex will also include a Soldier and Family Assistance Center as well as a battalion headquarters and company operating facilities.
"This ribbon-cutting is tangible proof of the Army's commitment to improve quality of life and care for warriors in transition," said Lt. Col. Andy Price, WTB commander.
The event marks the end of operating and living out of temporary, repurposed structures. The new multiplex was specially designed to accommodate injured, ill and wounded servicemembers' needs.
The barracks portion was completed ahead of schedule, and in February, Soldiers began to move in.
"Just living in the new barracks has brought us closer together, because I see people in passing I didn't use to see," said Pfc. Ashley Driscoll, WTB.
In addition to the WTB complex ribbon-cutting, 1st Infantry Division and Irwin Army Community Hospital leaders will join regional health care officials to sign the Army Medicine Health Care Covenant. The covenant represents a pledge to provide quality health care to wounded, ill and injured Warriors, their Families and military beneficiaries at large.
The complex is situated east of the current Irwin Army Community Hospital and will be west of the site of the future IACH, which is expected to be operational by 2013.
Soldiers assigned to the unit have combat and non-combat injuries and illnesses that require complex case management. The WT's mission focuses on ensuring Soldiers recover and heal whereby they can either transition to an Army unit or into civilian life.
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