FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Feb. 26, 2015) -- Fort Jackson officials cut the ribbon on a new Training Support Center facility last week.
Friday's ceremony marks the end of two years of planning and construction to make the enhanced, 94,000 square foot facility a reality, said Scott Nahrwold, deputy garrison commander.
"This brand new training facility is one of only five fabrication facilities in the entire country," Nahrwold said. "It supports all South Carolina active and reserve components, National Guard, ROTC, as well as sister services."
It also fabricates training devices to support operations throughout the world, he said. The TSC provides training aids, devices and equipment, and visual and audio training support for Soldiers around the world. Its construction took two years to complete, wrapping up last October.
"It takes the place of six previous stand-alone facilities that we built on this installation back in the 1990s," he said.
Last year, the Training Support Center:
-- Produced more than 17,500 graphic training products;
-- Took more than 4,000 Department of the Army photographs;
-- Loaned or issued more than 400,000 training devices and related equipment valued at $95 million;
-- Supported the training of more than 61,000 Soldiers;
-- Supported 117 command ceremonies on Fort Jackson;
-- Provided instructor training to more than 37,000 Soldiers on 6,000 sets of equipment.
"This Training Support Center will continue the fine tradition which began in the previous, less-efficient facilities by providing world-class products to enhance the Soldier's ability to train effectively and realistically, resulting in success on future battlefields," Nahrwold said.
The building was named in honor of the late Sgt. 1st Class Webster Anderson, a Medal of Honor recipient from Winnsboro.
In 1967, Anderson was serving as a staff sergeant in Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Infantry Division (Airmobile) during a tour of duty in Vietnam. On Oct. 15 of that year, his unit was attacked by North Vietnamese forces near Tam Ky in the Republic of Vietnam. He was severely wounded -- eventually losing both legs and part of an arm -- but continued to lead the unit's defense during the assault.
Anderson was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions and retired following a promotion to sergeant first class.
"It didn't matter to Sgt. Anderson how large the enemy force was, that they breached the first defensive perimeter, and that two enemy grenades severely wounded his legs," Nahrwold said. "Even in a semi-conscious state he refused medical treatment and to abandon command of his position until the enemy had been beaten back."
Webster died in 2003. His family was present for the ribbon cutting.
"It's difficult to find words to describe our reaction to his courageous acts," Nahrwold said. "Sgt. 1st Class Anderson was the epitome of a warrior."
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