MOLINE, Ill. -- Senior leaders from the Rock Island Arsenal held a "State of the Arsenal Address" and press conference June 23 at the iWireless Center here.
The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce hosted the event, which was intended to bring together island officials and the Quad Cities community to discuss initiatives and the global reach of RIA.
"We have a highly talented, professional workforce that is versatile, experienced and critical to the defense of our nation," said Maj. Gen. Edward M. Daly, RIA senior commander and commanding general of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command.
Daly discussed the missions and capabilities of the various commands on RIA, including ASC, First Army, the Joint Munitions Command, the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"This 960-acre island not only impacts the local Quad Cities communities, but has a reach that extends in all 50 states and over 30 countries -- that's amazing," he said. "The workforce that comes in each and every day is making a difference, not only here locally, but worldwide -- in terms of supporting the warfighter day-in and day-out."
He said while the island is known for its manufacturing capabilities, it is important for residents to know the other island commands are equally important for sustaining the warfighter and for supporting the community.
RIA employs approximately 6,500 people and has a positive local economic impact of over $1.2 billion every year, Daly said.
Some of the other topics included the RIA golf course, the RIA Museum, Quarters One, access to the island and the 73 new family housing units on RIA.
"Rock Island Arsenal is replete with historical landmarks," said Daly. "It's a national treasure."
Those wanting to visit the island's landmarks, he said, can go to the visitor's center near the Moline gate, get a background check, and be issued a year pass.
Residents can also get a day pass from the gate guard if the visitor's center is closed.
"Access had been limited at one point," he said. "We're beyond that, and we want you to be a part of this."
The museum will remain at RIA and is scheduled to undergo modernization, Daly said. Items not currently on display will be moved to Anniston, Alabama, to enhance their preservation for the Army's history
The artifacts will remain part of the RIA Museum collection, and RIA can get them back for different exhibits later, Daly said.
"The thing I ask the community is for your partnership, your support, and your collaboration in getting people to come in and visit the museum," he said, continuing that he wants the community to provide input on the museum's modernization. "This is your arsenal."
Daly said the RIA golf course will also remain open and under Army ownership, but it is important to promote the golf course to increase public use.
Through private-public partnerships and leases, Daly said he hopes RIA will seek to increase the use of Quarters One, the golf course, and other island locations in the future.
Quarters One was the second largest government-owned residence (following the White House) until it was removed from residential classification in 2009 due to maintenance costs. The historical building is currently used to host events throughout the year and can be rented by members of the local community for events.
RIA broke ground on new housing units in March. Daly said several of the units could be occupied as early as October.
Moline Mayor Stephanie Acri attended the event with several other local leaders.
Those interviewed during the press conference included Daly, Brig. Gen. (P) Chris Gentry, deputy commanding general, First Army; Rhonda Vandecasteele, executive director for ammunition, JMC; and Col. Ken Tauke, commander, RIA Garrison.
Daly and Tauke presented John Thodos, former mayor of East Moline, with a "Good Neighbor" award for his longtime support of the arsenal throughout his career.
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