Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens New Army Reserve Center

By Lewis CrosbyJanuary 27, 2023

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens New Army Reserve Center
U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Eric Folkestad, Deputy Commanding General 81st Readiness Division cuts the ribbon during the official opening ceremony of the Aguadilla Army Reserve Center ribbon cutting ceremony, Jan. 22,2023 in Puerto Rico. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Katherine Ramos) (Photo Credit: Lewis Crosby) VIEW ORIGINAL

Leadership from the 81st Readiness Division joined Soldiers, elected officials, community members, and friends today in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to cut the ribbon on the Army’s newest $18.7 million Reserve Center.

This 30,077 square feet, concrete reinforced, energy-efficient facility boasts many features, including office space, an assembly hall, a physical fitness center, classrooms, a recruit and retention office, a family support office, and an allotted space for a future weapons simulator.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens New Army Reserve Center
A close-up of the ribbon cutting at the Aguadilla Army Reserve Center, Jan. 22,2023 in Puerto Rico. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Katherine Ramos) (Photo Credit: Lewis Crosby) VIEW ORIGINAL

The new Reserve Center is replacing a more than sixty-year-old facility, which totaled less than 4,500 square feet.

“The construction and delivery of this magnificent new facility demonstrate our commitment to ensuring our amazing Soldiers and Army Civilians have the environment, conditions and tools to be mission ready,” said Brig. Gen. Eric Folkestad, 81st Readiness Division Deputy Commanding General. “The building is impressive. It is beautiful, but the real value of this building will be determined by the men and women who occupy the facility.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Opens New Army Reserve Center
U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Eric Folkestad, Deputy Commanding General 81st Readiness Division, delivering his remarks at the Aguadilla Army Reserve Center ribbon cutting ceremony, Jan. 22,2023 in Puerto Rico. (Photo Credit: Lewis Crosby) VIEW ORIGINAL

The new Army Reserve Center has a 150-person compacity. It will be occupied by members from the 35th Expeditionary Signal Company and support other Army Reserve Soldiers throughout Puerto Rico.

About the 81st Readiness Division

The 81st Readiness Division has responsibility for base operations for Army Reserve units throughout the Southeastern United States and Puerto Rico. It is responsible for ensuring U.S. Army Reserve units and Soldiers are prepared to deploy and fight in multi-domain operations and meet current and future Combatant Commander Force requirements.