FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Fort Carson officials cut the ribbon on the $28 million Warrior Transition Battalion barracks Monday.
The building is part of a larger "healing complex" for warriors in transition that includes the Soldier and Family Assistance Center and new battalion and company headquarters buildings located in close proximity to Evans Army Community Hospital.
"These state-of-the-art barracks represent the Army and Fort Carson's continued commitment to our wounded Soldiers," said Fort Carson WTB Commander Lt. Col. Mechelle Tuttle.
During the ceremony, Fort Carson Medical Department Activity Commander Col. Jimmie O. Keenan thanked everyone involved for their commitment to the project.
"We knew our Soldiers needed a healing environment -- a healing campus where Soldiers can walk easily to the hospital to get care," she said. "We say we will never leave a fallen Soldier. As we symbolically cut the ribbon, we are humbled and honored we can provide this service to Soldiers and their Families."
After admiring the building's views of Cheyenne Mountain, Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson commanding general, spoke about the commitment to the project.
"The reason this was going to be a world-class facility is that it was going to house world-class warriors," he said.
He went on to address the WTB Soldiers who will live there.
"Our nation owes you a debt of gratitude. We are indebted to you as an Army and nation. This is one small way we can help you on your road to recovery. We can help you continue to heal. We will continue to uphold our contract with you," Perkins said.
The approximately 96,000-square-foot barracks building will house 160 Soldiers in its 80 apartments. Eight of those apartments meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements while the rest of the rooms are ADA adaptable. Every apartment features a shared kitchen and dining area while each bedroom has a walk-in closet.
A 1,200-square-foot multipurpose room with a stone fireplace provides space for Soldiers to gather on the first floor.
After seeing the rooms, WTB Soldier Spc. Gregory Dame said he was excited to move and believes the facility will benefit his fellow warriors.
"My initial reaction was just 'Wow! This is awesome,'" Dame said. "Everything we need is right here. If your mind is at ease, then you can focus more on recovery."
The facility also complies with Fort Caron's sustainability goals. It uses geothermal heating and cooling systems and a solar array to help provide electricity. LED lights ring the exterior. Officials designed the building to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification, which is a nationally recognized standard for high-performance green buildings.
WTB Soldiers are expected to begin moving into the new barracks by the end of the month.
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