FORT STEWART, Ga. - After entering the newly constructed building, to the right, one will find a room filled with computers and gadgets. In the main lobby, the room contains entertainment activities such as a pool table, board games of all sorts, a bar for food and beverages and plush sitting arrangements. A basketball court is also implemented in the new Youth Activity Center, building 5665, located at 62 Mindoro Loop. In recognition of its grand opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, June 22.
Speaker Col. Kevin Milton, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander; Chap. (Lt. Col.) Stanley Whitten, Deputy Installation Chaplain; Dagmar Peguero Olinger, Child Youth and Services Division Chief; and special guest Command Sgt. Maj. Louis C. Felicioni, upcoming Stewart-Hunter garrison command sergeant major, were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"I am very grateful that all of you are here," Peguero Olinger said. "I hope that you enjoy it in [the facility]. Our youth will have a lot of things to do, a lot of new amenities and a lot of opportunities to grow and develop. Just enjoy this afternoon."
The Youth Activity Center is approximately 19,570 square feet and cost about $7 million dollars to construct.
"The grand opening represents the Army's commitment to our youth," Col. Milton said. "If you take a look at our Army Family Covenant, this is number eight of 10 buildings that has been constructed over the past two years directly supporting the Army Family Covenant."
Colonel Milton shared that there are other youth centers on the installation; however, the new Youth Activity Center has more amenities.
"The Army youth centers like this are a great place for our youth to build resilience," he said, "particularly social and physical resilience. Part of the Army's Comprehensive Fitness Program, which is not just for Soldiers, but it is also for Family Members. The Army is committed in making Families more resilient and our youth is certainly part of that."
Following the ribbon-cutting, a tour of the facility took place along with refreshments and food was available for the guests.
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