ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The Army Sustainment Command hosted a luncheon for civic leaders of the Quad-Cities Feb. 13 at historic Quarters 1 on Rock Island Arsenal.
Brig. Gen. John Wharton, ASC commanding general and RIA senior mission commander, along with his top headquarters leadership, conversed during a meet-and-greet session in a first-floor parlor room. Following this, lunch was prepared and served in the dining room.
Civic leaders attending the luncheon were Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba; Chairman Larry Minard, Scott County Board of Supervisors; East Moline Mayor John Thodos; Chairman Phil Banaszek, Rock Island County Board; Moline Mayor Don Welvaert; and Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley.
Besides Wharton, ASC leaders attending were Brig. Gen. Duane Gamble, ASC deputy commanding general; D. Scott Welker, ASC deputy to the commander; and ASC Command Sgt. Maj. James Spencer.
Engagements like this enhance relations between the military and nearby civilian communities. Additionally, they provide a direct avenue for leaders to discuss current affairs and future plans that may affect each community.
RIA is the largest employer in the bi-state region with more than 7,500 employees and more than 70 federal and commercial tenants. It also adds $1 billion to the local economy impacting 14,000 community jobs.
Quarters 1 is the former residence of 38 past Arsenal commanding officers. At about 20,000 square feet, it was the largest house owned by the Army and second largest house owned by the federal government, next to the White House prior to its closing for residency.
The house was constructed from 1870-71 and was personally designed by Brig. Gen. Thomas Rodman, considered to be the Father of RIA.
The Army Sustainment command supports United States and coalition forces around the world.
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