Foothills Readiness Center officially dedicated

Members of the 630 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 1450th Transportation Company celebrated the past and welcomed the future Wednesday as they invited the community to tour a place they have called home for nearly a year.

During the official dedication ceremony of the Foothills Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop, Caldwell County Commissioner Ron Beane honored retired Maj. Ted Seehorn by naming the street that leads to the new facilities “Ted Seehorn Drive.”

“On behalf of the North Carolina National Guard, Caldwell County and its citizens, I am happy to name the road in your honor,” Beane said as he presented Seehorn with a personal copy of the street sign.

Seehorn, who was joined by his wife of 66 years and other family members, said he would “never get over this.” He said the two things that had the greatest impact on his life was begging Ruby Gilbert to marry him and joining the National Guard.

“It is such an honor to be recognized,” the 95-year-old said with a grin. “Since I no longer drive, I will have to have someone drive me by the sign every once in awhile to see it.”

Seehorn went on to share memories of his days of service and what it was like to join the National Guard at the age of 16. He said he remembers going to Charlotte to march in a parade with Civil War veterans and working with B-25 planes. He also said that while he thought the unit would receive updated facilities, he never expected to see something so opulent.

“This is bigger than anything I have ever seen,” Seehorn said. “I knew there was a new building, but I had no idea it would be this nice. I am really proud to be here today.”

Maj. Matt Handley, public affairs officer for the North Carolina National Guard said soldiers began using the Foothills Readiness Center in August 2007, but it wasn't until recently that the maintenance shop was complete. He said this cutting-edge facility not only provides the soldiers with state-of-the-art equipment, it also is an environmentally friendly building.

“These buildings are something our soldiers, and the community can be proud of,” Handley said. “This is a cutting-edge facility that has been a long-time coming.”

The new complex, which cost $14 million to complete, covers more than 60,000 square feet of office, assembly and maintenance spaces. Funding for the project came from federal, state and local levels.

The Foothills Readiness Center was built at a cost of $8.3 million. It features about 42,000 square feet, an assembly hall, administrative offices, a physical fitness room, locker rooms, three classrooms, a learning center and library, storage and supply rooms, a kitchen and parking for more than 250 military and civilian vehicles.

The new Foothills Field Maintenance shop is a more than 21,000-square-foot facility co-located with the Foothills Readiness Center. The new $5.5 million shop has five drive-through work bays, administrative offices, supply, storage and tool rooms, fitness and locker rooms and a large classroom. The work bays feature a 7.5-ton bridge crane, overhead heating, a vehicle exhaust system and motorized, roll-up doors. It also has an emergency generator system.

The total cost was divided by 75 percent federal funds, 12.5 percent state funds, and 12.5 percent Caldwell County funds. In addition, Caldwell County contributions included the 25-acre site and all the site preparation work to help make this new facility a reality.

“You guys and gals are fantastic,” Caldwell County Commissioner Dr. John Thuss said. “We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude. This is our way of saying ‘thanks' and saluting you.”

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